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1 Chronicles 4:15

1 Chronicles 4:15 in Multiple Translations

The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz.

And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Naam: and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz.

And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the sons of Elah; and Kenaz.

And the sons of Caleb, the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the son of Elah: Kenaz.

The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz.

And the sonnes of Caleb the sonne of Iephunneh were Iru, Elah, and Naam. And the sonne of Elah was Kenaz.

And sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and sons of Elah, even Kenaz.

The sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz.

And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Naam: and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz.

And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephone, were Hir, and Ela, and Naham. And the sons of Ela: Cenez.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 4:15

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

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 4:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/בְנֵי֙ כָּלֵ֣ב בֶּן יְפֻנֶּ֔ה עִ֥ירוּ אֵלָ֖ה וָ/נָ֑עַם וּ/בְנֵ֥י אֵלָ֖ה וּ/קְנַֽז
וּ/בְנֵי֙ bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp
כָּלֵ֣ב Kâlêb H3612 Caleb N-proper
בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms
יְפֻנֶּ֔ה Yᵉphunneh H3312 Jephunneh N-proper
עִ֥ירוּ ʻÎyrûw H5900 Iru N-proper
אֵלָ֖ה ʼÊlâh H425 Elah N-proper
וָ/נָ֑עַם Naʻam H5277 Naam Conj | N-proper
וּ/בְנֵ֥י bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp
אֵלָ֖ה ʼÊlâh H425 Elah N-proper
וּ/קְנַֽז Qᵉnaz H7073 Kenaz Conj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 4:15

וּ/בְנֵי֙ bên H1121 "son" Conj | 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.
כָּלֵ֣ב Kâlêb H3612 "Caleb" N-proper
Caleb was a man from the tribe of Judah who lived during the time of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He is first mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:9 and is known for his bravery and faith. Caleb was a leader among the Israelites.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.9; son of: Hezron (H2696H); brother of: Ram (H7410), Jerahmeel (H3396), Segub (H7687H) and Ashhur (H0806); married to Azubah (H5806H), Jerioth (H3408), Ephrathah (H0672), Ephah (H5891H) and Maacah (H4601L); father of: Hur (H2354), Jesher (H3475), Shobab (H7727H), Ardon (H0715), Mareshah@1Ch.2.42 (H4337), Haran (H2771B), Moza (H4162), Gazez (H1495), Jahdai (H3056), Sheber (H7669), Tirhanah (H8647), Shaaph (H8174H), Sheva (H7724) and Achsah (H5915H); also called Carmi (NIV: Karmi) at 1Ch.4.1(?); Chelubai at 1Ch.2.9; § Caleb = "dog" 1) the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favourably and urged its capture 2) son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Caleb the spy
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: Caleb. See also: Numbers 13:6; Joshua 15:18; 1 Chronicles 6:41.
בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms
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.
יְפֻנֶּ֔ה Yᵉphunneh H3312 "Jephunneh" N-proper
Jephunneh was the name of two Israelites, one from the tribe of Asher and the other the father of Caleb the spy from the tribe of Judah, meaning he will be facing.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Asher living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.38; son of: Ithran (H3506H); brother of: Pispa (H6462) and Ara (H0690) § Jephunneh = "He will be facing" 1) a Kenezite and father of Caleb the spy from the tribe of Judah 2) son of Jether and descendant of Asher
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Jephunneh. See also: Numbers 13:6; Joshua 14:6; 1 Chronicles 7:38.
עִ֥ירוּ ʻÎyrûw H5900 "Iru" N-proper
Iru was an Israelite from the tribe of Judah, son of Caleb and mentioned in 1 Chronicles. His name means watch, reflecting his role or character in the biblical account.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.15; son of: Caleb (H3612); brother of: Achsah (H5915), Elah (H0425J) and Naam (H5277) § Iru = "watch" son of Caleb and grandson of Jephunneh
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Iru. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:15.
אֵלָ֖ה ʼÊlâh H425 "Elah" N-proper
Elah refers to a place in Palestine or the name of several Israelites and an Edomite, meaning an oak valley. It appears in the Bible as a location and a personal name. In 1 Samuel 17:2, the Valley of Elah is where David fought Goliath.
Definition: Elah = "An oak" Combined with " Valley" (e.meq עֵ֫מֶק H6010I)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Elah. See also: Genesis 36:41; 1 Kings 16:14; 1 Chronicles 9:8.
וָ/נָ֑עַם Naʻam H5277 "Naam" Conj | N-proper
Naam was an Israelite man from the tribe of Judah, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:15 as the son of Caleb and brother of Achsah, Iru, and Elah. His name means pleasantness. He lived before the Israelite monarchy.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.15; son of: Caleb (H3612); brother of: Achsah (H5915), Iru (H5900) and Elah (H0425J) § Naam = "pleasantness" one of the sons of Caleb and grandson of Jephunneh
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Naam. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:15.
וּ/בְנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" Conj | 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.
אֵלָ֖ה ʼÊlâh H425 "Elah" N-proper
Elah refers to a place in Palestine or the name of several Israelites and an Edomite, meaning an oak valley. It appears in the Bible as a location and a personal name. In 1 Samuel 17:2, the Valley of Elah is where David fought Goliath.
Definition: Elah = "An oak" Combined with " Valley" (e.meq עֵ֫מֶק H6010I)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Elah. See also: Genesis 36:41; 1 Kings 16:14; 1 Chronicles 9:8.
וּ/קְנַֽז Qᵉnaz H7073 "Kenaz" Conj | N-proper
Kenaz was the name of an Edomite and two Israelites, including a hunter and a brother of Caleb. The name Kenaz means hunter and is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:15.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.15; son of: Elah (H0425J) § Kenaz = "hunter" 1) son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau; one of the dukes of Edom 2) a brother of Caleb and father of Othniel
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Kenaz. See also: Genesis 36:11; Judges 3:9; 1 Chronicles 4:15.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 4:15

