Jotham, Son of Jahdai
Who was Jotham, Son of Jahdai, in the Bible?
A member of the tribe of Judah and descendant of Caleb, listed as the second son of Jahdai in the genealogical records of the Egypt and Wilderness era.
This is one of 3 people named Jotham in the Bible. See all 3 →
Jotham, Son of Jahdai, is a minor figure within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Judah. During the Egypt and Wilderness era, such genealogical preservation served to validate tribal heritage and land claims for the returning Jewish exiles.
While he is one of three individuals in the Hebrew Bible to bear this name, he is distinct due to his specific familial placement as a son of Jahdai. Ensuring that his branch of the Calebite family remained part of the official record of Israel's history.
Background and Family
Jotham appears in the biblical record within the complex genealogical frameworks of 1 Chronicles. He is identified as the son of Jahdai, who was a descendant of Caleb (the son of Hezron).
According to the record in 1 Chronicles 2:47, Jotham was one of six brothers. His siblings are listed as Regem, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph. The text does not provide the name of his mother or details regarding his own descendants, focusing instead on his position as the second-named son of Jahdai.
Major Life Events
The biblical text offers no specific biographical narrative or recorded actions for Jotham. His "event" in scripture is his inclusion in the genealogical registers. During the Egypt and Wilderness era, being counted among the sons of Judah was a matter of significant social and religious standing. The preservation of his name suggests that his family line maintained a degree of prominence or necessity in the land-allotment records that the Chronicler sought to preserve for future generations.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Jotham’s primary relationships are defined by his immediate family. As a son of Jahdai, he is a part of the broader Calebite clan, a group known for their historical bravery and loyalty to the covenant during the time of the Exodus and the subsequent conquest of Canaan. While he shares a name with a king and a judge, he is not related to them; his identity is strictly tied to the Jahdai branch of the tribe of Judah.
Spiritual Significance
In the context of 1 Chronicles, Jotham’s significance is found in the concept of "remembrance." The chronicler aimed to show that God maintains a record of His people, even those who do not perform grand miracles or lead nations. His presence in the text reinforces the biblical theme that every individual within the tribal structure of Israel held a designated place in the divine order.
Jotham, Son of Jahdai, serves as a representative of the preservation of the tribe of Judah. His inclusion in the genealogical record of 1 Chronicles 2 demonstrates the meticulous care taken to document the descendants of Caleb.
Theologically, he reminds the reader that the biblical narrative is not composed solely of heroes and kings, but also of individuals who comprise the body of the faithful. By being named, Jotham is acknowledged as a vital link in the genealogical chain that would eventually lead to the preservation of the messianic line of Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jotham’s father?
Jotham was the son of Jahdai, a descendant of Caleb within the tribe of Judah.
How many brothers did Jotham have?
According to 1 Chronicles 2:47, Jotham had five brothers: Regem, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.
In which book of the Bible is this Jotham mentioned?
This specific Jotham is mentioned only in the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically in chapter 2, verse 47.
What tribe did Jotham belong to?
Jotham belonged to the tribe of Judah.
Was Jotham a king or a prophet?
No, this Jotham was neither a king nor a prophet; he was a member of the tribe of Judah listed in a genealogical record.
Family & Relationships
Parents
JahdaiFather1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Jotham, Son of JahdaiThis page
Hur of the Tribe of JudahBrotherExodus 17:10Inferred
Reconstructed through Shaaph and Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Jotham to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:19 ties Caleb to Hur. No verse states the brother link between Jotham and Hur directly.Evidence: Exodus 17:10
Acsah, Daughter of Caleb ben HezronSister1 Chronicles 2:47–49Stated
ArdonBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb and Shaaph: 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Ardon to Caleb (itself an inferred link); 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Caleb to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Shaaph to Jotham. No verse states the brother link between Ardon and Jotham directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Ephah, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Gazez, Grandson of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:46Inferred
No verse names Jotham and Gazez together; the brother link is carried from the surrounding genealogy and is not stated in Scripture.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:46
GeshanBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Haran, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:46Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb and Shaaph: 1 Chronicles 2:46 ties Haran to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Caleb to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Shaaph to Jotham. No verse states the brother link between Haran and Jotham directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:46
JesherBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb and Shaaph: 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Jesher to Caleb (itself an inferred link); 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Caleb to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Shaaph to Jotham. No verse states the brother link between Jesher and Jotham directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Mesha, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:42Inferred
