King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 14:4 Mean?

1 Chronicles 14:4 in the King James Version says “Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,”

1 Chronicles 14:4 · KJV

Context

2

And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel.

3

And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters. more: Heb. yet

4

Now these are the names of his children which he had in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon,

5

And Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpalet,

6

And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

Read 1 Chronicles 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's kingdom established - royal success. The Hebrew term מַמְלָכָה (mamlakah) - kingdom is theologically significant here, pointing to God establishes and blesses obedient leaders. 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 God establishes and blesses obedient leaders. 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: Kingdom of God inaugurated by Christ.

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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 David's kingdom established - royal success 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 God establishes and blesses obedient leaders challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Kingdom of God inaugurated by Christ 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 · 11 words
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙1 of 11
H428

these or those

שְׁמ֣וֹת2 of 11

“Now these are the names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַיְלוּדִ֔ים3 of 11

“of his children”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֲשֶׁ֥ר4 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָֽיוּ5 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

ל֖וֹ6 of 11
H0
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם7 of 11

“which he had in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

שַׁמּ֣וּעַ8 of 11

“Shammua”

H8051

shammua, the name of four israelites

וְשׁוֹבָ֔ב9 of 11

“and Shobab”

H7727

shobab, the name of two israelites

נָתָ֖ן10 of 11

“Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

וּשְׁלֹמֹֽה׃11 of 11

“and Solomon”

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

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 14:4 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 14:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 3:5-91 Chronicles 28:5-61 Kings 2:152 Samuel 5:141 Kings 1:132 Samuel 12:1

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 14 →

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