1 Chronicles 14:3

Translation
King James Version
And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And David H1732 took H3947 more wives H802 at Jerusalem H3389: and David H1732 begat H3205 more sons H1121 and daughters H1323.
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Complete Jewish Bible
David took more concubines and wives in Yerushalayim, and David became father of more sons and daughters.
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Berean Standard Bible
And David took more wives in Jerusalem and became the father of more sons and daughters.
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American Standard Version
And David took more wives at Jerusalem; and David begat more sons and daughters.
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World English Bible Messianic
David took more wives at Jerusalem; and David became the father of more sons and daughters.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Also Dauid tooke moe wiues at Ierusalem, and Dauid begate moe sonnes and daughters.
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Young's Literal Translation
And David taketh again wives in Jerusalem, and David begetteth again sons and daughters;
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See also
Matthew 19:8Deuteronomy 17:172 Samuel 5:13Proverbs 5:18Proverbs 5:191 Kings 11:3Malachi 2:14
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In the KJVVerse 10,778 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 14:3 concisely documents King David's expansion of his royal household in Jerusalem through additional marriages and the subsequent birth of more sons and daughters. This brief statement, strategically placed within the narrative of David's established reign, serves as a factual account of his increasing power and the consolidation of his monarchy. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding that a king's prosperity and stability were often symbolized by the size and fruitfulness of his family and lineage, implicitly highlighting the growth and legitimacy of the Davidic line, which was chosen by God for a specific redemptive purpose.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is intricately woven into the Chronicler's portrayal of David's reign in Jerusalem, following his anointing as king over all Israel and the capture of the city. It immediately follows the narrative of Hiram, King of Tyre, sending materials and craftsmen to build David's palace in 1 Chronicles 14:1-2, signifying David's established rule and international recognition. The mention of David's expanding family serves as an internal consolidation of his power, complementing the external recognition of his kingship. This domestic detail precedes David's significant military victories over the Philistines in 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 and, more importantly, the pivotal event of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem in 1 Chronicles 15. The Chronicler's inclusion of this detail, which parallels 2 Samuel 5:13, underscores its importance as a factual record of David's domestic life during his early reign in the new capital, emphasizing the growth and stability of his royal house.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the practice of kings taking multiple wives (polygamy) was a common and accepted cultural norm. This practice was often driven by a combination of political motivations, such as forming alliances with other kingdoms or solidifying power through dynastic marriages, and the desire to ensure a large and secure line of succession. A king's numerous wives and children were widely perceived as indicators of his wealth, power, and the overall stability and prosperity of his kingdom. David, having just established Jerusalem as his capital, was in the process of consolidating his rule and asserting his authority, and expanding his household was a conventional means of doing so. While culturally prevalent, the Mosaic Law, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:17, warned against kings multiplying wives excessively, recognizing the potential for their hearts to turn away from God and for internal strife. This cultural norm, though widespread, stood in contrast to God's original design for marriage as a monogamous union, established in Genesis 2:24.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Chronicles. Primarily, it underscores the expansion and consolidation of the Davidic kingdom. As David's personal household grows, it symbolically mirrors the increasing strength, stability, and legitimacy of his reign in Jerusalem. It also implicitly touches upon the theme of divine providence amidst human choices. Despite David's choices, including polygamy, which deviated from God's ideal, God continued to work through him to establish the promised Davidic dynasty, as articulated in the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. The Chronicler's inclusion of this detail, therefore, serves not as an endorsement of polygamy, but as a factual statement affirming the growth and legitimacy of the Davidic line, which was central to God's covenant promises and the future hope of the Messiah. Furthermore, it highlights the Chronicler's emphasis on lineage and succession, which was crucial for the post-exilic community to understand the continuity of God's redemptive plan and their own identity.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Took (Hebrew, lâqach', H3947): This verb (H3947), a very common one in Hebrew, means "to take, seize, or acquire." In the context of marriage, as used here, it specifically refers to the act of taking a wife, often implying a formal acquisition or marriage. The use of "took" rather than "married" emphasizes David's active role and agency in expanding his marital household. It signifies a deliberate act of acquiring additional wives, which was a common practice for monarchs in the ancient world to solidify power, form alliances, and ensure a large progeny for succession.
  • Wives (Hebrew, ʼishshâh', H802): This noun (H802), the feminine of ʼîsh (man), refers to "a woman" or, in this context, "a wife." The plural form, "wives," explicitly indicates that David took multiple women into his household as spouses. This multiplication of wives was a characteristic feature of royal households in the ancient Near East, signifying a king's status, wealth, and capacity to produce numerous heirs, thereby ensuring the stability and continuity of his dynasty.
  • Begat (Hebrew, yâlad', H3205): This verb (H3205), a primitive root, means "to bear young; causatively, to beget." It is a fundamental term for procreation and the establishment of lineage. Its inclusion here directly links the taking of additional wives to the resultant increase in David's offspring. The emphasis on "more sons and daughters" highlights the fruitfulness of these unions and underscores the growth of David's family, which was vital for the continuation of the royal line and was seen as a sign of divine blessing and prosperity in ancient Near Eastern culture.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And David took more wives at Jerusalem:" This clause details King David's actions in expanding his marital household after establishing Jerusalem as the capital of his unified kingdom. The phrase "more wives" indicates that these were additional unions beyond those he had already formed (e.g., in Hebron, as recorded in 2 Samuel 3:2-5). These marriages were likely undertaken for a combination of reasons, including political consolidation, securing alliances, and simply increasing his progeny as was customary for kings. The specific mention of "at Jerusalem" grounds this expansion in the new political and religious center of Israel, signifying a new phase of his reign marked by increased power and stability.
  • "and David begat more sons and daughters." This second clause describes the direct outcome of David's expanded family. The emphasis on "more sons and daughters" highlights the successful procreation and the growth of his lineage. For the Chronicler, this multiplication of offspring is significant because it underscores the flourishing of David's kingdom and the divine blessing on his reign, even if the means (polygamy) were not in line with God's original ideal for marriage. This increase in progeny was crucial for ensuring dynastic stability and the continuation of the royal line, which held immense theological importance for the future of God's covenant promises and the coming Messiah.

