1 Chronicles 5:2

2 and though Judah was the strongest of his brothers and a ruler came from him, the rights of the firstborn belonged to Joseph)—

1 Chronicles 5:2 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
2 For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:)
English Standard Version (ESV)
2 though Judah became strong among his brothers and a chief came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph),
New Living Translation (NLT)
2 The descendants of Judah became the most powerful tribe and provided a ruler for the nation, but the birthright belonged to Joseph.
The Message Bible (MSG)
2 And even though Judah became the strongest of his brothers and King David eventually came from that family, the firstborn rights stayed with Joseph.
American Standard Version (ASV)
2 For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the prince; but the birthright was Joseph's:)
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
2 Even though Judah was more prominent than his brothers and the prince was to come from him, Joseph received the rights as firstborn.)
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
2 Although Judah became strong among his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright was given to Joseph.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
2 Judah was the leader among his brothers. A ruler came from his family line. But the rights of the oldest son belonged to Joseph.

1 Chronicles 5:2 Meaning and Commentary

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 to birthright, but dignity and dominion; hence this genealogical account began with Judah,

[because] of him [came] the chief ruler;
David and the kings of Judah, his successors; and above all, from him the Prince Messiah was to spring, and did, according to ( Genesis 49:10 ) so both the Syriac and Arabic versions read,

``out of Judah should go forth the King Messiah:''

but the birthright [was] Joseph's
or "though" F16 it was; yet Judah having the dominion and dignity, that tribe is first genealogized.


FOOTNOTES:

F16 Licet, ibid. (Tigurine version)

1 Chronicles 5:2 In-Context

1 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s marriage bed, his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel; so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright,
2 and though Judah was the strongest of his brothers and a ruler came from him, the rights of the firstborn belonged to Joseph)—
3 the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanok, Pallu, Hezron and Karmi.
4 The descendants of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,
5 Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son,

Cross References 3

  • 1. S Genesis 49:10,12
  • 2. S 1 Samuel 9:16; S 1 Samuel 12:12; S 2 Samuel 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:2; S 2 Chronicles 7:18; Psalms 60:7; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6
  • 3. S Genesis 25:31
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