Original Word: יָלוֹן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Yalown
Pronunciation: yah-LOHN
Phonetic Spelling: (yaw-lone')
KJV: Jalon
NASB: Jalon
Word Origin: [from H3885 (לוּן לִין - To lodge)]

1. lodging
2. Jalon, an Israelite

Jalon

From luwn; lodging; Jalon, an Israelite -- Jalon.

see HEBREW luwn

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
an Isr.
NASB Translation
Jalon (1).

יָלוֺן proper name, masculine in Judah 1 Chronicles 4:17; ᵐ5 Αμων, A ᵐ5L Ιαλων.

Biblical occurrence

“The sons of Ezrah: Jether, Mered, Epher, and Jalon. One of Mered’s wives gave birth to Miriam, Shammai, and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa.” (1 Chronicles 4:17)

Genealogical context

Jalon is listed among the four sons of Ezrah in the family records of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:1–23). This passage belongs to a larger Chronicler’s section that traces the post-exilic community back to its patriarchal roots. By embedding Jalon in Judah’s line, Scripture underscores the continuity of God’s covenant promises—from Judah, through David, to the Messiah (Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 7:12–16; Matthew 1:1–16). Although Jalon’s personal account is not expanded, his appearance is a deliberate thread in the inspired tapestry that preserves Judah’s pedigree.

Historical and cultural background

Ezrah’s household is unusually cosmopolitan. One of Mered’s wives, Bithiah, is called “daughter of Pharaoh” (1 Chronicles 4:18), hinting at an Egyptian alliance within a Judahite clan. Jalon therefore stands in a family where faith intersected with foreign influence, foreshadowing later episodes in which Gentiles were grafted into Israel’s account (Ruth 4:13–22; Isaiah 56:6–8). The Chronicler wrote to returnees from exile who needed assurance that even amid dispersion and intermarriage, the Lord remained faithful to preserve a sanctified remnant.

Theological reflections

1. God values every individual in His redemptive plan. Jalon surfaces only once, yet his inclusion proves that divine providence reaches the seemingly obscure (Psalm 139:16).
2. Genealogies authenticate Scripture. 1 Chronicles cross-verifies earlier records in Numbers, Joshua, Ruth, and Samuel, demonstrating the internal coherence of the biblical narrative (2 Timothy 3:16).
3. Covenant grace transcends ethnic boundaries. With an Egyptian princess in the family tree, Jalon’s lineage anticipates the multi-national scope of salvation (Galatians 3:8).

Ministry application

• Hidden service counts. Many believers labor without public notice; Jalon’s silent cameo encourages steadfastness, knowing that “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10).
• Teach the whole counsel of God. Even brief genealogical notices enrich preaching by revealing God’s meticulous faithfulness.
• Embrace diverse backgrounds within the church. Just as Judah’s record welcomed Egyptian blood, congregations today should celebrate redeemed diversity in Christ (Ephesians 2:14–19).

Reflection on the name

Though Scripture assigns no exploits to Jalon, his recorded existence testifies that every name is remembered by the Lord. The chronicled generations ending with the Messiah remind believers that eternity will reveal the full significance of lives seemingly lost to history (Revelation 20:12).

וְיָל֑וֹן וילון veyaLon wə·yā·lō·wn wəyālōwnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts