1 Chronicles 5:2
1 Chronicles 5:2 in Multiple Translations
And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.
For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph’s:)
For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the prince; but the birthright was Joseph’s),
Though Judah became stronger than his brothers, and from him came the ruler, the birthright was Joseph's:)
and even though Judah became the strongest of his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.)
For Iudah preuailed aboue his brethren, and of him came the prince, but the birthright was Iosephs)
for Judah hath been mighty over his brother, and for leader above him, and the birthright [is] to Joseph.
For Judah prevailed above his brothers, and from him came the prince; but the birthright was Joseph’s)—
For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birth-right was Joseph's:)
But of the race of Juda, who was the strongest among his brethren, came the princes: but the first birthright was accounted to Joseph.)
Although Judah became more influential than his brothers, and a ruler of the tribe descended from him, Joseph’s family received the rights that belonged to firstborn sons.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 5:2
BAB
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 5:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
יְהוּדָה֙
גָּבַ֣ר
בְּ/אֶחָ֔י/ו
וּ/לְ/נָגִ֖יד
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
וְ/הַ/בְּכֹרָ֖ה
לְ/יוֹסֵֽף
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְהוּדָה֙
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
גָּבַ֣ר
gâbar
H1396
to prevail
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/אֶחָ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וּ/לְ/נָגִ֖יד
nâgîyd
H5057
leader
Conj | Prep | N-ms
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וְ/הַ/בְּכֹרָ֖ה
bᵉkôwrâh
H1062
birthright
Conj | Art | N-cs
לְ/יוֹסֵֽף
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 5:2
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יְהוּדָה֙
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
גָּבַ֣ר
gâbar
H1396
"to prevail"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be strong or prevail, often implying a sense of power or might. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Genesis and Isaiah, to describe God's strength and human courage.
Definition: 1) to prevail, have strength, be strong, be powerful, be mighty, be great 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, mighty 1a2) to prevail 1b) (Piel) to make strong, strengthen 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to confirm, give strength 1c2) to confirm (a covenant) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to show oneself mighty 1d2) to act proudly (toward God)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: exceed, confirm, be great, be mighty, prevail, put to more (strength), strengthen, be stronger, be valiant. See also: Genesis 7:18; Job 36:9; Psalms 12:5.
בְּ/אֶחָ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וּ/לְ/נָגִ֖יד
nâgîyd
H5057
"leader"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a leader or commander, someone who is in charge or has authority. In the Bible, it is used to describe military, civil, or religious leaders, such as princes or governors.
Definition: 1) leader, ruler, captain, prince 1a) ruler, prince 1b) prince-overseer 1c) ruler (in other capacities) 1d) princely things
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, excellent thing, (chief) governor, leader, noble, prince, (chief) ruler. See also: 1 Samuel 9:16; 1 Chronicles 29:22; Psalms 76:13.
מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וְ/הַ/בְּכֹרָ֖ה
bᵉkôwrâh
H1062
"birthright"
Conj | Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for birthright, referring to the rights and privileges of the firstborn child. It's a key concept in biblical stories like Esau and Jacob, where the birthright holds significant value. The KJV translates it as 'birthright' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: birthright, primogeniture, right of the first-born
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: birthright, firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 4:4; Genesis 43:33; 1 Chronicles 5:2.
לְ/יוֹסֵֽף
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
Prep | N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 5:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 5:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 5:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 5:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:2
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 5:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:2
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 5:2
Context — The Descendants of Reuben
1These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright.
2And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.
3The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 4The descendants of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 2:6 | ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.’ ” |
| 2 | Micah 5:2 | But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel — One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity. |
| 3 | Hebrews 7:14 | For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests. |
| 4 | Genesis 49:8–10 | Judah, your brothers shall praise you. Your hand shall be on the necks of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down to you. Judah is a young lion— my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. |
| 5 | Psalms 60:7 | Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim is My helmet, Judah is My scepter. |
| 6 | Psalms 108:8 | Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim is My helmet, Judah is My scepter. |
| 7 | Psalms 78:68–71 | But He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loved. He built His sanctuary like the heights, like the earth He has established forever. He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. |
| 8 | Judges 1:2 | “Judah shall go up,” answered the LORD. “Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.” |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 16:1 | Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” |
| 10 | Jeremiah 23:5–6 | Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness. |
1 Chronicles 5:2 Summary
This verse tells us that even though Judah became a powerful tribe and produced many great leaders, the special blessing and responsibility of the birthright belonged to Joseph. This shows us that God's ways are not always according to human expectations, and that He often chooses the unlikely or the faithful to fulfill His purposes (Genesis 25:23, Romans 9:10-13). Just like Joseph, we can trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even when things don't go according to our plans. By surrendering our desires and ambitions to God's will, we can become faithful stewards of the blessings and responsibilities He has given us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the birthright belong to Joseph?
The birthright belonged to Joseph because Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, defiled his father's bed, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:1, and thus lost his birthright, which was then given to Joseph, as seen in 1 Chronicles 5:1 and Genesis 49:3-4.
What does it mean that Judah prevailed over his brothers?
Judah prevailing over his brothers means that he became the dominant tribe among his siblings, and a ruler came from him, as stated in 1 Chronicles 5:2, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, in Revelation 5:5.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with Israel, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Exodus 2:24, and it highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 28:1-2.
What can we learn from the fact that the birthright was not based solely on birth order?
