King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 3:16 Mean?

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

Context

Amon his son, Josiah his son.

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.

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

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

Malchiram also, and Pedaiah, and Shenazar, Jecamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Jeconiah** (*Iah establish* *!*)= Jehoiachin (*Iahweh establisheth*)* =* Coniah (Jeremiah 22:24; Jeremiah 22:28—an abbreviation of Jeconiah), was carried captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar (2Kings 24:15), and Zedekiah his father’s brother, became king in his stead. Hence the supposition that “Zedekiah his son” means “Zedekiah his successor” on the throne. (Comp. margin.) But (1) the phrase “his son” has its natural sense throughout the preceding list; and (2) there really is nothing against the apparent statement of the text that Jeconiah the king had a son named Zedekiah, after his great-uncle. As, like Johanan (1Chronicles 3:15), he did not come to the throne, this younger Zedekiah is not mentioned elsewhere. (See 1Chronicles 3:17, Note.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 3:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.