1 Chronicles 3 22

1 Chronicles 3:22 kjv

And the sons of Shechaniah; Shemaiah: and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six.

1 Chronicles 3:22 nkjv

The son of Shechaniah was Shemaiah. The sons of Shemaiah were Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat?six in all.

1 Chronicles 3:22 niv

The descendants of Shekaniah: Shemaiah and his sons: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah and Shaphat?six in all.

1 Chronicles 3:22 esv

The son of Shecaniah: Shemaiah. And the sons of Shemaiah: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, six.

1 Chronicles 3:22 nlt

The descendants of Shecaniah were Shemaiah and his sons, Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat ? six in all.

1 Chronicles 3 verses

1 Chronicles 3 22 Meaning

1 Chronicles 3:22 records a segment of the lineage of David, specifically through his son Shecaniah and Shecaniah's son Shemaiah, and then enumerates Shemaiah's six sons: Hattush, Igeal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat. This verse contributes to the Chronicler's meticulously preserved genealogical record, which served to establish and reaffirm the identity, legitimacy, and continuity of God's people, particularly the Davidic line, in the post-exilic period. It emphasizes the unbroken chain of generations and God's faithfulness to His covenants despite exile and disruption.

1 Chronicles 3 22 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 3 provides a continuous genealogy of King David, tracing his lineage through his various sons, particularly focusing on the line through Solomon that eventually leads to the post-exilic community. Verses 17-24 specifically detail David's royal descendants through Jeconiah (Jechoniah/Coniah) who was taken into Babylonian captivity, thereby linking the pre-exilic monarchy with the returning community. Verse 22 sits within this continuation, listing Shemaiah and his six sons as descendants in the Davidic line, albeit a more distant branch following the exile. The historical context is post-exilic Judah, where the people, returning from seventy years of Babylonian captivity, needed a clear understanding of their identity, heritage, and the continuation of God's covenant promises, especially regarding the Davidic monarchy. The meticulous record-keeping served to authenticate tribal and family affiliations, confirm claims to land, validate rights to the priesthood, and reinforce the belief that God had not abandoned His covenant with David, as his royal descendants, though not kings, continued to exist and be counted among the community.

1 Chronicles 3 22 Word analysis

• And the sons of Shecaniah; Shemaiah:

  • And (וְ, ve): A simple conjunctive, continuing the list.
  • sons (בְּנֵי, benei): Plural of ben (son). Denotes direct descendants, but in genealogies, "sons" can sometimes mean male descendants generally. Here, it refers to direct offspring.
  • Shecaniah (שְׁכַנְיָה, Shekhanyah): Means "Dweller with Yahweh" or "Yahweh has settled/taken up residence." This name reflects a pious sentiment, common among Israelites, expressing closeness to God. This Shecaniah is a key figure linking the pre-exilic royal line to the post-exilic era, particularly noted as a son of Neariah in the previous verse (3:21). The repetition here ("sons of Shecaniah; Shemaiah") seems to pick up a prominent individual in this branch for further detailing of his progeny.
  • Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָה, Shemayah): Means "Heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard." Another theophoric name, indicating God's attentiveness. Shemaiah is explicitly identified as the direct son of Shecaniah.

• and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six.

  • Hattush (חַטּוּשׁ, Chattush): Potentially related to "fox" or "swift," but its meaning in this context is primarily titular. Hattush is significant as he is one of the only Davidic descendants explicitly mentioned by name alongside Zerubbabel in Ezra's time (Ezra 8:2-3), reinforcing the presence of the royal line post-exile.
  • Igeal (יִגְאָל, Yig'al): Means "He redeems" or "He delivers." Another name carrying a theological meaning.
  • Bariah (בָּרִיחַ, Bariyaḥ): Means "fugitive" or "fleeing." The name might reflect a specific circumstance around his birth, possibly during times of trouble (like the exile or returning to an unsettled land), but its deeper theological significance is not evident.
  • Neariah (נְעַרְיָה, Ne'aryah): Means "Servant of Yahweh" or "Young man of Yahweh." Another common theophoric name affirming service to God.
  • Shaphat (שָׁפָט, Shaphat): Means "He has judged." A name implying divine justice or judgment.
  • six (שִׁשָּׁה, shishah): The numerical count here is crucial. In biblical genealogies, numbers serve to affirm the accuracy and completeness of the record, ensuring no descendant is omitted, and signifying divine oversight even in such granular details. It solidifies the validity of the family unit presented.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And the sons of Shecaniah; Shemaiah: and the sons of Shemaiah;": This structure highlights a clear and precise succession. It moves from one key figure to the next generation, a meticulous listing that assures the reader of an unbroken chain of descent within a period that often lacked readily accessible public records. This careful cataloging served a practical purpose in a society where land inheritance, social status, and religious duties were heavily tied to lineage. It also implicitly underscores the Davidic covenant's ongoing reality, even when the monarchy itself was not in power.
  • "Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six.": The explicit enumeration of "six" sons (despite only five names being listed - scholars suggest one name is missing or the "six" counts Shemaiah along with his 5 sons, or other manuscript variations existed) emphasizes the Chronicler's commitment to accuracy and completeness. This exactitude was critical for establishing the rights and identity of individuals within the post-exilic community. For example, a reliable genealogy was essential for those claiming priestly duties (Ezr 2:61-63) or re-claiming tribal land inheritances. The very act of precisely listing each son reinforces the divine attention to every individual within His covenant people, not merely the most famous or powerful.

1 Chronicles 3 22 Bonus section

The seemingly redundant nature of genealogical lists in Chronicles, often repeating information or extending into what appear to be obscure family branches, serves a crucial theological and practical purpose. Beyond just establishing historical accuracy or legal rights, these genealogies served as a powerful declaration of hope and continuity. In a period when the Davidic throne was vacant and the nation was vulnerable, the Chronicler compiled these lists to remind the post-exilic community that God's covenant promises, including those regarding an eternal Davidic dynasty (1 Chr 17:11-14), remained intact. The presence of even minor lines, like those in 1 Chronicles 3:22, confirmed that "seed" was still being raised up, implying future fulfillment. It underscored that Yahweh remembered His people and His word, encouraging perseverance and a looking forward to a coming Messiah who would truly fulfill all the dynastic promises made to David.

1 Chronicles 3 22 Commentary

1 Chronicles 3:22, nestled within David's extended genealogy, seems at first glance to be a simple list of names. However, its significance runs deep, especially for its original audience—the returning exiles. It powerfully asserts the unbroken continuity of the Davidic line, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant (2 Sam 7) even through periods of national judgment and disruption like the Babylonian exile. The meticulous preservation of these names, each with potential theological meaning, conveyed hope: if God preserved the lineage, He would ultimately restore His promises. For the community seeking to re-establish its identity and legitimacy in the promised land, these lists provided tangible proof of their heritage and rightful place within the covenant. They underscore that individual lives and family lines matter to God, forming part of His larger, sovereign plan, culminating in the Messianic promise.