1 Chronicles 3:22

KJV

And the sons of Shechaniah; Shemaiah: and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Shechaniah {H7935}; Shemaiah {H8098}: and the sons {H1121} of Shemaiah {H8098}; Hattush {H2407}, and Igeal {H3008}, and Bariah {H1282}, and Neariah {H5294}, and Shaphat {H8202}, six {H8337}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Sh'khanyah: Sh'ma'yah and the sons of Sh'ma'yah - Hatush, Yig'al, Bariach, Ne'aryah and Shafat - six.

Berean Standard Bible

The six descendants of Shecaniah were Shemaiah and his sons: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Shecaniah: Shemaiah. And the sons of Shemaiah: Hattush, and Igal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:22 meticulously continues the genealogical record of King David's royal lineage, specifically detailing the descendants through Shechaniah. This verse precisely lists Shechaniah's son, Shemaiah, and then enumerates five of Shemaiah's sons by name—Hattush, Igeal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat—concluding with the explicit count "six" to underscore the accuracy and completeness of this vital family record. It serves as a testament to the unbroken continuity of the Davidic line, a crucial element for the post-exilic community in establishing identity and anticipating the fulfillment of divine promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within [1 Chronicles chapter 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - The Descendants of David"), which is entirely devoted to the comprehensive genealogy of King David's royal descendants. Following extensive tribal genealogies in previous chapters, Chapter 3 narrows its focus to the house of David, tracing his sons and their subsequent generations. This particular verse, [1 Chronicles 3:22](/1_chronicles/3-22 "1 Chronicles 3:22 - Shemaiah's Sons"), is part of a longer section ([1 Chronicles 3:17-24](/1_chronicles/3-17-24 "1 Chronicles 3:17-24 - Descendants of Jeconiah")) that details the post-exilic descendants of King Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin), a crucial link in the Davidic line after the Babylonian exile. The meticulous naming and numbering within this chapter, including the "six" in verse 22, underscore the Chronicler's intent to provide a precise and unbroken record of the royal lineage, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises even through periods of national upheaval.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around 450-400 BC, for the community that had returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. For this restored community, genealogies were not mere lists; they were foundational documents. They served multiple critical functions: establishing tribal identities and land rights, validating priestly legitimacy for service in the rebuilt temple, and, most significantly for the Davidic line, confirming the unbroken continuity of the royal covenant. The precise naming of individuals, even those not prominent in historical narratives, provided a tangible link to their heritage and a basis for hope in the future fulfillment of God's promises, particularly the promise of an eternal Davidic throne found in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Covenant with David"). The meticulous nature of records like [1 Chronicles 3:22](/1_chronicles/3-22 "1 Chronicles 3:22 - Shemaiah's Sons") would have been vital for a community seeking to re-establish its identity and legitimacy in the land.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed enumeration in [1 Chronicles 3:22](/1_chronicles/3-22 "1 Chronicles 3:22 - Shemaiah's Sons") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Continuity of God's Promises**. Even amidst the devastation of exile and the challenges of return, these meticulous lists assure the reader that God remained faithful to His covenant with David, painstakingly preserving his royal line through numerous generations. Secondly, the inclusion of specific names, even those seemingly obscure, highlights **Divine Providence in Detail**. It underscores God's meticulous oversight of history and His personal attention to each individual within His grand redemptive plan. Every person, regardless of their historical prominence, had their place in God's unfolding story, pointing towards the ultimate heir of the Davidic throne. Finally, the precise naming and counting ("six") emphasize **Historical Accuracy and Legitimacy**. This level of detail reinforces the reliability of the biblical record and its importance for establishing legitimate claims to heritage and position within the restored community, echoing the careful genealogical records found elsewhere, such as in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The Return from Exile and Genealogies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shechaniah (Hebrew, _Shᵉkanyâh'_):** From Strong's H7935, meaning "Jah has dwelt." In the context of a genealogy, this name subtly points to God's enduring presence and faithfulness within the lineage of David. The very name suggests divine involvement in the continuation of this crucial family line, even through generations that might seem obscure or challenging.
* **Shemaiah (Hebrew, _Shᵉmaʻyâh'_):** From Strong's H8098, meaning "Jah has heard." This name also carries a theological resonance, implying God's attentiveness to His people and His covenant. It suggests that the continuation of this line is not accidental but a result of divine hearing and response to His own promises, reinforcing the theme of God's active involvement in human history.
* **six (Hebrew, _shêsh'_):** From Strong's H8337, a primitive number. The explicit numerical count "six" at the end of the verse is not merely a tally but an emphatic statement of completeness and precision. In ancient genealogies, such exact enumeration served to confirm the thoroughness and accuracy of the record, reinforcing its authority and trustworthiness for establishing lineage and inheritance. It speaks to the Chronicler's meticulous approach and the divine ordering of history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Shechaniah; Shemaiah:"** This clause establishes the immediate link in the genealogical chain, identifying Shemaiah as the direct descendant of Shechaniah. It provides the foundational connection from which the subsequent generation branches out, maintaining the flow of the Davidic lineage and underscoring the precise tracing of the family line.
* **"and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat,"** This is the core of the verse, listing five specific names of Shemaiah's sons. The enumeration of these individuals, though they are not prominent figures in other biblical narratives, highlights the meticulous nature of the record and the importance of each link in the chain for demonstrating continuity and the divine preservation of the Davidic line.
* **"six."** The concluding word, "six," serves as a precise numerical confirmation of the number of Shemaiah's sons listed. This emphatic count reinforces the accuracy and completeness of the genealogical entry, ensuring that the record is perceived as reliable and authoritative for the community relying on these lineages for identity and hope in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Chronicles 3:22](/1_chronicles/3-22 "1 Chronicles 3:22 - Shemaiah's Sons"), and indeed throughout much of the early chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a structured literary form designed to establish lineage, legitimacy, and historical continuity. In Chronicles, the genealogies serve to root the post-exilic community in their past, reminding them of God's covenant faithfulness, particularly to the house of David. The device of **Enumeration** is also prominent, with the explicit mention of "six" sons. This precise counting emphasizes the meticulousness of the record-keeping and reinforces the authenticity and reliability of the lineage. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of the phrase "and the sons of..." creates a rhythmic pattern that underscores the unbroken succession of generations, reinforcing the theme of divine preservation of the Davidic line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 3:22](/1_chronicles/3-22 "1 Chronicles 3:22 - Shemaiah's Sons"), despite its seemingly dry enumeration of names, is deeply significant for its theological and thematic connections. It serves as a tangible demonstration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, especially the Davidic covenant which guaranteed an eternal dynasty. The meticulous preservation of this lineage, even through periods of national decline and exile, underscores God's sovereignty over history and His commitment to His word. It reminds the reader that God works through seemingly ordinary individuals and obscure details to accomplish His grand redemptive plan. The very existence of such precise records would have been a source of immense hope and assurance for the returning exiles, confirming their identity as God's people and their place within His ongoing story of salvation.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the modern reader, a verse like [1 Chronicles 3:22](/1_chronicles/3-22 "1 Chronicles 3:22 - Shemaiah's Sons"), filled with unfamiliar names and numerical counts, might initially seem distant or irrelevant. However, it offers profound spiritual insights and practical applications. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous care and faithfulness, not just to a nation or a royal line, but to every detail of His grand plan. Just as God painstakingly preserved the lineage of David through seemingly obscure individuals like Hattush, Igeal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, He remains faithful to His promises across generations and through all circumstances, even when our own lives feel insignificant or unrecorded. This verse invites us to consider that every life, though seemingly small or unheralded in the grand scheme of history, plays a vital part in God's overarching narrative. Our existence, our struggles, our triumphs, and our very names are known to God and fit into His divine purposes. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that He is working out His plans with precision and unwavering commitment, even in the "boring" details of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like this one, challenge our perception of what is "important" or "significant" to God?**
* **In what ways do these ancient records affirm God's faithfulness to His promises across generations, even when circumstances seem bleak or the future uncertain?**
* **How can understanding our place within God's larger story, even if our "name" isn't prominently listed in scripture, encourage us in our daily walk and sense of purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so important in the Bible, especially in books like Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible are far more than mere lists of names; they serve crucial theological, historical, and legal functions. For the post-exilic community to whom Chronicles was addressed, these records were vital for re-establishing identity, land rights, and tribal affiliations after the disruption of exile. They confirmed who belonged to which family or tribe, which was essential for inheritance and social order. Most significantly, genealogies, particularly the Davidic line, demonstrated God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. They provided an unbroken link to the past, assuring the people that God had preserved the lineage through whom the Messiah would come. This was especially important for the Davidic dynasty, as seen in the detailed records of [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - Register of Those Who Returned") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Those Who Returned"), which helped confirm the legitimacy of those returning to rebuild Judah.