Literary Devices

The verse primarily employs Factual Reporting, presenting a straightforward and unadorned account of David's actions without explicit moral commentary or judgment. This directness is characteristic of the Chronicler's style, which often focuses on the establishment and legitimacy of the Davidic monarchy. The Repetition of "David" at the beginning of both clauses ("And David took... and David begat...") emphasizes his central role as the active subject, underscoring his agency in the expansion of his household and lineage. There is also a subtle Juxtaposition between the preceding verses, which describe Hiram's aid in building David's physical palace, and this verse. The building of David's external, political power (the palace) is immediately followed by the building of his internal, familial power (his household), suggesting a holistic picture of his kingdom's growth and stability. This serves as a form of Parallelism, where the growth of David's physical structures (palace) is mirrored by the growth of his personal and dynastic structure (family).

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse, while a simple historical record, contributes significantly to the broader biblical narrative concerning kingship, covenant, and divine faithfulness. It illustrates the human reality of a king operating within cultural norms (polygamy) that diverged from God's original design for marriage. Yet, it simultaneously highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. Despite David's imperfect choices and the potential for internal strife that polygamy often brought, God continued to work through his lineage to establish the royal dynasty from which the Messiah would eventually come. The Chronicler's inclusion of this detail, mirroring 2 Samuel 5:13, is less about endorsing the practice of polygamy and more about affirming the growth and legitimacy of David's royal line—a line chosen by God for a specific redemptive purpose and central to the unfolding of salvation history.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Chronicles 14:3 invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human choices, even those that fall short of God's ideal. David, though described as "a man after God's own heart," was a flawed human being, and his actions, such as taking multiple wives, brought significant challenges and moral compromises into his family life, as evidenced elsewhere in his story. Yet, God's overarching plan for the Davidic dynasty and the coming Messiah was not thwarted by human imperfection. This reminds us that God often works through flawed individuals and circumstances to accomplish His perfect will, demonstrating His grace, patience, and unwavering faithfulness. For believers today, this verse encourages a realistic view of biblical figures, acknowledging their humanity and failings, while simultaneously affirming God's ability to redeem and use even imperfect situations for His glory. It also underscores the enduring importance of God's original design for marriage as a monogamous union, even when the historical narrative records deviations from that ideal, calling us to pursue God's highest standards in our own lives.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, despite David's imperfections, encourage you in your own walk of faith and understanding of God's grace?
  • What does this verse teach us about the Bible's realistic portrayal of its heroes, and why is that important for our understanding of God's work in the world?
  • In what ways can we apply the principle of God working through imperfect people to our own lives and the church today, fostering both grace and a pursuit of God's ideal?

FAQ

Was polygamy endorsed by God in the Old Testament?

