1 Chronicles 2:23
1 Chronicles 2:23 in Multiple Translations
But Geshur and Aram captured Havvoth-jair, along with Kenath and its sixty surrounding villages. All these were descendants of Machir the father of Gilead.
And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.
And Geshur and Aram took the towns of Jair from them, with Kenath, and the villages thereof, even threescore cities. All these were the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.
And Geshur and Aram took the tent-towns of Jair from them, with Kenath and the small places round it, even sixty towns. All these were the sons of Machir, the father of Gilead.
But Geshur and Aram took from them Havvoth Jair, along with Kenath and its towns, a total of sixty towns. These were all descendants of Makir the father of Gilead.
And Gesthur with Aram tooke the townes of Iair from them, and Kenath and the townes thereof, euen threescore cities. All these were the sonnes of Machir the father of Gilead.
and he taketh Geshur and Aram, the small villages of Jair, from them, with Kenath and its small towns, sixty cities — all these [belonged to] the sons of Machir father of Gilead.
Geshur and Aram took the towns of Jair from them, with Kenath, and its villages, even sixty cities. All these were the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.
And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath and its towns, even sixty cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir, the father of Gilead.
And he took Gessur, and Aram the towns of Jair, and Canath, and the villages thereof, threescore cities. All these, the sons of Machir father of Galaad.
But the armies of Geshur and Aram captured those towns controlled by Jair. They also captured Kenath city and the nearby towns; altogether they captured 60 towns. The people who lived there were all descendants of Makir, the father of Gilead.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 2:23
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 2:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח
גְּשֽׁוּר
וַ֠/אֲרָם
אֶת
חַוֺּ֨ת
יָאִ֧יר
מֵ/אִתָּ֛/ם
אֶת
קְנָ֥ת
וְ/אֶת
בְּנֹתֶ֖י/הָ
שִׁשִּׁ֣ים
עִ֑יר
כָּל
אֵ֕לֶּה
בְּנֵ֖י
מָכִ֥יר
אֲבִי
גִלְעָֽד
וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גְּשֽׁוּר
Gᵉshûwr
H1650
Geshur
N-proper
וַ֠/אֲרָם
ʼĂrâm
H758
Aram
Conj | N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חַוֺּ֨ת
chavvâh
H2333
village
N-fp
יָאִ֧יר
Yâʼîyr
H2971
Jair
N-proper
מֵ/אִתָּ֛/ם
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
קְנָ֥ת
Qᵉnâth
H7079
Kenath
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בְּנֹתֶ֖י/הָ
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fp | Suff
שִׁשִּׁ֣ים
shishshîym
H8346
sixty
Adj
עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֵ֕לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
בְּנֵ֖י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
מָכִ֥יר
Mâkîyr
H4353
Machir
N-proper
אֲבִי
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
גִלְעָֽד
Gilʻâd
H1568
Gilead
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 2:23
וַ/יִּקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
גְּשֽׁוּר
Gᵉshûwr
H1650
"Geshur"
N-proper
Geshur refers to a district in Syria, also known as a land in north Transjordania. It's mentioned in the Bible as a place with a distinct people and culture.
Definition: Geshur or Geshurites = "proud beholder" a land in north Transjordania Also named: ge.shu.ri (גְּשׁוּרִי "Geshurite" H1651)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Geshur, Geshurite. See also: Joshua 13:13; 2 Samuel 14:23; 1 Chronicles 3:2.
וַ֠/אֲרָם
ʼĂrâm
H758
"Aram"
Conj | N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חַוֺּ֨ת
chavvâh
H2333
"village"
N-fp
This word refers to a small village or town, often a tent village or encampment. It describes a community of people living together in a specific area.
Definition: village, town, tent village
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: (small) town. See also: Numbers 32:41; 1 Kings 4:13; 1 Chronicles 2:23.
יָאִ֧יר
Yâʼîyr
H2971
"Jair"
N-proper
Jair, meaning 'he enlightens', is the name of several Israelites, including a judge who led Israel for 22 years and a descendant of Manasseh who conquered many towns. This name symbolizes the light of understanding and guidance. It is found in the books of Esther and Judges.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.2.5; son of: Shimei (H8096U); father of: Mordecai (H4782H) § Jair = "he enlightens" 1) a descendant of Manasseh who conquered many towns during the time of the conquest 2) the Gileadite, a judge of Israel for 22 years during the time of the judges; father of 30 sons 3) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and father of Mordecai 4) father of Elhanan, one of David's mighty warriors
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Jair. See also: Numbers 32:41; Judges 10:5; Esther 2:5.
