כְּלוּבַי
Kelubai, an Israelite
Definition
Kelubai is a proper name referring to an individual mentioned in the genealogy of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2:9. He is listed as a son of Hezron and a brother of Jerahmeel and Ram, making him a direct ancestor of King David. The name appears only in this single genealogical context, and no further narrative details about his life or actions are provided in the biblical text. As a genealogical entry, the name serves to establish the lineage and tribal connections within the tribe of Judah.
Biblical Usage
The word כְּלוּבַי (Kelubai) is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in 1 Chronicles 2:9. Its usage is strictly genealogical, appearing within the extensive family records of the tribe of Judah. It functions solely to identify an individual within a list of descendants, with no narrative or descriptive context provided. This pattern is typical for many names in the Chronicler's genealogies, which aim to establish historical continuity and tribal identity.
Etymology
The name Kelubai is considered a variant or a form of the name Caleb (כָּלֵב, H3612). The root likely relates to the Hebrew word for 'dog' (כֶּלֶב, kelev), though the exact meaning and reason for its application as a personal name are uncertain. It may have carried connotations of faithfulness or devotion. The morphological shift from Caleb to Kelubai represents a common linguistic pattern in Hebrew name formation.
Semantic Range
While the individual Kelubai is not a major theological figure, his inclusion in the genealogy of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:9) is theologically significant. This lineage directly connects to King David and, by New Testament extension, to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3-6, Luke 3:32-33). Understanding these genealogical links underscores the Bible's emphasis on God's faithfulness to His covenant promises through specific family lines, highlighting how even obscure names contribute to the grand narrative of redemption.
In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and sometimes reflected characteristics, hopes, or circumstances. While the precise meaning of Kelubai is unclear, its connection to the name Caleb (potentially 'dog' or 'faithful') may have carried cultural connotations. His recorded presence in a formal genealogy signifies his established place within the social and tribal structure of Judah, affirming his family's heritage and rights.
Caleb (Kāleḇ, H3612) — The base name from which Kelubai is derived, belonging to the famous faithful spy from the tribe of Judah.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →