King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 3:15 Mean?

1 Chronicles 3:15 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Josiah were, the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. Johana...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the sons of Josiah were, the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. Johanan: or, Jehochaz 2.kin.23.30. Jehoiakim: or, Eliakim 2.kin.23.34. Zedekiah: or, Mathaniah.2.kin.24.17.”

1 Chronicles 3:15 · KJV

Context

13

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

14

Amon his son, Josiah his son.

15

And the sons of Josiah were, the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. Johanan: or, Jehochaz 2.kin.23.30. Jehoiakim: or, Eliakim 2.kin.23.34. Zedekiah: or, Mathaniah.2.kin.24.17.

16

And the sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son. Jeconiah: also called, Jehoiachin 2kin.24.6, Zedekiah: or Coniah ier.22.24

17

And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son, Salathiel: Heb. Shealtiel

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Davidic royal succession section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term מַלְכוּת (malkhut) - kingdom is central to understanding this passage's purpose. The Chronicler, writing to post-exilic Israel (c. 450-400 BCE), uses these genealogies not merely as historical records but as theological statements about covenant continuity and divine faithfulness.

The genealogical structure serves multiple purposes: (1) establishing Israel's connection to God's creatio n plan from Adam, (2) legitimizing post-exilic community's claim to covenant promises, (3) emphasizing Judah and Levi's special roles in God's redemptive plan, and (4) demonstrating that despite exile, God's covenant purposes continue. The selection and arrangement of names is intentional, highlighting Eternal covenant with David's house.

Chronicles diverges from Genesis and Samuel-Kings in its genealogical presentation, reflecting the Chronicler's distinct theological agenda. Where earlier texts focus on narrative history, Chronicles emphasizes continuity, legitimacy, and hope for restoration. This verse contributes to the larger argument that the post-exilic community is the rightful heir of God's ancient covenant promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Post-Exilic Context: The Chronicler wrote during the Persian period (450-400 BCE) to a community returned from Babylonian exile, struggling with identity and purpose. These genealogies answered crucial questions: Who are we? What is our relationship to ancient Israel? Do God's promises still apply to us?

The historical setting influences the text's emphasis on David's descendants and royal succession. Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued genealogies for establishing land rights, royal legitimacy, and tribal identity. Chronicles' genealogies served similar functions while adding theological depth. The inclusion of specific names and details reflects the author's access to temple archives, royal records, and earlier biblical texts.

Archaeological evidence from Persian-period Judah shows a small, struggling community centered around Jerusalem and the rebuilt temple. The genealogies reinforced their connection to the glorious past and provided hope for future restoration through God's covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding genealogies as theological statements rather than mere historical records change your reading of Chronicles and other biblical genealogies?
  2. What does this verse teach about God's faithfulness across generations, and how does that apply to your own family's spiritual legacy?
  3. How does Eternal covenant with David's house connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וּבְנֵי֙1 of 10

“And the 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

יֹֽאשִׁיָּ֔הוּ2 of 10

“of Josiah”

H2977

joshijah, the name of two israelites

הַבְּכוֹר֙3 of 10

“were the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

יֽוֹחָנָ֔ן4 of 10

“Johanan”

H3110

jochanan, the name of nine israelites

הַשֵּׁנִ֖י5 of 10

“the second”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

יְהֽוֹיָקִ֑ים6 of 10

“Jehoiakim”

H3079

jehojakim, a jewish king

הַשְּׁלִשִׁי֙7 of 10

“the third”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

צִדְקִיָּ֔הוּ8 of 10

“Zedekiah”

H6667

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

הָֽרְבִיעִ֖י9 of 10

“the fourth”

H7243

fourth; also (fractionally) a fourth

שַׁלּֽוּם׃10 of 10

“Shallum”

H7967

shallum, the name of fourteen israelites

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 3:15 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 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 23:34

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