King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 3:5 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

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.

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.

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

And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5-8) The thirteen sons born in Jerusalem. See 2Samuel 5:14-16, and 1Chronicles 14:4-7, where this list is repeated with some variations (1Chronicles 3:5). The four sons of Bath-sheba, called here Bath-shua, a weakened form, if not a copyist’s error. By a similar change the Elishama of 1Chronicles 3:6 appears in Samuel as Elishua. **Shimea** (“report”) was a son of Jesse (1Chronicles 2:13). Perhaps, therefore, Shammua (“famous”) is correct here, as in Samuel. **Ammiel** and Eliam are transposed forms of the same name, meaning “El is a tribesman” (*‘am=gens, el* = *deus*)*.* (Comp. Ahaziah and Jehoahaz, Nethaniah and Jehonathan, and many similar transpositions.) So in Gr. Theodoros and Dorotheos, Philotheos and Theophilos exist side by side.

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 3:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.