The fact that the birthright was not based solely on birth order teaches us that God's ways are not always according to human expectations, and that He often chooses the unlikely or the faithful to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the stories of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25:23 and 32:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can prioritize faithfulness and obedience to God's commands in my own life, just like Joseph did?
- How can I learn to trust in God's sovereignty, even when things don't go according to my plans or expectations?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my own desires and ambitions to God's will, just like Judah did when he acknowledged that the birthright belonged to Joseph?
- In what ways can I be a faithful steward of the blessings and responsibilities that God has given me, just like Joseph was with the birthright?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 5:2
For Judah prevailed above his brethren,.... That is, the tribe of Judah prevailed above the rest in number, in valour, and courage, and in dignity; wherefore the genealogy is not reckoned according
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 5:2
For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:) No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:2
Judah; not the person, (for so Joseph prevailed,) but the tribe of Judah. Prevailed above his brethren; excelled the other tribes in number and power, and especially in the following privilege. And of him, or for of him, as the Hebrew vau is oft used; this being a reason of the foregoing assertion, or a declaration wherein he did prevail. Came the chief ruler; the government was by God’ s promise and appointment to be seated chiefly and most durably in that tribe, first in David and his successors, and then in the Messiah, who sprang out of Judah, , which was a far greater privilege than the birthright. Or, as to the ruler, (i.e. as to the point of dominion,) he was more than he, or preferred before him, i.e. before Joseph, who is named in the very next clause, the pronoun being referred unto the following noun, which is frequent among the Hebrews, as 105:19. But the birthright; or, although, as vau is oft used; so this prevents or removes an objection against Judah’ s precedency taken from his birthright.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:2
1 Chronicles 5:2 For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him [came] the chief ruler; but the birthright [was] Joseph’ s:)Ver. 2. For Judah prevailed above his brethren.] As was foretold. And of him came the chief ruler.] Jesus Christ especially. But the birthright was Joseph’ s.] Quod ad fructum attinet.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:2
(2) For Judah prevailed above his brethren.—Literally, was mighty among his brethren. Comp. Jacob’s blessing (Genesis 49:8-10): “Judah, thou—thy brethren shall praise thee, Thy hand shall be on the neck of thy foes, Thy father’s sons shall bow before thee. Sceptre shall not depart from Judah, Nor doom-staff from between his feet,” &c. (See also Judges 1:1-2, where Judah is divinely commissioned to lead the attack upon the Canaanites.) At the census of Moses, Judah greatly outnumbered any other single tribe (Numbers 1:27). And of him came the chief ruler.—“And from him (one was to become) prince.” Literally, and for a prince—out of him. (Comp. Micah 5:1.) LXX., εἰςἡγούμενονἐξαὐτοῦ. David is meant, as in 1 Samuel 13:14. We may also remember the word of the apostolic writer: “It is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah” (Hebrews 7:4).
The prophecy concerning the royal dignity of Judah is only thus exhausted of its meaning. But the birthright was Joseph’s, who actually received the “double portion” in the two tribal domains of Ephraim and Manasseh.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:2
Verse 2. And of him came the chief ruler] This is, by both the Syriac and Arabic, understood of Christ: "From Judah the King Messiah shall proceed." The Chaldee paraphrases the verse thus: "Seeing Judah prevailed over his brethren, so the kingdom was taken from Reuben and given to Judah; and because he was strong, so was his kingdom. Levi also was godly, and did not transgress in the matter of the golden calf; therefore the high priesthood was taken away from the children of Reuben, and on their account from all the first-born, and given to Aaron and his sons. The custody of the sanctuary belonged to the Levites, but the birthright to Joseph." - T.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 5:2
2. Judah prevailed above his brethren] Cp. Genesis 49:8 (Jacob to Judah) “Thy father’s children shall bow down before thee.” the chief ruler] R.V. the prince. The Heb. word is nâgîd, translated “captain” (1 Samuel 13:14, A.V.) and “ruler” (2 Samuel 7:8, A.V.). The prophets seem to prefer this word to melech, “king” as the title of the head of the Israelite state. The immediate reference is to David (Saul being virtually ignored by the Chronicler), but (since David is a typical character) a further reference in the words is possible. The Peshitta (a Judaeo-Christian work) translates, From him shall come forth (acc. to another reading, hath come forth) King Messiah.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:2
1, 2. —His birthright was given unto… Joseph — This might be readily inferred from the censure of Reuben in Genesis 49:4, compared with the ample blessings pronounced on Joseph, (Genesis 49:22-26,)
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 5:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Daniel and His Times by Sir Robert Anderson | Sir Robert Anderson delves into the life of the prophet Daniel, highlighting his unique role as a recipient of divine revelations rather than an inspired prophet. Daniel, living in |
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Birthing the Authentic by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting for the consolation of Israel, as demonstrated by Simeon and Anna. The consolation referred to is the authentic gif |
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Span-01 the Three Wise Men by Art Katz | In this video, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worship as giving our treasure, which includes our life and substance, to God alone. He explains that worship is not just e |
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Gods Perfect Planning - Part 1 by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of hypocrisy in religious leaders. He emphasizes that while there are strict laws for others, these leaders often have a double stan |
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Triologies in Life of Christ - Part 4 by David Adams | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformative power of love. He uses the example of Mary, who was so moved by her love for Jesus that she took action. Four action verb |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Eternity of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God in our lives. He mentions that God has been present since before the existence of communism, fascism, and modern inven |
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Country Preacher Who Came to Town by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the days of Jeroboam and the prosperity that came to the land. The people were living in luxury, lying on beds of ivory and eating the finest |