Who was Jehallelel in the Bible?

Jehallelel was a man from the tribe of Judah, specifically recorded as a son of Elah. He is listed in the genealogical records found in 1 Chronicles 4:16, establishing his place in the lineage of Judah's descendants.

Why is Jehallelel mentioned in the Bible?

Jehallelel's primary significance is his inclusion in the genealogy of Judah, which traces the lineage leading to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:3, Luke 3:33). His mention helps preserve the historical and tribal records of God's people.

What do we know about Jehallelel's life?

The Bible provides no specific events from Jehallelel's life. Our only knowledge comes from his genealogical listing in 1 Chronicles 4:16, which identifies his father (Elah) and his tribal affiliation, showing he was part of the covenant family of Judah.

Jehallelel

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Jehallelel was a son of Elah and a descendant of Judah.

Jehallelel

Biography

Jehallelel was a descendant of the tribe of Judah, identified in 1 Chronicles 4:16 as the son of Ziph, with his own sons named Ziph, Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel. He appears within the extended genealogical register of Judah that the Chronicler compiled, likely drawing on records preserved from the monarchic period. His placement within the Judahite lineage connects him to the prestigious royal tribe from which David and ultimately the Messiah would come. Though no narrative details attach to Jehallelel himself, his inclusion in the genealogy preserves the memory of a clan that contributed to the fabric of Judah's tribal identity. His name means 'praising God' or 'he who praises God,' a theologically resonant designation within the covenant community.

Significance

Jehallelel's presence in the Judahite genealogy of 1 Chronicles 4 reflects the Chronicler's comprehensive concern for preserving the full lineage of Israel's most theologically significant tribe. Judah's genealogy mattered because it carried the Messianic promise first spoken by Jacob (Genesis 49:10) and reaffirmed through David. Even peripheral figures like Jehallelel, whose name itself means 'praising God,' serve as reminders that the covenant community was composed of thousands of faithful families whose ordinary lives sustained the larger story of redemption. His name's meaning anticipates the ultimate purpose of Judah's lineage: producing the one whose praise would fill all creation (Revelation 5:13).

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 4:16

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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