King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 3:21 Mean?

1 Chronicles 3:21 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah.”

1 Chronicles 3:21 · KJV

Context

19

And the sons of Pedaiah were, Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister:

20

And Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushabhesed, five.

21

And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah.

22

And the sons of Shechaniah; Shemaiah: and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six.

23

And the sons of Neariah; Elioenai, and Hezekiah, and Azrikam, three. Hezekiah: Heb. Hiskijah

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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 · 12 words
בְּנֵ֥י1 of 12

“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

חֲנַנְיָ֖ה2 of 12

“of Hananiah”

H2608

chananjah, the name of thirteen israelites

פְּלַטְיָ֣ה3 of 12

“Pelatiah”

H6410

pelatjah, the name of four israelites

וִישַֽׁעְיָ֑ה4 of 12

“and Jesaiah”

H3470

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

בְּנֵ֥י5 of 12

“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

רְפָיָה֙6 of 12

“of Rephaiah”

H7509

rephajah, the name of five israelites

בְּנֵ֥י7 of 12

“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

אַרְנָ֔ן8 of 12

“of Arnan”

H770

arnan, an israelite

בְּנֵ֥י9 of 12

“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

עֹֽבַדְיָ֖ה10 of 12

“of Obadiah”

H5662

obadjah, the name of thirteen israelites

בְּנֵ֥י11 of 12

“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

שְׁכַנְיָֽה׃12 of 12

“of Shechaniah”

H7935

shekanjah, the name of nine 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 3:21 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 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 10:22

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