1 Chronicles 3:24

KJV

And the sons of Elioenai [were], Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani, seven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Elioenai {H454} were, Hodaiah {H1939}, and Eliashib {H475}, and Pelaiah {H6411}, and Akkub {H6126}, and Johanan {H3110}, and Dalaiah {H1806}, and Anani {H6054}, seven {H7651}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Elyo'einai: Hodavyahu, Elyashiv, P'layah, 'Akuv, Yochanan, D'layah and 'Anani - seven.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani—seven in all.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Delaiah, and Anani, seven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:24 concludes a meticulous genealogical record within the book of 1 Chronicles, specifically detailing the seven sons of Elioenai, a significant figure in the post-exilic continuation of King David's royal lineage. This verse, seemingly a simple listing of names, serves as a quiet but profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving the promised Davidic dynasty, even through periods of national upheaval and exile, thereby maintaining the thread of Messianic hope for future generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very end of 1 Chronicles chapter 3, which is entirely devoted to the descendants of King David. Chapters 1-9 of 1 Chronicles are primarily genealogical, meticulously tracing tribal lineages from Adam, with a particular emphasis on the tribe of Judah and the royal Davidic line. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 3:1-23) detail David's sons born in Hebron and Jerusalem, followed by the lineage through Solomon down to the post-exilic period. Elioenai's family represents the latest generation recorded in this chapter, emphasizing the ongoing existence of the Davidic line even after the Babylonian exile and the cessation of the monarchy. The placement of this verse at the chapter's close provides a sense of completion for this specific branch of the genealogy, while simultaneously pointing to the continued, albeit humble, preservation of the royal seed.
* **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, after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. For this community, establishing and affirming their identity was paramount. Genealogies were not merely historical records but vital documents that confirmed tribal affiliation, land rights, priestly qualifications, and, crucially, the continuity of the Davidic covenant. The meticulous listing of names, even those of figures like Elioenai who lived centuries after the monarchy's fall, underscored the belief that God's promises to David (as found in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")) were still active and being fulfilled. The returnees needed assurance that their heritage and future were secure, and these genealogies provided that foundational stability in a period of rebuilding and re-establishment.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 3:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it highlights the **Continuity of the Davidic Covenant**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the royal line despite the exile and the apparent end of the monarchy. The very existence of Elioenai's descendants proves that the promise of a perpetual dynasty was not forgotten. Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Lineage and Identity** for the post-exilic community, providing a tangible link to their past, their land, and their divine calling. The careful record-keeping reflects a deep reverence for history and a belief that every individual, no matter how seemingly obscure, plays a part in God's grand narrative. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, this verse, like all Davidic genealogies, subtly nurtures the **Anticipation of the Messiah**. For the original audience, the unbroken chain of David's descendants, however humble, kept alive the hope for the ultimate King who would fulfill all covenant promises, a hope that resonates through passages like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign") and [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elioenai (Hebrew, _'Eliyoeinay'_):** This name is highly significant, meaning "unto Yahweh are my eyes" or "my eyes are toward the Lord." It beautifully encapsulates a posture of dependence, hope, and faithful expectation in God. For a family living in the challenging post-exilic period, this name would have served as a constant reminder of where their true hope and focus should lie, looking to God for sustenance, guidance, and the fulfillment of His promises amidst national rebuilding and uncertainty.
* **Seven (Hebrew, _sheva'_):** The number seven frequently carries symbolic weight in the Bible, representing completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. In the context of listing Elioenai's sons, "seven" might subtly emphasize the robust and complete nature of this particular branch of the Davidic family, suggesting a divinely ordained fullness or blessing upon their lineage, even in a time when the Davidic kingdom itself was in abeyance. It provides a sense of closure and wholeness to this specific family unit within the broader genealogy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Elioenai [were]":** This opening clause introduces the specific family unit being detailed. It immediately connects back to the preceding verses which have been tracing the Davidic line, positioning Elioenai as a direct descendant. The "were" (implied in the Hebrew) simply serves to list those who followed him in the lineage.
* **"Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani":** This is the core of the verse, a precise enumeration of the seven individuals who comprised Elioenai's direct male offspring. Each name, though largely unknown to us outside this list, represents a distinct life and a continuation of the Davidic seed. Their inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of the record-keeping and the importance of every link in the genealogical chain.
* **"seven.":** This concluding word explicitly states the total number of sons listed. It functions as a summary count, confirming the completeness of the enumeration and, as noted in the Key Word Analysis, potentially carrying symbolic significance regarding the fullness or perfection of this family branch.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 3:24, and indeed throughout chapters 1-9 of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is a systematic recording of ancestry, crucial for establishing identity, rights, and divine promises in ancient Israel. The meticulous listing of names, including those of seemingly minor figures, highlights the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and the preservation of the sacred record. Closely related is **Enumeration**, the explicit counting of items, in this case, the seven sons. This device provides precision and a sense of completeness. Furthermore, the number "seven" itself can be seen as an instance of **Symbolism**, where a specific number carries a deeper theological meaning beyond its literal quantity, often signifying completeness or divine order in biblical contexts. The use of these devices underscores the theological purpose of the text: to affirm God's faithfulness through the unbroken, divinely ordered continuation of the Davidic line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 3:24, though a mere list of names, serves as a quiet yet powerful theological statement. It stands as a testament to God's meticulous and unwavering faithfulness in preserving the Davidic covenant. Despite the exile, the destruction of the temple, and the loss of the monarchy, God ensured that the lineage from which the promised Messiah would come remained intact. This verse reminds us that God's promises are not dependent on human circumstances or political fortunes but on His sovereign will and eternal purpose. It instills confidence in God's reliability, demonstrating that even through generations of obscurity, His grand plan for redemption continues to unfold, ensuring that the seed of David will endure until its ultimate fulfillment.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Enduring Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Oath to David")
* [Jeremiah 33:17](/jeremiah/33-17 "Jeremiah 33:17 - The Promise of a Davidic King")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often values fame, power, and immediate impact, 1 Chronicles 3:24 offers a profound counter-narrative. It reminds us that God's work often unfolds through generations, through seemingly ordinary lives, and in ways that are not always immediately visible or celebrated. The inclusion of names like Hodaiah and Anani, about whom we know nothing else, underscores that every individual, regardless of their perceived significance, plays a part in God's sovereign plan. This verse invites us to trust in God's overarching faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak or when our own contributions feel small. It encourages patience, perseverance, and a deep reliance on God's long-term purposes, knowing that He is meticulously working out His will through the tapestry of human history, caring for every thread.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous preservation of genealogies in Scripture, even seemingly "boring" ones, speak to God's character and His attention to detail in His plan?**
* **What comfort or challenge does it provide to know that God works through generations, often using ordinary people in quiet ways, to fulfill His grand purposes?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to trust God's faithfulness over long periods, even when immediate results are not apparent?**

