1 Chronicles 3:16

KJV

And the sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Jehoiakim {H3079}: Jeconiah {H3204} his son {H1121}, Zedekiah {H6667} his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Y'hoyakim: Y'khonyah his son, and Tzedekyah his son.

Berean Standard Bible

The successors of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, and Zedekiah.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:16, a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the extensive genealogies of the book, meticulously records a segment of the royal lineage of Judah. It specifically names Jeconiah and Zedekiah in relation to King Jehoiakim, tracing the immediate successors and key figures in the Davidic line during the tumultuous period leading directly into the Babylonian exile. This brief verse serves as a crucial link in the chronicler's broader purpose of affirming the identity, tribal heritage, and, most significantly, the unbroken continuity of the promised Davidic dynasty for the post-exilic community, pointing forward to God's ultimate fulfillment of His covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with nine chapters almost entirely dedicated to genealogies, a foundational element for the post-exilic community to re-establish their identity, heritage, and connection to God's covenant promises. Chapter 3 specifically focuses on the descendants of David, meticulously tracing the royal line through Solomon. Verse 16 appears at the culmination of the list of kings who reigned in Judah, immediately preceding the detailed accounts of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent post-exilic lineage. It follows the succession from David's sons and Solomon's successors, setting the stage for the final kings before the destruction of Jerusalem. The chronicler's meticulous record-keeping here underscores the theological importance of legitimate lineage, particularly for the Davidic covenant, demonstrating God's faithfulness even amidst national catastrophe and human failure. This emphasis on continuity provides hope and a sense of enduring purpose for a community grappling with the aftermath of exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 1 Chronicles 3:16 concerns the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th century BC). Kings like Jehoiakim, Jeconiah, and Zedekiah reigned under the oppressive shadow of the rising Neo-Babylonian Empire. Their reigns were marked by political instability, shifting alliances, and ultimately, a series of deportations that culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC and the subsequent Babylonian Captivity. For the post-exilic audience of Chronicles, these genealogies were not merely historical records but vital documents. They provided a tangible sense of continuity with their past, affirmed their tribal affiliations and land claims upon their return, and, crucially, validated the legitimate line of David from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. The meticulous detail, even for kings who led the nation to ruin, demonstrates a profound belief in God's sovereign hand over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenantal promises, regardless of human unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This brief genealogical entry contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully highlights the **Continuity of the Davidic Covenant**, demonstrating that even through periods of unfaithfulness, divine judgment, and national exile, God meticulously preserved the royal line, as promised in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Enduring Covenant with David"). Secondly, the verse subtly underscores **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment and Preservation**. The reigns of Jehoiakim, Jeconiah, and Zedekiah were characterized by disobedience and led to national disaster, yet God's overarching plan for the Davidic dynasty remained intact, setting the stage for future restoration and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. Finally, the chronicler's focus on the unbroken lineage from David through these kings, despite their flaws and the nation's judgment, serves as a crucial link in the **Anticipation of the Messiah**. This careful tracing of the royal line ultimately points forward to the fulfillment of God's promise in the ultimate "Son of David," as seen in the New Testament genealogies of Jesus Christ, notably in [Matthew 1:11](/matthew/1-11 "Matthew 1:11 - Genealogy of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sons (Hebrew, בֵּן, _bên'_):** This common Hebrew term, derived from a root meaning "to build," fundamentally denotes a male offspring, a "son" (as a builder of the family name). However, in biblical genealogies and broader contexts, _bên_ is used in its widest sense to encompass literal and figurative relationships, including grandson, descendant, successor, or even a member of a family or clan. In 1 Chronicles 3:16, while Jeconiah is clearly Jehoiakim's biological son, the application of "his son" to Zedekiah presents a known historical nuance. This suggests the chronicler's use of _bên_ here might prioritize the flow of royal succession within the Davidic house over strict biological parentage, indicating a broader genealogical usage.
* **Jeconiah (Hebrew, יְכָנְיָה, _Yᵉkonyâh'_):** This name, meaning "Jah will establish," refers to a Jewish king, the son and direct successor of Jehoiakim. He is also known as Jehoiachin (as in 2 Kings 24:8) and Coniah (as in Jeremiah 22:24). Despite his very brief reign of three months and ten days, his capture and exile to Babylon in 597 BC marked the first major deportation of Judah's elite, a pivotal moment leading to the final destruction of Jerusalem. His inclusion here is critical as he represents the direct continuation of the Davidic line into exile, ensuring the lineage's preservation even in captivity.
