King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 10:6 Mean?

1 Chronicles 10:6 in the King James Version says “So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together.”

1 Chronicles 10:6 · KJV

Context

4

Then said Saul to his armourbearer , Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. abuse me: or, mock me

5

And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died.

6

So Saul died, and his three sons, and all his house died together.

7

And when all the men of Israel that were in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, then they forsook their cities, and fled: and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

8

And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his sons fallen in mount Gilboa.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Saul's death and divine judgment. The Hebrew term מָעַל (ma'al) - to act unfaithfully is theologically significant here, pointing to Divine judgment on disobedience. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Divine judgment on disobedience. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Contrast between failed human kingship and Christ's perfect reign.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Saul's death and divine judgment occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Divine judgment on disobedience challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Contrast between failed human kingship and Christ's perfect reign teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
מֵֽתוּ׃1 of 8

“died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

שָׁאוּל֙2 of 8

“So Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וּשְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת3 of 8

“and his three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

בָּנָ֔יו4 of 8

“sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְכָל5 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֵּית֖וֹ6 of 8

“and all his house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יַחְדָּ֥ו7 of 8

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

מֵֽתוּ׃8 of 8

“died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 10:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 10:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 12:25Hosea 13:10-11Ecclesiastes 9:1-21 Samuel 4:10-111 Samuel 4:18

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