1 Chronicles 3:19

KJV

And the sons of Pedaiah [were], Zerubbabel, and Shimei: and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Pedaiah {H6305} were, Zerubbabel {H2216}, and Shimei {H8096}: and the sons {H1121} of Zerubbabel {H2216}; Meshullam {H4918}, and Hananiah {H2608}, and Shelomith {H8019} their sister {H269}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of P'dayah: Z'rubavel and Shim'i. The children of Z'rubavel: Meshulam, Hananyah and Shlomit their sister;

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei. The children of Zerubbabel:

American Standard Version

And the sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel, and Shimei. And the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam, and Hananiah; and Shelomith was their sister;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:19 meticulously records a vital segment of the Davidic royal lineage, specifically detailing the sons of Pedaiah, including the pivotal figure of Zerubbabel, and then enumerating Zerubbabel's own children: Meshullam, Hananiah, and their sister Shelomith. This concise verse serves as a crucial genealogical link, affirming the continuity of the promised Davidic dynasty through the challenging period of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent return, highlighting God's faithfulness in preserving the royal line from which the Messiah would ultimately descend.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 3:19 is situated within the extensive genealogical records that dominate the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, specifically within the lineage of David (chapters 3-9). Chapter 3 meticulously traces the descendants of King David, beginning with his sons born in Hebron and Jerusalem, through the Solomonic line, and continuing into the period of the Babylonian exile. Verses 17-18 list the sons of King Jeconiah (Jehoiachin), the last reigning king of Judah before the exile, and then introduce Shealtiel and Pedaiah. Verse 19 then presents Zerubbabel as the son of Pedaiah, directly connecting the post-exilic leader to the royal Davidic line that endured through the national catastrophe. This precise placement underscores the Chronicler's primary concern: to demonstrate the unbroken continuity of God's covenant promises to David, even amidst apparent national collapse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, possibly in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE, for the returning Jewish community in Judah. For this community, establishing identity, land claims, and the legitimacy of religious and political leadership was paramount. Genealogies were not mere historical curiosities; they were legal and theological documents. They affirmed tribal affiliations, validated priestly and Levitical roles, and, most critically for the Davidic line, provided assurance that God's covenant promises remained intact despite the destruction of the temple and the monarchy. Zerubbabel, mentioned here, was a key figure during this time, serving as governor of Judah under Persian rule and leading the rebuilding of the Second Temple, a monumental task detailed in the books of [Ezra](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Temple Foundation") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer"). His inclusion in this royal genealogy solidified his authority and his connection to Israel's divinely ordained past.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader genealogical section, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully asserts the **Continuity of the Davidic Covenant**. Despite the exile and the apparent end of the monarchy, God's promise to David of an eternal dynasty (as seen in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")) is shown to persist through Zerubbabel. His presence in this lineage is a tangible sign that God's faithfulness ensures beyond human failure. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Post-Exilic Restoration**. Zerubbabel's leadership was instrumental in the physical and spiritual rebuilding of Judah, particularly the reconstruction of the Temple ([Haggai 1:14](/haggai/1-14 "Haggai 1:14 - Zerubbabel and Joshua begin work")). His inclusion here acts as a beacon of hope, reminding the returning exiles that God was actively working to restore His people. Finally, the meticulous preservation of this lineage implicitly points to the **Messianic Hope**. For the Chronicler's audience, the unbroken Davidic line was a testament to God's ultimate plan to send the promised Messiah, a descendant of David, who would fully establish His eternal kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pedaiah (Hebrew, _Pᵉdâyâh'_):** This name, meaning "Jah has ransomed," carries significant theological weight, especially in the post-exilic context. While the precise genealogical relationship of Pedaiah to Zerubbabel is debated among scholars (with some texts identifying Zerubbabel as Shealtiel's son), the name itself subtly points to God's redemptive work. It suggests the divine act of "ransoming" or "delivering" His people from the Babylonian exile, a theme central to the hope of the returning community.
* **Zerubbabel (Hebrew, _Zᵉrubbâbel'_):** Meaning "descended of (i.e. from) Babylon" or "born there," this name directly links the prominent leader to the place of Israel's captivity. Despite being born in exile, Zerubbabel became the divinely appointed governor who led the first wave of returnees and spearheaded the rebuilding of the Second Temple. His name encapsulates the paradox of God's faithfulness: even amidst judgment and displacement, God preserved a "seed" of hope and leadership for His people, demonstrating His enduring commitment to His covenant.