מֵ/אִתָּ֛/ם
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
קְנָ֥ת
Qᵉnâth
H7079
"Kenath"
N-proper
Kenath was a city east of the Jordan River, taken over by a man named Nobah who renamed it after himself. The name Kenath means possession. It is mentioned in the Bible as a place in the region of Gilead.
Definition: § Kenath = "possession" a city in Gilead east of the Jordan taken possession of by a certain Nobah and renamed in his own honour
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Kenath. See also: Numbers 32:42; 1 Chronicles 2:23.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּנֹתֶ֖י/הָ
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
שִׁשִּׁ֣ים
shishshîym
H8346
"sixty"
Adj
This Hebrew word represents the number sixty, often used to describe large quantities, like the sixty warriors who guarded King Solomon. It is also translated as three score, as seen in Psalm 90:10.
Definition: sixty, three score Aramaic equivalent: shit.tin (שִׁתִּין "sixty" H8361)
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: sixty, three score. See also: Genesis 5:15; 1 Chronicles 2:21; Isaiah 7:8.
עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֵ֕לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
בְּנֵ֖י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
מָכִ֥יר
Mâkîyr
H4353
"Machir"
N-proper
Machir was an Israelite who lived during the United Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Samuel 9:4 as the son of Ammiel, and played a significant role in helping Saul and David. He was also the son of Manasseh and an Aramite woman. His name means 'sold'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.9.4; son of: Ammiel (H5988H) § Machir = "sold" 1) eldest son of Manasseh by an Aramite or Syrian concubine and progenitor of a large family 2) son of Ammiel, a powerful chief of one of the Transjordanic tribes who rendered essential services to Saul and to David
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Machir. See also: Genesis 50:23; Judges 5:14; 1 Chronicles 7:17.
אֲבִי
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
גִלְעָֽד
Gilʻâd
H1568
"Gilead"
N-proper
Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.
Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 2:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 2:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 2:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 2:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 2:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 2:23
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 2:23
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 2:23
Context — The Sons of Israel
21Later, Hezron slept with the daughter of Machir the father of Gilead. He had married her when he was sixty years old, and she bore to him Segub.
22Segub was the father of Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead.
23But Geshur and Aram captured Havvoth-jair, along with Kenath and its sixty surrounding villages. All these were descendants of Machir the father of Gilead.
24After Hezron died in Caleb-ephrathah, his wife Abijah bore to him Ashhur the father of Tekoa. 25The sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron: Ram his firstborn, Bunah, Oren, Ozem, and Ahijah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 13:30 | The territory from Mahanaim through all Bashan—all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, including all the towns of Jair that are in Bashan, sixty cities; |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 3:14 | Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites. He renamed Bashan after himself, Havvoth-jair, by which it is called to this day. |
| 3 | Numbers 32:41–42 | Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, went and captured their villages and called them Havvoth-jair. And Nobah went and captured Kenath and its villages and called it Nobah, after his own name. |
| 4 | Joshua 13:13 | but the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites. So Geshur and Maacath dwell among the Israelites to this day. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 13:38 | After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years. |
1 Chronicles 2:23 Summary
This verse tells us that the cities of Havvoth-jair, Kenath, and its surrounding villages were captured by Geshur and Aram, and that these cities were originally inhabited by the descendants of Machir the father of Gilead, as part of the tribe of Manasseh (see Numbers 26:29). This event is a reminder that the world is a complex and often tumultuous place, but God is always in control (see Psalm 103:19). We can trust in His sovereignty, even when things seem uncertain or out of control, and we can look to His Word for guidance and comfort (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17). By studying this verse and others like it, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's plan for His people and His world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Havvoth-jair in 1 Chronicles 2:23?
Havvoth-jair was a region in the land of Gilead that was captured by Geshur and Aram, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:23, and it is also referenced in other parts of the Bible, such as Deuteronomy 3:14 and Judges 10:4, as a possession of the tribe of Manasseh.
Who were the descendants of Machir the father of Gilead?
The descendants of Machir the father of Gilead, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:23, include the people who lived in Havvoth-jair, Kenath, and its sixty surrounding villages, and they are also referenced in other parts of the Bible, such as Numbers 26:29 and Joshua 13:31, as part of the tribe of Manasseh.
Why did Geshur and Aram capture Havvoth-jair?
