Who was Tirhanah in the Bible?

Tirhanah was a son of Caleb, born to him through his concubine Maacah. He is listed in the genealogy of the tribe of Judah in 1 Chronicles 2:48.

Why is Tirhanah mentioned in the Bible?

Tirhanah's mention is primarily for genealogical record-keeping, establishing the lineage of Caleb within the important tribe of Judah. His inclusion helps trace family heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel.

Are there any stories about Tirhanah in the Bible?

No, there are no specific stories or key events recorded about Tirhanah's life. The Bible only notes his name and lineage as part of a larger family list in 1 Chronicles 2.

Tirhanah

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleSon

Tirhanah was a son of Caleb by his concubine Maacah, mentioned in the genealogy of Judah.

Tirhanah

Biography

Tirhanah is named in 1 Chronicles 2:48 as one of the sons born to Caleb by his concubine Maacah, within the detailed genealogical records of the tribe of Judah preserved by the Chronicler. Caleb in this context is the son of Hezron rather than the famous Caleb son of Jephunneh who spied out Canaan, though the two figures may be connected within the broader tribal genealogy. Tirhanah's brothers from Maacah include Sheber and others. No narrative account of Tirhanah's life, deeds, or descendants is provided in Scripture. His name appears only in this genealogical list, suggesting he was remembered as a clan ancestor within the Calebite subdivision of Judah during the era when Israel dwelt in Egypt and the wilderness.

Significance

Tirhanah's place in Judah's genealogy, though without narrative elaboration, speaks to the Chronicler's theological purpose in preserving these lists. The book of Chronicles was written for the returned exiles as a reminder of their identity and heritage, a testimony that despite centuries of dispersion, God had maintained the continuity of Israel's tribes and families. Figures like Tirhanah, embedded within the lineage of Caleb and the tribe of Judah, reminded post-exilic readers that they were heirs to a rich ancestral legacy. Even the most obscure names in these genealogies carry the implicit message that God does not forget His people, and that ordinary family lines are woven into the fabric of His enduring covenant faithfulness.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 2:48

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]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources