1 Chronicles 2:18—Was Caleb’s father Hezron, Hur, or Jephunneh?

Problem: According to this verse, Caleb’s father was Hezron. But verse 50 says it was Hur, and Joshua 14:6 lists it as Jephunneh.

Solution: Several solutions are possible. Some scholars believe there may have been two or three Calebs. Others note that the word “son” may mean grandson of even great-grandson. Hence, these men could refer to Caleb’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Also, some think that 1 Chronicles 2:50 may not affirm that Caleb is the son of Hur. By placing a period after Caleb (see nasb), the phrase “these are the descendants of Caleb” refers to the preceding verse. If so, Hur would not be the father of Caleb.

This excerpt is from When Critics Ask: A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1992). © 2014 Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Click here to purchase this book.