The Bible does not provide a specific reason why Geshur and Aram captured Havvoth-jair in 1 Chronicles 2:23, but it is likely that it was due to the ongoing conflicts and power struggles between the different nations and tribes in the region, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as 1 Kings 15:18 and 2 Kings 10:32-33.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Bible, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people, and it is connected to other parts of the Bible, such as the book of Genesis 49:1-28, where the tribe of Manasseh is first mentioned, and the book of Joshua 1:1-9, where the Israelites are instructed to conquer the land of Canaan.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from the fact that Geshur and Aram were able to capture Havvoth-jair, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the concept of inheritance and possession, as seen in 1 Chronicles 2:23, relate to our understanding of God's plan for His people?
- In what ways can we see the hand of God at work in the events described in 1 Chronicles 2:23, and how can we trust in His sovereignty in our own lives?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of God, and how can we use this to deepen our understanding of His nature and our relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 2:23
And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them,.... Cities or countries which the Geshurites and Aramaeans, or Syrians, before inhabited; and which he took from them, together with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 2:23
And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 2:23
And he took, or, for he had taken. So this is the reason why he had so great a territory and jurisdiction given to him. Geshur and Aram; two cities or great towns so called. With the towns of Jair, i.e. with those twenty-three cities which he is said to have, . From them, i.e. from the former inhabitants, which is easily understood. With Kenath; which was taken by Nobah, one of Jair’ s commanders, sent by him to take it, as may be gathered from ,42. To the sons of Machir; partly to his own sons, and partly to his son-in-law Jair, who by reason of that dear affection which was betwixt them and his forsaking his own tribe and kindred to fight for them, and to dwell with them, is here reckoned as his own son.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 2:23
(23) And he took . . . of Gilead.—Rather, And Geshur and Aram took the Havoth-jair from them—Kenath and her daughters, sixty cities: all these (were) sons of Machir, chief of Gilead.Geshur, and Aram.—That is, the Aramean state of Geshur, north-west of Bashan, near Hermon and the Jordan, which was an independent kingdom in the age of David (2 Samuel 3:3). The Geshurites “took the tent-villages of Jair from them”—i.e., from the sons of Jair, or the Jairites, at what date is unknown. Comp. Deuteronomy 3:14-15, above cited. With Kenath.—The Hebrew particle before “Kenath” may be either the sign of the object of the verb, or the preposition “with.” In the latter case, the statement of the verse will be that the twenty-three villages of Jair, together with the (thirty-seven) places called Kenath and her daughters, amounting in all to sixty towns, were taken by the Geshurites. See Numbers 32:41-42, where it is said that Jair occupied the Havoth-jair, and “Nobah went and took Kenath and her daughters, and called it Nobah after his own name.” Kenath is the modern Kanwat, on the western slope of Jebel Hauran.It is difficult to reconcile all the different statements about the Havoth-jair. Judges 10:3-4, for example, speaks of Jair the Gileadite, who judged Israel twenty -two years, and “had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts,” and, moreover, possessed “thirty cities, which are called Havoth-jair unto this day.” Joshua 13:30 seems to make the Havoth-jair sixty towns. Comp. 1 Kings 4:13; also 1 Chronicles 2:21, where Hezron is sixty when he marries the Gileadite daughter of Machir. Of course the number of places included in the “camps of Jair” may have varied at different epochs. All these belonged to the sons of Machir.—Or, all these were sons of Machir—i.e., the clans and families that came of the union of Hezron with the daughter of ‘Machir.
(See Note on 1 Chronicles 2:21; and Joshua 19:34.)
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 2:23
23. And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns] R.V. And Geshur and Aram took the towns. Geshur was a (probably Aramaean) kingdom E. of Jordan on the N.E. border of Manasseh. Aram, commonly translated “Syria” or “the Syrians” probably here signifies the kingdom of which Damascus was the capital. The conquest of Manassite territory by the Aramaeans (“Syrians”) here described probably took place before the days of Ahab, for in his reign they were already established as far south as Ramoth-gilead (1 Kings 22:3). the towns of Jair] R.V. marg., Havvoth Jair. Cp. Deuteronomy 3:14; Judges 10:4. The name perhaps means “the tent-villages of Jair,” (Arab. ḥ ?ǐ ?vâ = “a collection of tents near together”).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 2:23
Rather, “And Geshur and Aram (i. e. the Geshurites Deuteronomy 3:14 and Syrians) took the villages of Jair from them:” recovered, that is, from the new settlers the places which Jair had conquered.