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 13:6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb son of Jephunneh;
2 Numbers 14:6–10 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!” But the whole congregation threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting.
3 Joshua 15:13–20 According to the LORD’s command to him, Joshua gave Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion among the sons of Judah—Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.” So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. One day Acsah came to Othniel and urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you desire?” “Give me a blessing,” she answered. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water as well.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs. This is the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Judah.
4 Numbers 14:30 Surely none of you will enter the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.
5 Joshua 14:6–14 Then the sons of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back to him an honest report. Although my brothers who went with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear, I remained loyal to the LORD my God. On that day Moses swore to me, saying, ‘Surely the land on which you have set foot will be an inheritance to you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’ Now behold, as the LORD promised, He has kept me alive these forty-five years since He spoke this word to Moses, while Israel wandered in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old, still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out. As my strength was then, so it is now for war, for going out, and for coming in. Now therefore give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day, for you yourself heard then that the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps with the LORD’s help I will drive them out, as the LORD has spoken.” Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. Therefore Hebron belongs to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite as an inheritance to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel.
6 Numbers 14:24 But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it.
7 Numbers 13:30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”
8 Judges 1:12–14 And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.” So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. One day Acsah came to Othniel and urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you desire?”

1 Chronicles 4:15 Summary

This verse lists the sons of Caleb, who was a faithful leader in the Bible. It shows how God blesses families and keeps His promises to them, just like He did with Caleb (Joshua 14:12-14). The listing of Caleb's sons, Iru, Elah, and Naam, and his grandson Kenaz, reminds us that God is interested in every detail of our lives and wants to bless us and our families (Psalm 127:3-5). By trusting in God's promises, like Caleb did, we can experience His faithfulness and blessing in our own lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Caleb in the Bible?

Caleb was a faithful Israelite leader who, along with Joshua, trusted God's promise to give them the land of Canaan, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Joshua 14:6-15.

What is the significance of the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 4:15?

The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 4:15 highlights the importance of family and lineage in the biblical narrative, showing how God works through generations, as seen in Psalm 78:4 and 1 Chronicles 4:1-23.

Who was Kenaz in the Bible?

Kenaz was a descendant of Caleb, and his name appears in several biblical accounts, including 1 Chronicles 4:15 and Judges 1:13, where his son Othniel is mentioned as a judge of Israel.

Why are the names of Caleb's sons listed in this verse?

The names of Caleb's sons, Iru, Elah, and Naam, are listed to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promise to make Caleb's family a blessing, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:36 and Joshua 14:12-14.

