1 Chronicles 2:28

KJV

And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada. And the sons of Shammai; Nadab, and Abishur.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Onam {H208} were, Shammai {H8060}, and Jada {H3047}. And the sons {H1121} of Shammai {H8060}; Nadab {H5070}, and Abishur {H51}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Onam: Shamai and Yada. The sons of Shamai: Nadav and Avishur.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Onam: Shammai and Jada. The sons of Shammai:

American Standard Version

And the sons of Onam were Shammai, and Jada. And the sons of Shammai: Nadab, and Abishur.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 2:28 is a concise genealogical entry within the extensive tribal records that open the book, specifically detailing a branch of the descendants of Judah. It meticulously lists Onam's sons, Shammai and Jada, and then further specifies Shammai's own progeny, Nadab and Abishur. This seemingly simple enumeration serves a crucial role in establishing the continuity of Israel's lineage, affirming tribal identity, and preserving the historical record for the post-exilic community, underscoring the Chronicler's commitment to documenting God's faithfulness through generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 2:28 is embedded within the lengthy genealogical sections that open the book, spanning chapters 1-9. Specifically, it falls within the detailed enumeration of the descendants of Judah in chapter 2. The verses immediately preceding it (1 Chronicles 2:25-27) trace the lineage through Jerahmeel, another son of Hezron, while the verses following (1 Chronicles 2:29-33) continue with the descendants of Jada, one of the sons mentioned in this verse, and then move to the lineage of Caleb. This meticulous progression demonstrates the Chronicler's systematic approach to recording the tribal structures and family lines, ensuring a comprehensive historical account of Israel's heritage. The placement of this verse highlights its role as a specific detail within the broader tapestry of Judah's extensive and foundational lineage.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period (late 5th or early 4th century BCE), after the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity. For this community, re-establishing their identity, land claims, and priestly/levitical duties was paramount. Genealogies were not mere historical curiosities but vital legal and social documents. They verified tribal affiliation, determined inheritance rights, confirmed eligibility for temple service, and connected individuals to the foundational covenants of Israel. The meticulous recording of names like Onam, Shammai, Jada, Nadab, and Abishur underscored the continuity of the Israelite people despite the disruption of exile, providing a tangible link to their past and a basis for their future. This cultural emphasis on lineage ensured the preservation of their unique identity as God's chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly dry genealogical entry contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it emphasizes the **preservation of lineage**, which was critical for maintaining tribal identity, land rights, and the prophetic hope of a Messiah from the tribe of Judah, as detailed in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Scepter from Judah"). Secondly, it implicitly testifies to **God's faithfulness to His covenants**. Each name represents a continuation of God's promise to make Abraham's descendants a great nation, a theme echoed in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Covenant with Abraham"). The very existence of these detailed records, even after the trauma of exile, speaks to God's steadfastness in preserving His people and His plan. Finally, these lists provide **historical accuracy and identity** for the post-exilic community, reinforcing their connection to their ancestors and their place within God's unfolding redemptive narrative, as seen throughout the historical books like [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Onam (Hebrew, _'Ônām'_):** This name means "their strength" or "vigorous." While not a prominent figure in biblical narrative, his inclusion here as a descendant of Jerahmeel (1 Chronicles 2:26) signifies his place within the complex tribal structure of Judah. The meaning itself, though not directly expounded upon in the text, subtly reinforces the idea of the continued vitality and growth of the Israelite family lines.
* **Shammai (Hebrew, _Šammay'_):** Meaning "my name" or "desolate," Shammai is a relatively common name in the Old Testament, appearing in various lineages. Here, he is significant not for any personal action but as a crucial link in the genealogical chain, serving as the father of Nadab and Abishur. His role underscores the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's record-keeping, ensuring that even intermediate generations are accounted for to establish a complete lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Onam were, Shammai, and Jada."**: This clause directly identifies the immediate offspring of Onam, a descendant of Hezron, who was a son of Judah. This initial listing establishes the primary branches stemming from Onam, setting the stage for further genealogical detail. The simplicity of the statement belies its importance in mapping out the family tree and maintaining tribal distinctions.
* **"And the sons of Shammai; Nadab, and Abishur."**: This second clause narrows the focus, specifically detailing the children of Shammai, one of Onam's sons. By listing Nadab and Abishur, the Chronicler continues to trace the specific lines of descent, demonstrating the meticulousness with which these records were kept. This level of detail was essential for the post-exilic community to verify their heritage, land rights, and tribal affiliations, ensuring continuity and order within the restored nation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 2:28, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is a specific form of historical writing that lists the descent of a person or family from an ancestor or ancestors. Its purpose here is not merely to record names but to establish **Continuity** and **Legitimacy**. By meticulously tracing lines of descent, the Chronicler validates the identity of the post-exilic community as the rightful heirs to God's covenants and promises. The repetitive structure of "the sons of X were Y and Z" creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing the unbroken chain of generations. While seemingly dry, this method provides a foundational **Historical Record**, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people through countless generations, ultimately pointing towards the promised lineage of the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While 1 Chronicles 2:28 presents a seemingly dry list of names, its theological significance is profound, especially when viewed through the lens of God's covenant faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The meticulous preservation of these lineages underscores God's commitment to His promises, particularly those made to Abraham regarding a numerous offspring and a land inheritance. Each name, though silent in terms of personal narrative, represents a divinely sustained link in a chain that ultimately leads to the Incarnation. The Chronicler’s emphasis on these records served to remind the returning exiles of their identity as God’s chosen people, not by their own merit, but by His enduring faithfulness across generations, providing hope and a foundation for their future.

