1 Chronicles 3:21

KJV

And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Hananiah {H2608}; Pelatiah {H6410}, and Jesaiah {H3470}: the sons {H1121} of Rephaiah {H7509}, the sons {H1121} of Arnan {H770}, the sons {H1121} of Obadiah {H5662}, the sons {H1121} of Shechaniah {H7935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Hananyah: P'latyah and Yesha'yah. His son was Refayah. His son was Arnan. His son was 'Ovadyah. And his son was Sh'khanyah.

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Hananiah: Pelatiah, Jeshaiah, and the sons of Rephaiah, of Arnan, of Obadiah, and of Shecaniah.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah, and Jeshaiah; the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shecaniah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:21 meticulously records a segment of the post-exilic Davidic lineage, specifically detailing the descendants of Hananiah, a son of Zerubbabel. This verse, part of the broader genealogical record in 1 Chronicles, serves to affirm the unbroken continuity of the royal line of David, even after the Babylonian exile. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, preserving the lineage through which the Messiah was prophesied to come, thereby offering a profound message of hope and divine providence to a people returning to their land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 3 is dedicated entirely to the descendants of King David, beginning with his sons born in Hebron and Jerusalem, and then tracing the royal line through Solomon. The chapter progresses through the kings of Judah down to the Babylonian exile, and then, significantly, continues the lineage into the post-exilic period, culminating in the family of Zerubbabel. Verse 21 specifically follows the mention of Zerubbabel and his sons in [1 Chronicles 3:19-20](/1_chronicles/3-19 "1 Chronicles 3:19-20 - Zerubbabel's Descendants"), providing further generations of this crucial Messianic line. The meticulous listing of names, though seemingly dry, is central to the Chronicler's purpose of establishing continuity and legitimacy for the restored community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely written after the Babylonian exile, possibly in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE. For the returning exiles, establishing their identity, land rights, and tribal affiliations was paramount. Genealogies served as legal documents, proving one's heritage and connection to the covenant people. The emphasis on the Davidic line was particularly significant, as it spoke to the enduring nature of God's covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), even though the monarchy was not restored in the same way. The listing of names like Hananiah ("Yahweh has been gracious") and Pelatiah ("Yahweh delivers") reflects the post-exilic hope and gratitude for God's mercy amidst the challenges of rebuilding.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. First, it highlights **Genealogical Continuity**, demonstrating God's meticulous preservation of His chosen lines, especially the royal lineage from which the Messiah would spring. Second, it underscores **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**, particularly the Davidic Covenant, showing that even through national judgment and exile, God's word does not fail. The continuation of this line, despite the absence of a reigning king, was a beacon of hope. Finally, it builds **Messianic Anticipation**, as every name in this lengthy genealogy implicitly points towards the ultimate descendant, the one who would truly fulfill the promise of an eternal throne, a theme echoed in the New Testament's own genealogies of Jesus, such as in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hananiah (Hebrew, _Ḥănanyāh'_):** This name means "Yahweh has been gracious" or "Yahweh has shown favor." Its inclusion here is significant, as it reflects the prevailing sentiment among the post-exilic community. Despite the severe judgment of the exile, the very fact of their return and the continuation of the Davidic line was seen as a profound act of God's grace and faithfulness. The name itself becomes a theological statement, acknowledging divine mercy.
* **Shechaniah (Hebrew, _Šəḵanyāh'_):** Meaning "Yahweh has dwelt" or "Yahweh has caused to dwell," this name carries a powerful resonance for the returning exiles. It speaks to the hope of God's renewed presence among His people in the rebuilt temple and land. After a period of divine absence (or perceived absence) during the exile, the desire for God to "dwell" among them once more was central to their spiritual aspirations, making this name a symbol of restoration and divine immanence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah:"** This clause introduces the immediate descendants of Hananiah, emphasizing the direct continuation of the lineage. Hananiah, as noted, is a significant figure in the post-exilic line, being a son of Zerubbabel (though not explicitly stated in this verse, implied by the preceding context of [1 Chronicles 3:19-20](/1_chronicles/3-19 "1 Chronicles 3:19-20 - Zerubbabel's Descendants")). The names Pelatiah ("Yahweh delivers") and Jesaiah ("Yahweh is salvation") further reinforce the theme of divine intervention and hope for the future.
* **"the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah."** This subsequent phrase continues the enumeration of descendants, but the structure "the sons of X, the sons of Y" is slightly ambiguous. It could mean these are further descendants of Hananiah (perhaps through Pelatiah or Jesaiah), or it could indicate a more complex family structure where these individuals are also part of the broader post-exilic Davidic line, perhaps collateral branches or further generations from a common ancestor not explicitly named in this immediate sequence. Regardless of the precise genealogical relationship, the cumulative effect is to demonstrate the ongoing, multi-generational preservation of the Davidic line, ensuring its continuity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 3:21, and indeed throughout much of the book, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a dry list of names but a purposeful literary construct designed to establish legitimacy, continuity, and theological meaning. The meticulous enumeration serves to underscore the **Historicity** of the Davidic covenant and its enduring nature. The repetitive use of "the sons of" creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory effect, emphasizing the unbroken chain of descent. While not overtly symbolic, the very act of preserving these names carries **Symbolism** of divine faithfulness and the unfolding of God's plan through generations, even in times of national upheaval. The names themselves, as noted in the Key Word Analysis, often carry **Theological Significance**, functioning as miniature confessions of faith or expressions of hope for the future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 3:21, though a simple list of names, is profoundly theological. It stands as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant. Even after the devastating Babylonian exile, which might have led many to believe God had abandoned His people or His word, the Chronicler meticulously records the continuation of the royal line. This act of preservation demonstrates that God's plans are not thwarted by human failure or historical catastrophe. It assures the post-exilic community, and all subsequent generations, that the divine promise of an eternal king from David's lineage remains intact, pointing forward to its ultimate fulfillment.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Promise to David")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "The Everlasting Davidic Covenant")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Prophecy of the Davidic Messiah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane nature of a genealogical list like 1 Chronicles 3:21 offers surprisingly rich ground for reflection and application. It reminds us that God's grand redemptive plan often unfolds through seemingly ordinary individuals and in the quiet passage of generations. Just as each name in this lineage was vital to the unfolding of God's promise, so too does God meticulously weave together the lives of countless individuals throughout history to achieve His purposes. This verse encourages us to trust in God's long-term faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak or His promises appear delayed. It underscores that God is at work in the details, preserving His people and His truth across time, ensuring that His ultimate plan of salvation will come to fruition. Our own lives, no matter how small or insignificant they may feel, are part of this larger, unfolding divine narrative, called to contribute to His kingdom in our own generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous preservation of this genealogy speak to God's character and His commitment to His promises?**
* **In what ways might we, like the post-exilic community, need to be reminded of God's faithfulness amidst challenging or uncertain times?**
* **How does understanding God's attention to seemingly "small" details in Scripture encourage us in our own lives?**