Reconstructed through Shaaph and Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Jotham to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:42 ties Caleb to Mesha. No verse states the brother link between Jotham and Mesha directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:42
Moza, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:46Inferred
Reconstructed through Shaaph and Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Jotham to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:46 ties Caleb to Moza. No verse states the brother link between Jotham and Moza directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:46
Pelet, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
RegemBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Shaaph, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Shaaph, Son of JahdaiBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
SheberBrother1 Chronicles 2:47Inferred
Reconstructed through Shaaph and Caleb: 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Jotham to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb; 1 Chronicles 2:48 ties Caleb to Sheber. No verse states the brother link between Jotham and Sheber directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:47
ShevaBrother1 Chronicles 2:47–49Stated
Shobab, Son of CalebBrother1 Chronicles 2:18Inferred
Reconstructed through Caleb and Shaaph: 1 Chronicles 2:18 ties Shobab to Caleb (itself an inferred link); 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Caleb to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Shaaph to Jotham. No verse states the brother link between Shobab and Jotham directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:18
TirhanahBrother1 Chronicles 2:47–48Stated
Extended family
Caleb, Son of HezronAncestor1 Chronicles 2:47Inferred
Reconstructed through Shaaph: 1 Chronicles 2:47 ties Jotham to Shaaph; 1 Chronicles 2:49 ties Shaaph to Caleb. No verse states the ancestor link between Jotham and Caleb directly.Evidence: 1 Chronicles 2:47; 1 Chronicles 2:46
Connected Figures
Family
Father · 1 Chronicles 2:47
A member of the tribe of Judah mentioned in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, known as the father of six sons.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:472 versespatriarchJudah
Brother · Exodus 17:10
A prominent leader of the tribe of Judah who supported Moses' hands during the battle against Amalek and served as a temporary leader of Israel.
Sister · 1 Chronicles 2:47–49
A daughter of Caleb, son of Hezron, belonging to the tribe of Judah during the period of the Egyptian sojourn and the wilderness wanderings.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
A descendant of Judah through the line of Caleb and a member of the generation that experienced the transition from the Egyptian sojourn to the wilderness wanderings.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:47
Ephah was a member of the tribe of Judah mentioned in the genealogical records of Caleb, specifically listed as one of the six sons of Jahdai.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:46
Gazez was a member of the tribe of Judah during the Egypt and Wilderness era, identified as the son of Haran and a descendant of Caleb.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:47
A descendant of the tribe of Judah listed among the sons of Jahdai in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:4710 versesTribal leader or head of householdJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:46
A member of the tribe of Judah, Haran was the son of Caleb and Ephah, and the father of Gazez during the period of Israel's growth.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:18
Jesher was a descendant of Judah and the first-named son of Caleb, son of Hezron, and his wife Azubah.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:42
Mesha was the firstborn son of Caleb ben Hezron within the tribe of Judah during the era of the Egyptian Sojourn and Wilderness.
Egypt and WildernessFirst: 1 Chronicles 2:4210 versesProgenitorJudah
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:46
Moza was a descendant of the tribe of Judah, the son of the prominent leader Caleb and his concubine Ephah.
Brother · 1 Chronicles 2:47
A descendant of Judah through the line of Caleb who is listed among the six sons of Jahdai in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles.
Mentions by Book
- Exodus1
- 1 Chronicles9
Scripture References
All 10 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
Exodus · 1
- Exodus 17:10Partial
Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
1 Chronicles · 9
- 1 Chronicles 2:18Partial
Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah and by Jerioth. These were the sons of Azubah: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:42Partial
The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel: Mesha his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph, and Mareshah his second son, who was the father of Hebron.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:43Partial
The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:44Partial
Shema was the father of Raham the father of Jorkeam, and Rekem was the father of Shammai.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:45Partial
The son of Shammai was Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth-zur.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:46Partial
Caleb’s concubine Ephah was the mother of Haran, Moza, and Gazez. Haran was the father of Gazez.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:47
The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.
- 1 Chronicles 2:48Partial
Caleb’s concubine Maacah was the mother of Sheber and Tirhanah.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
- 1 Chronicles 2:49Partial
She was also the mother of Shaaph father of Madmannah, and of Sheva father of Machbenah and Gibea. Caleb’s daughter was Acsah.
Cited as evidence on a family card; added so References, Key Verses and Mentions by Book share one index.
Others Named Jotham
Compare all 3 bearers →Jotham, Son of GideonJudges 9:5
The youngest of Gideon's seventy sons and the sole survivor of Abimelech's massacre, known for his prophetic parable against the leaders of Shechem.
Jotham, King of Judah2 Kings 15:5
A righteous king of Judah who reigned for sixteen years, known for his building projects and for growing powerful by ordering his ways before the LORD.