Pelet, Son of Jahdai

Who was Pelet in the Bible?

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.

Tribe of JudahSouthern Kingdom (Judah)
Named in1 ChroniclesHistorical Books

This is one of 2 people named Pelet in the Bible. See all 2 →

Pelet, Son of Jahdai, is an Old Testament figure belonging to the Tribe of Judah. He is identified within the extensive genealogical records of the Chronicler, specifically during the era of the Divided Monarchy's historical retrospection. As a member of the clan of Caleb, his inclusion serves to establish the continuity and heritage of the southern kingdom's tribal identity.

His existence is documented solely in the context of his immediate family structure. While the biblical text provides no narrative accounts of his life, his placement within the lineage of Jahdai highlights his status as a legitimate heir of the Calebite line, one of the most prominent families in the Judean wilderness and the southern hill country.

Background and Family

Pelet appears in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 2, a chapter dedicated to the descendants of Judah. According to verse 47, he was one of the six sons of Jahdai. His brothers are listed as Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Ephah, and Shaaph.

The text identifies Pelet as a descendant of Caleb, the son of Hezron (not to be confused with Caleb the son of Jephunneh, though the families are closely linked). The Calebites were a significant power within the Tribe of Judah, occupying the territory of Hebron and the surrounding areas. Pelet’s specific branch through Jahdai represents a particular subset of this clan, contributing to the demographic landscape of Judah during and after the Divided Monarchy.

Major Life Events

The biblical record for Pelet is strictly genealogical. There are no recorded major life events, speeches, or military actions attributed to him. In the context of 1 Chronicles, his "event" is his birth and his preservation in the national register. This served a vital function for the post-exilic community reading these records, as it proved the antiquity and divine ordering of the families of Judah.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Pelet’s primary relationships are horizontal—defined by his siblings. He is the brother of Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Ephah, and Shaaph. Through his father Jahdai, he is linked to the wider house of Caleb. There is scholarly discussion regarding the exact structure of the Calebite tree in 1 Chronicles 2, leading to various interpretations of his relationship to other figures like Achsah or Hur; however, the text explicitly and securely places him as a son of Jahdai.

Spiritual Significance

While Pelet lacks a narrative arc, his spiritual significance lies in the doctrine of God's providence over the individual. By being named in the Holy Scriptures, Pelet represents the biblical truth that every member of the covenant community, regardless of their lack of worldly fame, is known to God and essential to the unfolding of the messianic lineage. His inclusion ensures that the tribal heritage of Judah remained intact through the centuries of the Divided Monarchy and the subsequent exile.

Pelet's inclusion in the genealogy of 1 Chronicles 2:47 serves to validate the lineage of the Tribe of Judah. Within the context of the Divided Monarchy, such records were essential for maintaining tribal boundaries and inheritance rights, ensuring that the promises made to the house of David and the broader Judahite community were grounded in historical and familial reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Pelet's father?

Pelet was the son of Jahdai, a member of the Calebite clan within the Tribe of Judah.

Which tribe did Pelet belong to?

Pelet belonged to the Tribe of Judah.

How many siblings did Pelet have?

According to 1 Chronicles 2:47, Pelet had five brothers: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Ephah, and Shaaph.

What does the name Pelet mean?

The Hebrew name Pelet (פֶּ֫לֶט) generally means 'deliverance' or 'escape'.

Family & Relationships

Parents

  • Portrait of JahdaiJahdaiFather1 Chronicles 2:47Stated
Portrait of Pelet, Son of JahdaiPelet, Son of JahdaiThis page

Connected Figures

Family

Categories

Divided Monarchy

Mentions by Book

  • 1 Chronicles1

Scripture References

All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.

1 Chronicles · 1

  • 1 Chronicles 2:47

    The sons of Jahdai: Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph.

Others Named Pelet

Compare all 2 bearers →

  • Pelet, Son of Azmaveth1 Chronicles 12:3

    A skilled Benjamite warrior and son of Azmaveth who joined David at Ziklag during his flight from King Saul.

Books They Appear In

1 Chronicles