### FAQ

**Why are these genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve multiple crucial purposes. First, they establish **legitimacy and identity**, particularly for tribal affiliations, land claims, and priestly or royal succession in ancient Israel. For the post-exilic community, as seen in 1 Chronicles, they were vital for re-establishing who belonged to the covenant people. Second, they demonstrate **historical continuity**, showing how God's plan unfolds across generations. Most significantly, they are critical for tracing the **Messianic line**, proving that Jesus Christ descended from the promised lineage of Abraham and David, thereby fulfilling ancient prophecies (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Jesus's Genealogy through Mary")). They underscore God's faithfulness in preserving His promises through history.

**What is the significance of the names mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:21?**

Answer: While the exact meaning of every name is not always certain, many Hebrew names carry significant meaning, often reflecting hope, circumstances, or theological truths. For instance, "Hananiah" means "Yahweh has been gracious," and "Pelatiah" means "Yahweh delivers." These names, particularly in a post-exilic context, would have served as powerful reminders of God's mercy, deliverance, and presence despite the nation's past failures and current challenges. They transform what might seem like a mere list into a series of mini-confessions of faith, emphasizing God's active involvement in the lives of His people and the continuation of His covenant promises through these individuals.

**How does this seemingly obscure verse connect to the broader narrative of salvation history?**

Answer: 1 Chronicles 3:21, like the entire Davidic genealogy, is a vital link in the chain of salvation history. It demonstrates God's meticulous preservation of the lineage from which the Messiah was prophesied to come. Despite the exile and the apparent end of the Davidic monarchy, God ensured the continuation of this line, proving His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "The Davidic Covenant")). This continuity is essential because the New Testament explicitly identifies Jesus as the "son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Jesus, Son of David")), confirming that He is the promised heir to David's throne, the one who will reign eternally. Thus, this verse, far from being obscure, is a crucial testament to God's precise and unwavering plan for redemption through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 3:21, a seemingly dry list of names, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. The entire purpose of the Davidic genealogy in 1 Chronicles is to meticulously trace the lineage through which God promised an eternal king. Despite the Babylonian exile and the subsequent absence of a reigning Davidic monarch, this verse, along with the preceding and following genealogies, testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the royal line. This preservation was not for its own sake, but for the ultimate arrival of the true King, Jesus Christ. The New Testament writers, particularly Matthew and Luke, go to great lengths to establish Jesus's Davidic descent, with [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Jesus, Son of David") explicitly calling Him "the son of David, the son of Abraham." Jesus is the promised "shoot from the stump of Jesse" ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "The Root of Jesse")), the one who inherits David's throne and reigns forever, not merely over Israel, but over all creation ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Jesus's Eternal Reign")). The obscure names of 1 Chronicles 3:21 are therefore part of the divine tapestry that meticulously wove together history to bring forth the Lamb of God, the King of Kings, who perfectly fulfills every promise and brings salvation to all who believe.

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

Nehemiah 10:22

Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,