**Do the names listed in 1 Chronicles 3:22 have any special significance?**

Answer: While individual Hebrew names often carry meanings (e.g., Shemaiah means "Yah has heard"), the primary significance of the names in [1 Chronicles 3:22](/1_chronicles/3-22 "1 Chronicles 3:22 - Shemaiah's Sons") is not their individual etymological meaning for a general audience, but their collective role in demonstrating the continuity and accuracy of the Davidic lineage. The importance here lies in the fact *that* these names are recorded and counted ("six"), rather than a deep theological insight derived from each specific name. Their inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's record-keeping, validating the unbroken chain of descent from David, which was crucial for the theological and historical claims of the post-exilic community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Chronicles 3:22](/1_chronicles/3-22 "1 Chronicles 3:22 - Shemaiah's Sons"), like all the genealogies in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While seemingly a dry list of names, this verse is a vital thread in the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive history, meticulously preserving the lineage through which the promised Messiah would eventually come. The Davidic covenant, explicitly promising an eternal throne and kingdom to David's descendant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")), is precisely what these genealogies meticulously track. Every name, including Hattush, Igeal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, represents a link in the chain that ultimately leads to Jesus. The New Testament genealogies in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") confirm Jesus's direct descent from David, fulfilling the ancient prophecies. He is the "son of David" ([Romans 1:3](/romans/1-3 "Romans 1:3 - Jesus, Descendant of David")) and the "Root and the Offspring of David" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Descendant of David")), the true and eternal King whose kingdom will have no end. Thus, [1 Chronicles 3:22](/1_chronicles/3-22 "1 Chronicles 3:22 - Shemaiah's Sons"), in its detailed preservation of the Davidic line, points forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate heir and fulfillment of all God's promises.

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 8:2

Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.