* **Shelomith (Hebrew, _Shᵉlômîyth'_):** This name, meaning "peaceableness," is noteworthy for its inclusion of Zerubbabel's daughter in a typically patriarchal genealogy. While not unprecedented, the specific mention of a daughter can indicate her prominence, perhaps due to her marriage, her influence, or simply to complete the family record. Her name itself, "peaceableness," resonates with the profound longing for shalom, or comprehensive peace and well-being, that characterized the post-exilic community striving for restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Pedaiah [were], Zerubbabel, and Shimei":** This opening clause establishes the immediate lineage, explicitly naming Zerubbabel as a son of Pedaiah. This is a crucial detail given that other biblical texts (e.g., [Ezra 3:2](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2 - Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel")) refer to Zerubbabel as the son of Shealtiel, who is listed as Pedaiah's brother in 1 Chronicles 3:17-18. The Chronicler's presentation here may reflect a specific genealogical tradition, a levirate marriage, or a legal adoption, but its primary intent is to firmly place Zerubbabel within the legitimate Davidic succession, ensuring his authority as a leader of the post-exilic community is rooted in his royal heritage. Shimei is listed as his brother, though less is known about him.
* **"and the sons of Zerubbabel; Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sister":** This second clause continues the direct line of Zerubbabel, listing his immediate offspring. The inclusion of Meshullam and Hananiah ensures the continuation of the male line, which was crucial for the perpetuation of the Davidic dynasty and the ongoing hope for the Messiah. The specific mention of "Shelomith their sister" is notable in a typically patrilineal genealogy. While the exact reason for her inclusion is not explicitly stated, it may signify her importance within the family or community, perhaps through marriage or influence, or simply to provide a complete and accurate record of Zerubbabel's direct descendants.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 3:19, as in much of the opening chapters of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a highly purposeful literary and theological construct. The meticulous recording of lineages serves to establish legitimacy, confirm identity, and, most importantly for the Davidic line, demonstrate the unbroken continuity of God's covenant promises. The precise sequence of names, linking Zerubbabel directly to the royal house, functions as a powerful affirmation that God's plan for Israel, centered on the Davidic dynasty, was still active despite the exile. Furthermore, the selection and arrangement of these names create a sense of **Continuity and Succession**, reinforcing the idea that the divine blueprint for Israel's future was being faithfully executed through specific individuals across generations. Zerubbabel himself functions as a **Symbol** of post-exilic restoration and hope, his very presence in this line pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical entry carries profound theological weight, serving as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. By meticulously tracing the Davidic line through the exilic period and into the time of restoration with Zerubbabel, the Chronicler reassures his audience that God's plan for Israel, and specifically for the Davidic dynasty, remained intact despite national judgment and apparent collapse. It underscores the truth that God works through history, preserving a remnant and a lineage, to bring about His ultimate redemptive purposes. The inclusion of Zerubbabel, a key figure in the rebuilding of the Temple, signals God's active involvement in the restoration of His people and the re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem. This continuity of the Davidic line, even when the monarchy was absent, kept alive the hope for the ultimate King, the Messiah, who would fully and eternally fulfill the promises made to David.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Haggai 2:20-23](/haggai/2-20-23 "Haggai 2:20-23 - Zerubbabel as God's Signet Ring")
* [Zechariah 4:6-10](/zechariah/4-6-10 "Zechariah 4:6-10 - The Spirit and Zerubbabel's Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 3:19 appears as a dry list of names, its profound spiritual implications for believers today are immense. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's purposes are meticulously woven through the fabric of history, often in ways that are not immediately apparent to those living through challenging times. Just as God preserved the Davidic line through the tumultuous period of exile, ensuring the eventual arrival of the Messiah, so too does He faithfully work in our lives, even amidst our own seasons of brokenness, uncertainty, or waiting. This verse encourages us to trust in God's long-term plan, to recognize His sovereignty over generations, and to find hope in His ability to restore and rebuild what seems lost. It calls us to see ourselves as part of a larger, ongoing narrative of God's redemptive work, reminding us that our individual lives, like the names in this genealogy, contribute to His grand design for humanity. We are invited to participate in His faithfulness, knowing that He is always at work, bringing about His promised future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous preservation of this ancient genealogy strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak?**
* **Considering Zerubbabel's role in rebuilding after destruction, what areas in your life or community might God be calling you to participate in His work of restoration?**
* **How does understanding your place within God's continuous story, as revealed through Scripture, impact your sense of identity and purpose today?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 3:19, so important?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies are far more than mere historical records; they serve crucial theological and practical purposes. For the ancient Israelites, they established tribal identity, confirmed land inheritance, validated priestly and Levitical roles, and, most importantly, demonstrated the continuity of God's covenant promises. In the case of the Davidic line, the genealogies in books like 1 Chronicles were essential for affirming the legitimacy of the royal house and preserving the hope for the Messiah, who was prophesied to come from David's lineage (e.g., [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Root of Jesse")). They underscore God's meticulous work through history, showing how He faithfully orchestrates events and preserves individuals to fulfill His overarching redemptive plan.