* **Zedekiah (Hebrew, צִדְקִיָּה, _Tsidqîyâh'_):** Meaning "right of Jah," Zedekiah was the last king of Judah before the final destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. Historically, Zedekiah was Jehoiakim's brother and Jeconiah's uncle, appointed king by Nebuchadnezzar after Jeconiah's exile (2 Kings 24:17). The chronicler's description of Zedekiah as Jehoiakim's "son" in this verse highlights the focus on the succession within the Davidic royal house, even if it means a broader application of the term "son" to include a close royal relative and successor. His reign ultimately ended in tragedy, marking the end of the Judean monarchy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Jehoiakim:"** This opening phrase serves as a transitional marker within the genealogy of David's descendants. It introduces the specific segment of the royal lineage being detailed, shifting the focus from King Jehoiakim himself to his immediate successors who held royal authority or were significant figures in the Davidic line. It signals the chronicler's intent to continue tracing the royal succession through this particular branch of the family.
* **"Jeconiah his son,"** This clause clearly identifies Jeconiah as the direct, biological son of King Jehoiakim and his immediate successor to the throne. His brief but historically significant reign, which ended with his deportation to Babylon, is well-documented in other biblical texts (e.g., 2 Kings 24:8-16). The chronicler's inclusion of Jeconiah is crucial for maintaining the continuity of the Davidic line, even as it entered the period of exile.
* **"Zedekiah his son."** This is the most historically and genealogically nuanced part of the verse. While the text states Zedekiah was Jehoiakim's "son," historical accounts (e.g., 2 Kings 24:17) consistently identify Zedekiah as Jehoiakim's brother (both being sons of Josiah, as listed in 1 Chronicles 3:15) and thus Jeconiah's uncle. The chronicler's use of "his son" here likely reflects a broader genealogical convention where _bên_ ("son") could signify a "descendant" or "successor" within the royal line, even if not a direct biological offspring. Alternatively, it could be a textual simplification emphasizing the transfer of royal authority within the same family branch. Regardless, Zedekiah's inclusion marks the final king of Judah before the devastating Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 3:16, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is far from a dry list of names; it is a purposeful literary construct designed to serve several profound theological, historical, and communal functions for the chronicler's post-exilic audience. It meticulously establishes identity, validates claims to land and heritage, and, most importantly, traces the unbroken lineage of the Davidic kings, thereby affirming the enduring nature of God's covenant promises. The **Conciseness** of the verse is another notable feature; it packs significant historical and genealogical information into just a few words, capturing a critical moment in the royal succession leading directly to the exile. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the phrase "his son" (even with the historical nuance concerning Zedekiah) emphasizes the concept of direct lineage and succession, reinforcing the idea of a continuous, though troubled, royal line that God sovereignly preserved.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Despite its seemingly dry, genealogical nature, 1 Chronicles 3:16 holds profound theological significance. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, even amidst the darkest period of Judah's history—the impending Babylonian exile. The meticulous preservation of this royal lineage, even through kings whose reigns were marked by unfaithfulness and led to national catastrophe, underscores God's sovereign control over history and His unyielding commitment to His long-term redemptive plan. It reminds the post-exilic community, and believers today, that God's promises are not contingent on human perfection or political stability but on His immutable divine character. This verse is a vital link in the unbreakable chain that ultimately points to the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in the Messiah, demonstrating God's consistent work across generations to bring about His ultimate purposes.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Enduring Covenant with David")
* [Jeremiah 22:24-30](/jeremiah/22-24 "Jeremiah 22:24-30 - Prophecy Against Coniah (Jehoiachin)")
* [Matthew 1:11](/matthew/1-11 "Matthew 1:11 - Jesus' Genealogy Through Jeconiah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 3:16, though a mere two clauses in a long genealogy, serves as a powerful reminder of God's steadfastness through generations, even when human leadership falters and national fortunes decline. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's overarching, sovereign plan for history and for our individual lives. Just as God meticulously preserved the lineage of David, ensuring the eventual coming of the Messiah despite periods of unfaithfulness and judgment, so too does He work providentially in our own lives, guiding us even through periods of difficulty, uncertainty, and apparent brokenness. This verse invites us to reflect on the importance of our spiritual heritage, the legacy of faith passed down through generations, and how we are called to be faithful links in that chain for those who come after us. It challenges us to see God's hand at work not just in grand, miraculous interventions, but also in the subtle, consistent unfolding of His purposes through ordinary lives and seemingly mundane details, reminding us that every detail of our lives is held within His faithful hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's faithfulness to His promises, even through periods of judgment and exile, encourage you in difficult times or when facing uncertainty?**
* **What does the meticulous preservation of this seemingly brief genealogical detail reveal about God's sovereign oversight of history and His commitment to His long-term plans?**
* **In what ways can we recognize and value the "genealogies" or spiritual lineages that have shaped our own faith journey, and how are we called to contribute to that legacy for future generations?**

