715. Ardon
Lexical Summary
Ardon: Ardon

Original Word: אַרְדּוֹן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Ardown
Pronunciation: ar-DONE
Phonetic Spelling: (ar-dohn')
KJV: Ardon
NASB: Ardon
Word Origin: [from the same as H714 (אַרדּ - Ard)]

1. roaming
2. Ardon, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Ardon

From the same as Ard; roaming; Ardon, an Israelite -- Ardon.

see HEBREW Ard

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a son of Caleb
NASB Translation
Ardon (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
אַרְדּוֺן proper name, masculine son of Caleb, of tribe of Judah 1 Chronicles 2:18 .

Topical Lexicon
Canonical Reference and Context

Ardon is mentioned once in the Old Testament, within the genealogical record of Judah’s line: “Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah (and by Jerioth); these were her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon” (1 Chronicles 2:18). The verse situates Ardon as the third son born to Caleb and Azubah, linking him to the tribe through which the Davidic monarchy—and ultimately the Messiah—would arise.

Genealogical Placement

1 Chronicles 2 traces the family branches stemming from Judah. By naming Ardon, Scripture reinforces the historical credibility of Judah’s lineage, preserving the memory of lesser-known descendants whose existence adds texture and reliability to the chronicler’s record. Ardon’s placement underscores that God’s redemptive purposes unfold not only through prominent figures such as David but also through otherwise obscure individuals who collectively form the covenant community.

Historical Setting

The Chronicler compiled genealogies after the Babylonian exile to reestablish Israel’s identity and worship. By listing Ardon, the author reaffirmed the continuity of the tribe of Judah—from patriarchal times through exile—encouraging post-exilic readers that their covenant heritage remained intact despite national upheaval.

Theological Significance

1. Covenant Fidelity: Even a single mention like Ardon’s supports the Chronicler’s theme that God preserves every branch of the covenant family tree.
2. Divine Omniscience: Ardon’s inclusion conveys that no believer is forgotten in God’s record (Malachi 3:16; Luke 10:20).
3. Corporate Solidarity: Individual names remind readers that faith is lived within a larger, intergenerational community. Ardon’s life, though hidden from historical spotlight, still contributed to the tribe through which salvation history advanced.

Lessons for Ministry Today

• God values faithfulness over fame. Many believers will never headline history books, yet their quiet obedience, like Ardon’s, advances God’s purposes.
• Biblical genealogies equip modern churches to appreciate spiritual ancestry, encouraging disciples to honor forebears and invest in succeeding generations (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Naming every family member reinforces pastoral care: shepherds must seek out and know each “Ardon” in their congregations, reflecting Christ’s knowledge of His sheep (John 10:14).

Christological Foreshadowing

By recording every Judahite link—including Ardon—Scripture safeguards the line leading to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-16). Ardon’s brief mention becomes one strand in the unbroken cord that verifies the Messiah’s rightful descent from Judah and validates prophetic expectation (Genesis 49:10).

Summary

Though Ardon appears only once, his name strengthens the chain of Judah’s genealogy, evidencing God’s meticulous faithfulness to His covenant promises. His quiet presence in the biblical narrative assures believers that the Lord both remembers and utilizes every member of His people in the unfolding of redemptive history.

Forms and Transliterations
וְאַרְדּֽוֹן׃ וארדון׃ vearDon wə’ardōwn wə·’ar·dō·wn
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Chronicles 2:18
HEB: יֵ֥שֶׁר וְשׁוֹבָ֖ב וְאַרְדּֽוֹן׃
NAS: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon.
KJV: and Shobab, and Ardon.
INT: Jesher Shobab and Ardon

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 715
1 Occurrence


wə·’ar·dō·wn — 1 Occ.

714
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