### FAQ
**Why are there so many genealogies in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Genealogies in the Bible serve several crucial purposes, particularly in books like 1 Chronicles. They establish identity and lineage, which was vital for tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and priestly service in ancient Israel. For the post-exilic community, these records were essential for re-establishing their place in the land and their connection to God's covenant promises. More profoundly, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving specific lines, most notably the Davidic line, through which the Messiah was promised to come. They provide a historical framework, showing the continuity of God's plan across generations, ensuring that the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David were demonstrably maintained, leading ultimately to Jesus Christ (as seen in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 3:24, with its seemingly mundane list of names, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of the Davidic line, through figures like Elioenai and his seven sons, was not an end in itself but a divinely orchestrated means to an end: the arrival of the promised King, the Messiah. Every name in this genealogy, however obscure, represents a link in the chain that leads directly to Jesus. He is the "son of David" (as proclaimed in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), the one in whom the Davidic covenant finds its eternal and perfect realization. The promise to David that his "throne shall be established forever" ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Promise to David")) is fulfilled not in an earthly kingdom, but in Christ's eternal spiritual reign. He is the ultimate heir of David's throne, the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who takes away the sin of the world, and the King whose kingdom will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Thus, 1 Chronicles 3:24 is a silent witness to God's faithfulness, pointing forward through the centuries to the one who would ultimately redeem humanity and establish an everlasting kingdom.

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.