Answer: While polygamy was practiced by many prominent figures in the Old Testament, including David, it was never God's ideal design for marriage. From the beginning, Genesis 2:24 establishes a monogamous union: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." The Mosaic Law, in Deuteronomy 17:17, specifically warned kings against multiplying wives excessively, recognizing the dangers it posed to their hearts and their leadership. Throughout the biblical narrative, polygamy is often associated with strife, jealousy, and moral compromise within families (e.g., the stories of Abraham, Jacob, and Solomon). The Bible records the practice as a historical reality but does not endorse it as God's will or ideal for humanity.

Why does the Chronicler include this detail about David taking more wives and having more children?

Answer: The Chronicler's primary purpose in writing was to affirm the legitimacy of the Davidic dynasty and the centrality of the Jerusalem temple, especially for the post-exilic community. By stating that "David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters," the Chronicler emphasizes the expansion and consolidation of David's kingdom and the establishment of a secure lineage. In the ancient Near East, a king's large family and numerous offspring were seen as signs of divine blessing, prosperity, and dynastic stability. This detail, therefore, serves to underscore the strength and flourishing of David's reign, laying the groundwork for the promise of an enduring dynasty through which the Messiah would come, as detailed in 2 Samuel 7. It's a factual statement highlighting the growth of the royal house and the fulfillment of God's promise to build David a lasting house.

How does this verse relate to the parallel account in 2 Samuel?

Answer: 1 Chronicles 14:3 is a direct parallel to 2 Samuel 5:13, which states, "And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron; and more sons and daughters were born to David." The Chronicler's account is slightly condensed but conveys the same essential information: David's expansion of his household in Jerusalem. The Chronicler often reinterprets or emphasizes certain aspects of the Deuteronomistic History (Samuel-Kings) to suit his theological agenda, which focuses on the positive aspects of David's reign and the legitimacy of the Davidic line. The inclusion of this detail in both accounts underscores its importance as a factual record of David's established kingship and the growth of his royal family, which was crucial for the continuity of the Davidic covenant and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While 1 Chronicles 14:3 describes the expansion of David's physical lineage through multiple wives and children, its ultimate significance points forward to Jesus Christ, the true and eternal Son of David. The multiplication of David's sons and daughters was crucial for the continuation of the Davidic line, from which God promised a king whose throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Jesus, born of the virgin Mary, is explicitly identified as a descendant of David, fulfilling these ancient prophecies, as seen in the genealogies of Matthew 1:1 and the angelic prophecy in Luke 1:32-33). Unlike David, whose kingdom expanded through physical procreation and earthly power, Christ's kingdom expands through spiritual birth and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, as people are born again into His eternal family (John 3:3-8). Furthermore, while David took "more wives" and his family was marked by internal strife, Christ has one glorious Bride, the Church, whom He loves and for whom He gave Himself up, presenting her as holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:25-27). His "progeny" are not biological descendants but all who believe in Him, making Him the head of a vast spiritual family that transcends earthly lineage and endures for eternity, fulfilling God's promises in a far grander and more perfect way than any earthly king could.

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Commentary on 1 Chronicles 14 verses 1–7

We may observe here, 1. There is no man that has such a sufficiency in himself but he has need of his neighbours and has reason to be thankful for their help: David had a very large kingdom, Hiram a very little one; yet David could not build himself a house to his mind unless Hiram furnished him with both workmen and materials, Ch1 14:1. This is a reason why we should despise none, but, as we have opportunity, be obliging to all. 2. It is a great satisfaction to a wise man to be settled, and to a good man to see the special providences of God in his settlement. The people had made David king; but he could not be easy, nor think himself happy, till he perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, Ch1 14:2. "Who shall unfix me if God hath fixed me?" 3. We must look upon all our advancements as designed for our usefulness. David's kingdom was lifted up on high, not for his own sake, that he might look great, but because of his people Israel, that he might be a guide and protector to them. We are blessed in order that we may be blessings. See Gen 12:2. We are not born, nor do we live, for ourselves. 4. It is difficult to thrive without growing secure and indulgent to the flesh. It was David's infirmity that when he settled in his kingdom he took more wives (Ch1 14:3), yet the numerous issue he had added to his honour and strength. Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord. We had an account of David's children, not only in Samuel, but in this book (Ch1 3:1, etc.) and now here again; for it was their honour to have such a father.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Richard ChallonerAD 1781
David took other wives in Jerusalem: Not harlots, but wives of an inferior condition; for such, in Scripture, are styled concubines. (Bishop Richard Challoner on 2 Sam 5:13)
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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