Who was Hebron in the Bible?

Hebron was a man from the tribe of Judah, listed as a son of Mareshah and a descendant of Caleb. He is mentioned only in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 2:42-43, establishing his place in Judah's family line.

Why is Hebron mentioned in the Bible?

Hebron's mention, though brief, is significant because it helps trace the lineage of Caleb, a faithful spy and hero of the tribe of Judah. His inclusion in the genealogy confirms the continuity and legitimacy of Judah's family line as recorded in 1 Chronicles.

What is the difference between Hebron the person and Hebron the city?

Hebron the person was a descendant of Judah, while Hebron the city was a major ancient city in the hill country of Judah. The city is far more prominent in the Bible, notably as the burial place of the patriarchs (Genesis 23) and David's first capital (2 Samuel 2:1-4).

Hebron

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Hebron was a son of Mareshah, a descendant of Caleb from the tribe of Judah. (1Ch.2.42,43)

Hebron

Biography

Hebron, son of Mareshah and descendant of Caleb through the tribe of Judah, appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 2:42–43. He is mentioned as part of the broader Calebite lineage, a branch of Judah notable for its courage and faithfulness, most memorably exemplified by Caleb son of Jephunneh, who followed the LORD wholeheartedly (Numbers 14:24). Mareshah, Hebron's father, is listed among the sons of Caleb and was eponymously linked to the town of Mareshah in the Judean lowlands. Hebron's genealogical entry, though brief, connects him to a heritage of tribal leadership and territorial identity within the allotments of the promised land. His name also mirrors the ancient city of Hebron, one of Judah's most historically significant sites, the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Significance

Hebron's brief appearance in the Calebite genealogy (1 Chronicles 2:42–43) serves the broader biblical purpose of tracing the legitimate succession of Judah's tribal families. The Chronicler's careful preservation of such genealogies underscores the theological conviction that God's covenant faithfulness operates through real, named families across generations. Hebron's connection to the Calebite line, a family synonymous with courageous trust in God's promises, situates him within a heritage of land-claiming faith. Even individuals known only by their genealogical placement remind readers that God's redemptive plan encompasses entire communities and family trees, not merely celebrated heroes.

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 2:42 1Chr 2:43

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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