Who was Mehir in the Bible?

Mehir was a minor biblical figure, mentioned only once as the son of Chelub in the genealogy of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:11). He was a descendant of Judah, part of the tribe's recorded lineage.

Why is Mehir mentioned in the Bible?

Mehir is included to preserve the genealogical record of the tribe of Judah, establishing the continuity of the line from which King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ would come. His mention underscores the Bible's attention to familial and tribal history.

Are there any stories or key events about Mehir?

No, there are no stories or specific events recorded about Mehir's life. The Bible only notes his name and his father, Chelub, within a list of descendants (1 Chronicles 4:11).

Mehir

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Mehir was the son of Chelub (1Ch.4.11).

Mehir

Biography

Mehir appears in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah as the son of Chelub, listed in 1 Chronicles 4:11. His name, which may derive from a Hebrew root meaning 'price' or 'skilled,' places him within a lineage connected to Caleb's broader clan. The genealogical context of 1 Chronicles 4 focuses on families of Judah who settled in various towns and practiced specific crafts, suggesting that Mehir's descendants may have been associated with particular occupations or territorial holdings. Though Scripture provides no narrative details about his life, his inclusion in the Chronicler's carefully curated records indicates that his family line held recognized significance within Judah's tribal structure during the period of the monarchy.

Significance

Mehir's presence in the genealogy of Judah, though brief, serves an important theological purpose in the Chronicler's vision. The detailed genealogies of 1 Chronicles were compiled to establish continuity between pre-exilic Israel and the post-exilic community, affirming that God's covenant promises remained intact. Mehir's listing within the Judahite line connects him to the tribe from which the messianic promise would ultimately be fulfilled. His inclusion demonstrates that Scripture values the complete tapestry of God's people, recording not only the prominent figures but also the quiet links in the chain of covenant faithfulness that stretches from Abraham to Christ.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 4:11

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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