Lexical Summary Kelubay: Kelubai Original Word: כְּלוּבַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Kelubai, an Israelite A form of Kaleb; Kelubai, an Israelite: see HEBREW Kaleb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as keleb Definition a man of Judah NASB Translation Chelubai (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs כְּלוּבָ֑י proper name, masculine a son of Hezron of Judah, according to 1 Chronicles 2:9 (ᵐ5 Ξαβελ, A Ξαλεβ, ᵐ5L Ξαλωβι), = כָּלֵב 1 Chronicles 2:18 etc. (see כָּלֵב 2). Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingChelubai is named once in Scripture, in the genealogical record of Judah: “The sons born to Hezron: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai” (1 Chronicles 2:9). The Chronicler’s purpose in chapters 1–9 is to trace Israel’s sacred lineage from Adam to the post-exilic community, underscoring God’s covenant faithfulness. Within that sweeping panorama, Chelubai stands at a pivotal juncture in Judah’s family tree, linking the patriarch Hezron with later figures such as Boaz, Jesse, and David (1 Chronicles 2:10–15). His placement therefore makes him part of the Messianic line leading ultimately to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3–6; Luke 3:31-33). Identity and Possible Connection to Caleb Most evangelical scholars recognize Chelubai as an alternate form of the name Caleb. This identification is strengthened by the immediate context: later in the same chapter the Chronicler resumes the account of “Caleb son of Hezron” (1 Chronicles 2:18, 42). If Chelubai and Caleb are indeed the same individual, the single occurrence of Chelubai would preserve an older or dialectal variant of the name. This literary device is not uncommon in Chronicles, where variant spellings often appear side-by-side to affirm the unity of Israel’s history. Historical Significance 1. Tribal Leadership: Caleb is remembered as a faithful spy and leader who wholly followed the LORD (Numbers 13–14; Joshua 14:6-14). By inserting the form Chelubai into the genealogy, the Chronicler ties Judah’s account to a legacy of courageous faith. Theological Themes • Covenant Continuity: The preservation of Chelubai’s name across centuries highlights the meticulous care with which God watches over His covenant purposes. Every generation, even those represented only by a single recorded name, advances the redemptive storyline. • Faithfulness Rewarded: If Chelubai is Caleb, his example reminds readers that wholehearted obedience to the LORD secures lasting heritage (Joshua 14:9). The Chronicler’s audience, newly returned from exile, needed that encouragement as they rebuilt both temple and community. • Corporate Memory: Genealogies function as Israel’s collective memory, weaving individual accounts into a grand narrative. Chelubai’s brief mention teaches that no servant of God is forgotten, even when his deeds go unrecorded. Ministry Applications 1. Valuing the Unseen Saints Modern believers often serve in obscurity. Chelubai affirms that hidden labor still advances God’s purposes and will be remembered (Hebrews 6:10). 2. Embracing Spiritual Heritage Churches can trace their spiritual lineage through Scripture, creeds, and faithful predecessors. Highlighting figures like Chelubai fosters gratitude and continuity. 3. Encouraging Generational Faithfulness Parents and mentors can leverage Chelubai’s placement in Judah’s line to stress the impact of one generation’s faith on the next, echoing Psalm 78:4. Related Passages for Further Study Numbers 13–14; Joshua 14:6-15; 1 Chronicles 2:18-20, 42; Matthew 1:3-6; Luke 3:31-33. Forms and Transliterations כְּלוּבָֽי׃ כלובי׃ kə·lū·ḇāy kəlūḇāy keluVaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 2:9 HEB: רָ֖ם וְאֶת־ כְּלוּבָֽי׃ NAS: Ram and Chelubai. KJV: and Ram, and Chelubai. INT: to him Jerahmeel Ram and Chelubai 1 Occurrence |
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