1 Chronicles 2 16

1 Chronicles 2:16 kjv

Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.

1 Chronicles 2:16 nkjv

Now their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel?three.

1 Chronicles 2:16 niv

Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. Zeruiah's three sons were Abishai, Joab and Asahel.

1 Chronicles 2:16 esv

And their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, three.

1 Chronicles 2:16 nlt

Their sisters were named Zeruiah and Abigail. Zeruiah had three sons named Abishai, Joab, and Asahel.

1 Chronicles 2 verses

1 Chronicles 2 16 Meaning

1 Chronicles chapter 2 verse 16 lists two of David's sisters, Zeruiah and Abigail. It then specifically identifies Zeruiah's three prominent sons: Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, noting their distinct collective identity. This verse continues the genealogical record of David's family within the tribe of Judah, highlighting key individuals who played significant roles in David's life and reign.

1 Chronicles 2 16 Context

1 Chronicles 2:16 is situated within the lengthy genealogical record of chapters 1-9, which serve to establish the legitimate continuity of Israel after the exile, emphasizing the covenant promise with David. Specifically, this verse appears in the detailed lineage of Judah (chapter 2), which is paramount because the kingship was prophesied to come from this tribe. Within Judah's line, the focus quickly narrows to the family of Jesse and David (1 Chr 2:13-17). The listing of David’s sisters and their sons is crucial as it details significant members of his extended family, particularly the formidable trio of Zeruiah's sons, who formed the backbone of David’s military and were highly influential during his reign, though sometimes controversially so. The Chronicler highlights David's full support structure, military power, and the important figures in his immediate family.

1 Chronicles 2 16 Word analysis

• and Zeruiah: The conjunction "and" (וְ - ve) links Zeruiah with David's previous male siblings mentioned. Her inclusion signifies her importance as a female figure whose progeny is significant. Zeruiah (צְרוּיָה - Tseruyah) is notable as the mother of highly influential military commanders repeatedly identified as "sons of Zeruiah," highlighting her matriarchal influence.
• and Abigail: Similarly linked by "and" (ve), Abigail (אֲבִיגַיִל - Avigayil, "my father is joy") is also listed as David's sister. This Abigail is distinct from Nabal's wife in 1 Samuel 25. Her mention sets up the introduction of her son, Amasa, in the following verse, further broadening the picture of David's powerful family connections.
• and the sons of Zeruiah: This phrase again uses the conjunction "and" (ve), clearly specifying the focus shifts to Zeruiah's direct male descendants. The repetition of "sons of Zeruiah" (בְּנֵי צְרוּיָה - benê Tseruyah) throughout the Old Testament is a unique designation that emphasizes their strong family tie and fierce loyalty.
• Abishai: (אֲבִישַׁי - Avishai, likely "my father is Jesse" or "my father is a gift") He was a courageous and loyal, though often impetuous, warrior and one of David's mighty men, leading the "thirty."
• Joab: (יוֹאָב - Yo'av, "YHWH is father") David's chief military commander, known for his cunning, fierce loyalty, and ruthless pragmatism. He played a pivotal role in David's establishment and consolidation of the kingdom.
• and Asahel: (עֲשָׂהאֵל - Asahel, "God has made" or "God's handiwork") Known for his swiftness, he was the youngest of the three brothers, whose premature death at the hands of Abner had long-lasting implications.
• three: (שְׁלֹשָׁה - sh'loshah) The specific enumeration "three" highlights their identity as a distinct, formidable unit. It also prefigures their individual and collective roles as prominent military leaders and central figures among David's "mighty men," underscoring their power and reputation.

1 Chronicles 2 16 Bonus section

The inclusion of women like Zeruiah and Abigail in a typically patrilineal genealogy subtly highlights the maternal lines from which powerful and influential men sprang, providing a more complete picture of the family fabric surrounding David. The continuous use of the epithet "sons of Zeruiah" throughout Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles serves to link their actions directly to their familial identity within David’s clan, even when they acted outside of his explicit command. This phrasing may also imply a distinct, perhaps often headstrong, sub-clan within David's larger family, loyal to him but often operating with a powerful independent will. The focus on this trio also reminds readers of the human cost and political complexity inherent in establishing and maintaining a kingdom, often reliant on strong-willed and sometimes ruthless enforcers.

1 Chronicles 2 16 Commentary

1 Chronicles 2:16, though seemingly a simple list of names in a genealogy, is pregnant with significance for understanding the early Davidic monarchy. By explicitly naming David's sisters, Zeruiah and Abigail, and then immediately highlighting Zeruiah's three sons—Abishai, Joab, and Asahel—the Chronicler underscores the critical role of David's extended family. These men were not merely distant relatives; they were the indispensable military and political muscle of David’s nascent kingdom. Joab was David's general, a figure whose tactical genius was matched only by his fierce loyalty and willingness to execute unpopular actions. Abishai was a prominent warrior and a protector of David's life. Asahel, though his career was cut short, initiated a blood feud that profoundly impacted David’s early reign. The enumeration "three" emphasizes their collective strength and their reputation as a unified and potent fighting force, closely connected to the crown. Their presence here reinforces the theme of God building David’s kingdom through powerful family alliances and divinely ordained support, even when that support came with complicated human dynamics.