* [Genesis 10:32](/genesis/10-32 "The Families of Noah")
* [Numbers 1:18](/numbers/1-18 "Registration by Families")
* [Ezra 2:59](/ezra/2-59 "Those Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane nature of 1 Chronicles 2:28 offers surprisingly rich ground for reflection and application in contemporary life. This verse reminds us that every individual, even those whose names appear briefly in a long list, holds a place within God's grand design. Just as Onam, Shammai, Jada, Nadab, and Abishur were vital links in a historical chain, so too are we part of a larger spiritual lineage, connected to those who have gone before us and those who will come after. It encourages us to appreciate the faithfulness of God across generations, recognizing that His plans unfold patiently and meticulously through the lives of ordinary people. Our own lives, though perhaps not recorded in a biblical genealogy, are nonetheless significant in God's eyes and contribute to His ongoing work in the world. This passage calls us to consider our own heritage, both familial and spiritual, and to live in a way that honors the legacy of faith passed down to us, while also contributing positively to the spiritual heritage we leave for future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous recording of names in Scripture, even seemingly minor ones, challenge our modern tendency to value only the prominent or famous?**
* **In what ways does understanding your own family or spiritual heritage contribute to your sense of identity and purpose today?**
* **How can we, in our own lives, contribute to the "spiritual genealogy" of faith that will impact future generations?**
* **What does this verse, as a small part of a vast genealogy, teach us about God's long-term vision and patient work throughout history?**

### FAQ

**Why are there so many genealogies in the Bible, especially in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies, particularly in books like 1 Chronicles, served several crucial purposes for the ancient Israelites and the Chronicler's post-exilic audience. Firstly, they established **identity and tribal affiliation**, which was essential for land inheritance, social structure, and determining eligibility for priestly or Levitical service (e.g., [Numbers 1:18](/numbers/1-18 "Registration by Families")). Secondly, they provided **historical continuity**, linking the present generation back to foundational figures like Abraham and Adam, thereby affirming God's faithfulness to His covenants across time. For the returning exiles, these lists were vital for re-establishing their place in the land and their connection to God's promises. Finally, and most importantly, they meticulously traced the lineage through which the Messiah would come, particularly the line of David from the tribe of Judah, as foreshadowed in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Scepter from Judah")). Thus, these lists were not merely dry records but living documents that affirmed God's ongoing plan and the people's place within it.

**Does 1 Chronicles 2:28 have any direct relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: While 1 Chronicles 2:28 does not contain explicit moral commands or narratives, its relevance for Christians today is found in its underlying theological implications. It underscores God's **faithfulness and meticulousness** in preserving His people and His plan through generations. For believers, this verse is a small thread in the grand tapestry of redemptive history, demonstrating how God patiently works through ordinary individuals and families to bring about His ultimate purposes. It reminds us that every person, even those seemingly insignificant, holds a place in God's divine design. Furthermore, it points to the importance of **lineage in the biblical narrative**, which ultimately culminates in the perfect genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose coming was meticulously prepared for through countless generations, as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Therefore, it encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan and to recognize our own place within His ongoing story.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though a simple list of names, 1 Chronicles 2:28, like all biblical genealogies, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous recording of lineages, particularly within the tribe of Judah, served as a divine preparation for the arrival of the promised Messiah, who would descend from this very line. Every name, including those of Onam, Shammai, Jada, Nadab, and Abishur, represents a link in the unbroken chain that God faithfully preserved, ensuring the fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham and David. The seemingly dry historical record becomes a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, culminating in the birth of Jesus, the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who takes away the sin of the world. He is the ultimate heir to all the promises, the one in whom all the threads of Israel's history find their meaning and purpose, as perfectly articulated by the Apostle Paul in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promise to Abraham and His Seed"). The preservation of these names underscores the truth that God works through generations, patiently bringing about His perfect plan for humanity's salvation through His Son, Jesus, who is the [Alpha and the Omega](/revelation/22-13 "Jesus, the Alpha and Omega"), the beginning and the end of all things.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.