1 Chronicles 2:4

Authorized King James Version

And Tamar his daughter in law bare him Pharez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְתָמָר֙

H8559

And Tamar

tamar, the name of three women and a place

כַּלָּת֔וֹ

H3618

his daughter in law

a bride (as if perfect); hence, a son's wife

יָ֥לְדָה

H3205

bare

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

לּ֖וֹ

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פֶּ֣רֶץ

H6557

him Pharez

perets, the name of two israelites

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

זָ֑רַח

H2226

and Zerah

zerach, the name of three israelites, also of an idumaean and an ethiopian prince

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

All the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

יְהוּדָ֖ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#12

חֲמִשָּֽׁה׃

H2568

were five

five

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Chronicles.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?