1 Chronicles 3 1

1 Chronicles 3:1 kjv

Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess:

1 Chronicles 3:1 nkjv

Now these were the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: The firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelitess;

1 Chronicles 3:1 niv

These were the sons of David born to him in Hebron: The firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel; the second, Daniel the son of Abigail of Carmel;

1 Chronicles 3:1 esv

These are the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelite; the second, Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelite,

1 Chronicles 3:1 nlt

These are the sons of David who were born in Hebron: The oldest was Amnon, whose mother was Ahinoam from Jezreel.
The second was Daniel, whose mother was Abigail from Carmel.

1 Chronicles 3 verses

1 Chronicles 3 1 Meaning

This verse initiates a crucial genealogical record within 1 Chronicles, specifically detailing the sons born to King David during his reign in Hebron. It identifies the first six of David's sons, beginning with Amnon, born of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, thereby establishing the legitimate line of succession and reinforcing David's foundational role in the Israelite monarchy.

1 Chronicles 3 1 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 3 begins a critical section of Davidic genealogy, tracing the direct line from David to the post-exilic community. This entire chapter focuses exclusively on David's descendants, particularly those who formed the royal line. Verse 1 initiates this by listing the children born to David during his foundational period as king, specifically while he ruled in Hebron. This initial list highlights the legitimacy and origins of the Davidic dynasty before his move to Jerusalem. The Chronicler's emphasis is on the royal lineage and its continuity, offering reassurance and hope to the returned exiles about their heritage and God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, often omitting negative details about individual kings or sons found in Samuel and Kings, like Amnon's infamous actions.

1 Chronicles 3 1 Word analysis

• Now these: This phrase serves as a transitional marker, signaling the commencement of a new list or section within the larger genealogy. It draws the reader's attention to the specific enumeration that follows.
• were the sons: The Hebrew word for "sons" (בְּנֵי, bᵊnê) emphasizes direct offspring and patrilineal descent. Genealogies in ancient Israel were crucial for establishing tribal identity, inheritance, and claims to leadership. The focus on "sons" highlights the perpetuation of David's royal line.
• of David: "David" (דָּוִיד, Dāwîḏ) is the central figure, divinely chosen and anointed king, through whom God established an eternal covenant (2 Sam 7). This verse immediately links the royal succession directly back to this pivotal figure, ensuring the legitimacy of the subsequent lineage.
• born to him: This phrase stresses paternity and the official, legitimate status of these births. It signifies that these sons are recognized as David's true heirs.
• in Hebron: "Hebron" (חֶבְר֗וֹן, Ḥeḇrōn) was David's first capital, where he ruled over Judah for seven and a half years before uniting all Israel under his reign in Jerusalem (2 Sam 5:5). Its inclusion underscores the humble but legitimate beginnings of his kingdom and links it to a historically significant site where the patriarchs had lived and were buried (Gen 23:19). It also implies a period of establishment before the move to the grander Jerusalem.
• the firstborn Amnon: "Amnon" (אַמְנוֹן, ’Amnōn) is specifically identified as "the firstborn" (הַבְּכוֹר, habᵊḵōr), emphasizing his traditional legal standing for primogeniture. In biblical culture, the firstborn typically received a double portion of inheritance and special blessing (Deut 21:17). While the scandalous events of Amnon's life and his death (2 Sam 13) are well-documented elsewhere, the Chronicler, consistent with his theological aim, merely states his fact of birth as part of the genealogical record, omitting any negative details. This shows Chronicles' selective historical reporting to uphold the positive view of Davidic line and God's faithfulness.
• by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess: "Ahinoam" (אֲחִינֹ֥עַם, ’Ăḥînōʿam) is identified as Amnon's mother. Her designation as "the Jezreelitess" (הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִית֙, hayyizərəʿēʾlîṯ) indicates her place of origin (Jezreel). Providing the mother's name, along with her origin, adds specificity to the genealogy, distinguishing between David's many wives and their respective offspring, thereby clarifying different branches of the royal family. She was one of David's earliest known wives (1 Sam 25:43).

1 Chronicles 3 1 Bonus section

The genealogies in Chronicles are not merely historical records; they serve profound theological purposes for the post-exilic Jewish community. For the Chronicler, listing David's sons—even those with troubled narratives elsewhere in the Old Testament, like Amnon—demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. By stating Amnon as the "firstborn," it maintains a record of rightful primogeniture, even if God's favor or human actions later redirected the actual line of succession. This specific detail implicitly sets the stage for future events, such as the enthronement of Solomon, who was not the firstborn but became David's successor through divine election (1 Chr 22:9-10). The inclusion of the mother's name is also significant, as it clarifies maternal lines within a polygamous society, crucial for property rights, social status, and distinguishing different family branches from a single patriarch.

1 Chronicles 3 1 Commentary

1 Chronicles 3:1 functions as the gate to the most important part of the genealogies in the book of Chronicles—the lineage of David, through whom the promised eternal kingship would come. By beginning with sons born in Hebron, the verse grounds the legitimacy of David's reign in its initial, foundational phase, before Jerusalem became the political and religious center. The concise listing, without elaborating on the character or ultimate fate of figures like Amnon, aligns with the Chronicler's primary purpose: to affirm the divine appointment and continuity of the Davidic dynasty for the post-exilic community. It focuses on the historical fact of the succession, reassuring a people searching for identity and hope that God’s covenant promises concerning a king from David’s line remained valid. This meticulous record underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a legitimate royal family, anticipating the ultimate Davidic heir in Christ.