### FAQ

**Why are genealogies so important in Chronicles, especially this brief one?**

Answer: Genealogies in Chronicles served multiple crucial purposes for the post-exilic community to whom the book was addressed. They helped to re-establish their identity as God's covenant people, affirmed tribal land rights upon their return from exile, and, most importantly, legitimized the unbroken royal line of David, from which the promised Messiah was to come. This particular verse, though brief, is vital because it meticulously traces the direct succession of kings leading up to the devastating Babylonian exile, reinforcing the continuity of God's covenant with David even through periods of severe judgment and apparent discontinuity. It underscores the chronicler's profound belief that God's promises endure despite human failure and national catastrophe, providing a foundation of hope for the future.

**Who exactly was Zedekiah in relation to Jehoiakim? The verse says "his son."**

Answer: This is a point of historical and textual nuance within the biblical narrative. While 1 Chronicles 3:16 states "Zedekiah his son" (referring to Jehoiakim), historical accounts and other biblical texts (e.g., [2 Kings 24:17](/2_kings/24-17 "2 Kings 24:17 - Zedekiah Appointed King by Nebuchadnezzar")) clearly indicate that Zedekiah was Jehoiakim's brother, not his biological son. Both Jehoiakim and Zedekiah were sons of King Josiah (as listed in [1 Chronicles 3:15](/1_chronicles/3-15 "1 Chronicles 3:15 - Sons of Josiah")). The chronicler's use of "his son" for Zedekiah in 1 Chronicles 3:16 is likely a broader genealogical usage of the Hebrew word _bên_ (son), which can also mean "descendant" or "successor" within the royal line, particularly when emphasizing the transfer of authority within the same ruling family. The chronicler's primary concern here is likely the continuity of the Davidic royal house rather than strict biological parentage in every instance.

**How does this verse connect to the New Testament?**

Answer: This seemingly obscure verse forms a crucial and indispensable link in the genealogical chain that leads directly to Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's intricate and sovereign plan unfolding through history. Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin) is explicitly named in the genealogy of Jesus presented in the Gospel of Matthew ([Matthew 1:11](/matthew/1-11 "Matthew 1:11 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Despite the prophecy in Jeremiah that Jeconiah would have no descendant sitting on the throne of David ([Jeremiah 22:30](/jeremiah/22-30 "Jeremiah 22:30 - Prophecy Against Coniah's Descendants")), God's promise of an eternal Davidic dynasty was fulfilled not through a direct *throne* successor from Jeconiah, but through his biological lineage that ultimately culminated in Jesus. Jesus, the true Son of David, fulfills the Davidic covenant perfectly, reigning as King from a heavenly throne, thereby demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises even through unexpected means.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 3:16, though seemingly a mere historical record of a failing monarchy, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of the Davidic lineage through kings like Jehoiakim, Jeconiah, and Zedekiah, even amidst judgment and exile, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant with David")). Despite the apparent end of the Davidic monarchy with the Babylonian Captivity, and even the prophetic curse on Jeconiah's direct *throne* descendants ([Jeremiah 22:30](/jeremiah/22-30 "Jeremiah 22:30 - Prophecy Against Coniah's Descendants")), God sovereignly ensured the biological line continued. This seemingly broken chain was precisely the one through which the Messiah, the true Son of David, would come. Both Matthew's ([Matthew 1:11](/matthew/1-11 "Matthew 1:11 - Genealogy of Jesus")) and Luke's ([Luke 3:27](/luke/3-27 "Luke 3:27 - Genealogy of Jesus")) genealogies include Jeconiah, demonstrating that Jesus is the legitimate heir to David's throne, not through earthly succession, but through divine appointment and perfect fulfillment. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the King of kings and Lord of lords whose kingdom will have no end ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Thus, this brief genealogical entry, far from being an isolated historical note, is a vital thread in the grand tapestry of redemptive history, pointing directly to the eternal reign of Christ.

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.

Cross-References

2 Kings 24:6

So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.

Matthew 1:11

And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:

Jeremiah 22:24

[As] I live, saith the LORD, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence;

2 Kings 24:8

¶ Jehoiachin [was] eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother's name [was] Nehushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem.

2 Kings 24:17

And the king of Babylon made Mattaniah his father's brother king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.

Jeremiah 22:28

[Is] this man Coniah a despised broken idol? [is he] a vessel wherein [is] no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?

1 Chronicles 3:15

And the sons of Josiah [were], the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.