Reflection Questions

  1. What can we learn from Caleb's faithfulness and trust in God's promises, and how can we apply that to our own lives?
  2. How does the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 4:15 encourage us to think about our own family and spiritual heritage?
  3. What role do you think the listing of Caleb's sons plays in the larger narrative of the Bible, and what does it reveal about God's character?
  4. In what ways can we, like Caleb, trust God to fulfill His promises in our lives, even when the circumstances seem uncertain?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 4:15

And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh,.... Jephunneh is not the same with Hezron, as the Targum, but another son of Kenaz, hence called the Kenezite, Joshua 14:6 and brother of Othniel; and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 4:15

And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Naam: and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4:15

Another Kenaz, differing from that Kenaz . Or his name might be Uknaz.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4:15

1 Chronicles 4:15 And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Naam: and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz.Ver. 15. Caleb the son of Jephunneh.] And grandson of Kenez: whence Caleb is called the Kenezite, saith Diodate.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4:15

(15) The sons of Caleb, son of Jephunneh.—Caleb son of Jephunneh is called the Kenizzite, Joshua 14:6-14. He obtained “a part among the children of Judah” (Joshua 15:13), “because that he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel” (Joshua 14:14). If Caleb the Kenizzite and his clan were received among the Hezronite houses of Judah, this new division of the Hezronites would henceforth be known as “the house of Caleb,” 1 Samuel 25:3; or simply “Caleb” (= Chelubai, the Calebite). (See Notes on 1 Chronicles 2:42; 1 Chronicles 2:49.) Elah occurred 1 Chronicles 1:52, as an Edomite princedom, like Kenaz in 1 Chronicles 1:53. Naam is perhaps Naamah, Joshua 15:41, a town in the Shephelah. And the sons of Elah, even Kenaz.—The Heb. is, and the sons of Mah and Kenaz, that is, two clans of Calebites called Elah and Kenaz. Comp. 1 Chronicles 4:13, and 1 Chronicles 2:42; 1 Chronicles 3:21. Some MSS., the LXX., Vulg., and Targum omit and before Kenaz. But the word Elah, with different points, might be read elleh, “these.” It may be suggested, therefore, that we have in this last sentence the subscription to the list begun at 1 Chronicles 4:13, ’çlleh bnê Qnaz, “these are the sons of Kenaz.” Others suppose a name omitted, and render: “and the sons of Elah . . . and Kenaz.” Jehaleleel may have dropped out after the like-sounding Elah.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 4:15

Verse 15. Caleb the son of Jephunneh] We have already met with this eminent person in Numbers 13:6; Numbers 13:30; Numbers 14:24, and elsewhere; and seen his courageous piety and inflexible integrity. The Targum says here, "They called him Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, because he had purged his soul from the counsel of the spies."

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 4:15

15. Caleb the son of Jephunneh] Cp. 1 Chronicles 2:42, note. the sons of Elah, even Kenaz] R.V. the sons of Elah; and Kenaz. The sons of Elah and Kenaz are co-ordinated, as each representing a family descended from Caleb.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 4:15

SermonDescription
Jackie Pullinger Running Your Race (Bilingual) by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their own struggles and doubts in teaching the word of God. They mention how a group of teenagers encouraged them and reminded them that the
Paris Reidhead Incomplete Repentance by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker describes the promised land as a fertile and abundant land, flowing with milk and honey. He emphasizes that God's purpose is to make us like Jesus Chris
Willie Mullan (Men God Made) Caleb by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living as heirs of God and joined heirs with Christ. He shares a personal anecdote about a friend who believed that if peo
Compilations Go All the Way Whit Jesus (Voice Only) by Compilations In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying solely on the Bible for guidance and belief. He urges the audience to not be swayed by charismatic personalities o
Stephen Kaung The Spirit of Caleb by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of possessing what God has promised to us. He encourages both young and old believers to enter into and possess the blessings
Denny Kenaston 25. Fighting Battles for the Next Generation by Denny Kenaston This sermon emphasizes the importance of fighting battles for the next generation, drawing inspiration from the story of Caleb in Numbers. It highlights the need for first and seco
Helene Ashker How to Get Nothing Out of the Christian Life by Helene Ashker In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making Jesus the center of our lives. He encourages the audience to cultivate a thankful spirit and to delight in the Lord,

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