**What was Zerubbabel's main role and why is he so significant?**

Answer: Zerubbabel was a pivotal figure in the post-exilic period, serving as the governor of Judah under Persian rule. His primary significance lies in his leadership of the first wave of Jewish exiles returning from Babylon and, most notably, his instrumental role in the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. He laid the foundation of the Temple ([Ezra 3:8-13](/ezra/3-8-13 "Ezra 3:8-13 - Laying the Temple Foundation")) and oversaw its completion despite significant opposition ([Ezra 5:1-2](/ezra/5-1-2 "Ezra 5:1-2 - Prophets Encourage Rebuilding")). As a direct descendant of King David, his leadership symbolized the restoration of God's presence among His people and the rekindling of the Davidic hope for a future king. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah specifically encouraged him in his work, highlighting his divine appointment ([Haggai 1:1](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1 - Haggai's Prophecy to Zerubbabel")).

**Why does 1 Chronicles 3:19 name Pedaiah as Zerubbabel's father, when other texts refer to Shealtiel?**

Answer: This is a point of scholarly discussion. While 1 Chronicles 3:19 states that Zerubbabel and Shimei were the sons of Pedaiah, other passages (e.g., [Ezra 3:2](/ezra/3-2 "Ezra 3:2 - Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel"), [Nehemiah 12:1](/nehemiah/12-1 "Nehemiah 12:1 - Priests and Levites Returning with Zerubbabel"), [Haggai 1:1](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1 - Haggai's Prophecy to Zerubbabel"), [Matthew 1:12](/matthew/1-12 "Matthew 1:12 - Jesus's Genealogy")) consistently refer to Zerubbabel as the son of Shealtiel. 1 Chronicles 3:17-18 lists Shealtiel and Pedaiah as brothers, both sons of King Jeconiah. Several theories attempt to reconcile this:
* **Levirate Marriage:** Pedaiah may have married Shealtiel's widow (if Shealtiel died childless) to raise up an heir for his brother, with Zerubbabel legally considered Shealtiel's son.
* **Adoption:** Pedaiah may have adopted Zerubbabel.
* **Scribal Variation/Alternative Tradition:** The Chronicler may have followed a different, yet legitimate, genealogical tradition.
* **Descent through Mother:** Zerubbabel might have been Shealtiel's son but also considered Pedaiah's son through a maternal link or a more complex family structure.
Regardless of the precise biological or legal relationship, the key theological point for the Chronicler remains Zerubbabel's undisputed place within the Davidic royal line, ensuring the continuity of the Messianic promise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preservation of the Davidic lineage in 1 Chronicles 3:19, particularly through the figure of Zerubbabel, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Zerubbabel, as the leader who spearheaded the rebuilding of the Temple after the exile, foreshadows Christ, who is the true and ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction and Resurrection")). Just as Zerubbabel was a "signet ring" in God's hand, chosen to rebuild and restore ([Haggai 2:23](/haggai/2-23 "Haggai 2:23 - Zerubbabel as God's Signet Ring")), so Christ is the chosen King, the promised Son of David, through whom God establishes His eternal kingdom. The genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, notably in [Matthew 1:12](/matthew/1-12 "Matthew 1:12 - Jesus's Genealogy from Zerubbabel") and [Luke 3:27](/luke/3-27 "Luke 3:27 - Jesus's Genealogy from Zerubbabel"), explicitly trace His ancestry back through Zerubbabel to David, confirming His legitimate claim to the Davidic throne. Thus, 1 Chronicles 3:19 is not just a historical record; it is a vital link in the unfolding divine narrative that culminates in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the eternal King who perfectly fulfills all of God's promises to David.

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

Ezra 2:2

Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

Haggai 2:2

Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,

Ezra 3:2

Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as [it is] written in the law of Moses the man of God.

Haggai 2:4

Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I [am] with you, saith the LORD of hosts:

Zechariah 4:6

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Zechariah 4:9

The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

Haggai 1:1

¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,