King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 3:4 Mean?

1 Chronicles 3:4 in the King James Version says “These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thi...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.”

1 Chronicles 3:4 · KJV

Context

2

The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:

3

The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.

4

These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.

5

And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel: Shimea: or, Shammua 2.Sam.5.14. Bathshua: or, Bathsheba 2Sam.11.13. Ammiel: or, Eliam 2.Sam.11.3.

6

Ibhar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet, Elishama: or, Elishua 2Sa.5.15.

Read 1 Chronicles 3 full chapter

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 · 15 words
וְשִׁשָּׁ֣ה1 of 15

“These six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

נֽוֹלַד2 of 15

“were born”

H3205

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

ל֣וֹ3 of 15
H0
בְחֶבְר֔וֹן4 of 15

“unto him in Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

מָלַ֖ךְ5 of 15

“and there he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

שָׁ֔ם6 of 15
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שֶׁ֥בַע7 of 15

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שָׁנָ֔ה8 of 15

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְשִׁשָּׁ֣ה9 of 15

“These six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

חֳדָשִׁ֑ים10 of 15

“months”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים11 of 15

“thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וְשָׁלוֹשׁ֙12 of 15

“and three”

H7969

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

שָׁנָ֔ה13 of 15

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלַ֖ךְ14 of 15

“and there he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃15 of 15

“and in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 5:4-52 Samuel 2:111 Kings 2:111 Chronicles 29:272 Samuel 5:14-16

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 3 →

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