1 Chronicles 3 13

1 Chronicles 3:13 kjv

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

1 Chronicles 3:13 nkjv

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

1 Chronicles 3:13 niv

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

1 Chronicles 3:13 esv

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

1 Chronicles 3:13 nlt

Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh,

1 Chronicles 3 verses

1 Chronicles 3 13 Meaning

First Chronicles 3:13 is a straightforward genealogical entry, stating "Azariah his son, Seraiah his son, Amariah his son." This verse is part of an extended list tracing the descendants of King David through his son Solomon, specifically detailing the lineage of the kings of Judah down to the post-exilic period. Its meaning lies in its function within this larger genealogy: it meticulously records the succession of individuals in the royal line, emphasizing continuity and the faithfulness of God in preserving the Davidic dynasty, even amidst significant historical upheavals like the Babylonian exile.

1 Chronicles 3 13 Context

First Chronicles 3:13 is found within a meticulously detailed genealogical section spanning chapters 1-9 of the book of Chronicles. Specifically, Chapter 3 focuses on the lineage of King David, tracing his descendants through his son Solomon and subsequently through the kings of Judah. This particular verse lists Azariah, Seraiah, and Amariah as a sequence of "son of" within this Davidic royal line.

The broader context of Chronicles is vital: it was likely compiled and edited during the post-exilic period, when the Israelites had returned from Babylon and were attempting to rebuild their nation and their spiritual identity. Genealogies served as a critical means to establish historical continuity, confirm land claims, define social and religious roles (priests, Levites), and most importantly, legitimate the Davidic kingship and the future hope for a king in that line. The meticulous preservation of the Davidic lineage underscores God's unwavering covenant faithfulness to David, even after the fall of the monarchy and the exile. For the post-exilic community, these lists provided assurance that God had not abandoned His promises and that they were legitimate heirs to the covenant legacy. The genealogies also indirectly served as a polemic against any competing claims of identity or legitimacy from groups who did not trace their lineage back through these specific and divinely sanctioned lines.

1 Chronicles 3 13 Word analysis

• Azariah (עֲזַרְיָה - `'Azaryah`): Meaning "The LORD has helped" or "Help of the LORD." This was a common name in ancient Israel, carried by various individuals, including priests and kings (e.g., King Uzziah, who was also called Azariah, or Azariah the high priest). Its meaning itself speaks of divine assistance, a theme that resonates with the Chronicler's emphasis on God's sovereignty and providential care in preserving His chosen line. In this specific genealogical sequence in 1 Chr 3, Azariah is listed as a direct descendant within the Davidic royal lineage.
• his son (בְּנוֹ - `bənō`): This phrase, repeated after each name, denotes direct paternal descent. It clearly establishes the patrilineal sequence and continuity of the family line. In the context of genealogies, this precise linking reinforces the legitimacy and unbroken nature of the lineage being traced, which is particularly significant for the royal Davidic line. It clarifies that each succeeding name is the direct biological offspring of the one preceding it, cementing the generational connection.
• Seraiah (שְׂרָיָה - `Serayah`): Meaning "The LORD is prince" or "The LORD prevails." Like Azariah, Seraiah was a known name in ancient Israel, notably belonging to a high priest killed by Nebuchadnezzar during the exile (2 Ki 25:18-21, Jer 52:24-27). Its meaning emphasizes the sovereignty of God ("The LORD is prince"), reinforcing the Chronicler's theological message that the succession, even of royal figures (or those in a significant royal line), ultimately rested under divine authority. Here, Seraiah is presented as the direct descendant of Azariah.
• his son (בְּנוֹ - `bənō`): Reiterated again, reinforcing the direct line of descent.
• Amariah (אֲמַרְיָה - `'Amaryah`): Meaning "The LORD has said" or "The LORD has spoken/promised." This name is also found elsewhere in Scripture, including among priestly families (e.g., 1 Chr 6:7, Ezr 10:42). The meaning of Amariah points to God's declarative acts or His faithful promises, aligning well with the overarching Chronicler's theme of God's covenant faithfulness, especially to the Davidic line. Amariah is listed as the direct descendant of Seraiah in this lineage.
• Azariah his son, Seraiah his son, Amariah his son: This sequence represents three successive generations in the Davidic royal lineage. The structure emphasizes the ongoing continuation of the family line, one generation faithfully following the next. For the Chronicler, this listing is not merely a record but a powerful statement about the preservation of the covenant promise given to David, despite the passage of time and the traumatic experience of exile. The repetitive "his son" solidifies the legitimacy of succession and divine hand in preserving the lineage towards a future fulfillment.

1 Chronicles 3 13 Bonus section

• Theological Purpose of Genealogies: In biblical thought, genealogies are not dry lists but are intensely purposeful. They convey theological messages, establish continuity, validate claims (to land, office, or inheritance), confirm covenant promises, and provide an overarching narrative of God's work through history, often pointing towards a future climax, such as the coming of the Messiah through a specific lineage.
• Selective Nature of Genealogies: Biblical genealogies, including those in Chronicles, are often selective and telescopic, meaning they may omit generations or individuals for literary, theological, or mnemonic purposes. They prioritize showing continuity and a significant line rather than providing an exhaustive chronological record of every birth. Therefore, the phrase "his son" does not necessarily mean "immediate next generation son" in every single instance across long biblical genealogies, but consistently affirms legitimate, direct descent within the lineage being traced. For 1 Chr 3:13 specifically, it consistently denotes immediate descent within the enumerated royal succession.
• Connection to Royal and Priestly Lines: While 1 Chronicles 3 predominantly focuses on the royal Davidic line, it is worth noting that some of these names (Azariah, Seraiah, Amariah) also appear in priestly genealogies or are associated with significant high priests. This fluidity or overlap might suggest a blending of royal and priestly prominence in some branches of post-exilic leadership, or simply indicate the commonality of these significant names across various respected Israelite families. The Chronicler emphasizes both the Davidic royal line and the Levite priesthood as central to the restored community.

1 Chronicles 3 13 Commentary

First Chronicles 3:13, with its succinct listing of "Azariah his son, Seraiah his son, Amariah his son," encapsulates a profound theological truth for the Chronicler: the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant with David. This verse, nestled within an extensive genealogy, is far more than a mere record of names; it is a testimony to the preservation of the royal line, even in its broken post-exilic state. By carefully tracing this lineage, the Chronicler sought to reassure the returning exiles of their identity and God's unwavering promises regarding a legitimate king from David's seed. The very existence of these names, generations removed from David, demonstrates that divine commitment transcends human failure and historical catastrophe. This continuous thread in the royal tapestry served as a constant reminder and source of hope, looking forward to the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in the Messiah.