1 Chronicles 3:3

KJV

The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

The fifth {H2549}, Shephatiah {H8203} of Abital {H37}: the sixth {H8345}, Ithream {H3507} by Eglah {H5698} his wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the fifth, Sh'fatyah, whose mother was Avital; and the sixth, Yitre'am, whose mother was his wife 'Eglah.

Berean Standard Bible

the fifth was Shephatiah by Abital; and the sixth was Ithream by his wife Eglah.

American Standard Version

the fifth, Shephatiah of Abital; the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:3 is a concise yet significant entry within the extensive genealogies of David's sons, meticulously detailing "The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife." This verse, part of the Chronicler's post-exilic emphasis on the Davidic line, underscores God's faithfulness in preserving the royal lineage through which the promised Messiah would ultimately emerge, affirming the continuity of God's covenant promises despite historical disruptions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 3 is dedicated entirely to the lineage of King David, specifically listing his sons born in Hebron and then those born in Jerusalem. This chapter is strategically placed after the broader genealogies tracing from Adam through the patriarchs and tribes of Israel (Chapters 1-2), and before the detailed accounts of David's reign and the subsequent history of Judah. The Chronicler's primary purpose in compiling these lists was to establish the legitimate continuity of the Davidic dynasty and the priestly lines for the post-exilic community, reinforcing their identity and hope in God's enduring promises. Verse 3 continues the precise enumeration of David's sons, following the first four born in Hebron and preceding the subsequent sons born in Jerusalem, thus contributing to the comprehensive record of the royal family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written after the Babylonian exile, likely in the late 5th or early 4th century BCE, 1 Chronicles served as a theological and historical anchor for a community seeking to re-establish its identity and faith in the land. Genealogies were not mere lists; they were crucial legal and social documents that established tribal affiliations, land rights, inheritance, and eligibility for priestly or royal roles. The practice of polygamy, common among kings in the ancient Near East, is reflected in David's multiple wives and concubines, each contributing to his extensive progeny. The inclusion of the mothers' names—Abital and Eglah—though not always consistent in biblical genealogies, highlights their specific roles in bearing these sons and perhaps their status within David's household, adding a layer of detail that underscores the meticulous nature of the record.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, embedded within David's genealogy, contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Preservation of Lineage**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in maintaining the Davidic line, which was foundational to the covenant promise that a descendant of David would reign forever (see [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Promise to David")). Secondly, it reinforces the **Historical Accuracy and Detail** of biblical revelation, as the Chronicler's precise enumeration validates the historical claims of the Davidic dynasty and its future hope. Finally, these names contribute to the theme of the **Foundation of the Davidic Dynasty**, showing the early expansion of David's family, which would eventually lead to the establishment of the kingdom of Judah and, ultimately, the Messianic line. The careful recording of each son, even those less prominent in the broader narrative, underscores that every individual plays a part in God's grand, unfolding plan, leading to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, as seen in [Matthew's genealogy](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shephatiah (Hebrew, _Shəphaṭyāh_):** This name means "Yah has judged" or "Yah has defended." It is a theophoric name, incorporating a shortened form of the divine name Yahweh ("Yah"). Such names were common in ancient Israel, reflecting the parents' faith, a specific prayer, or a significant event surrounding the child's birth, acknowledging God's sovereignty and active involvement in human affairs.
* **Ithream (Hebrew, _Yitrəʿām_):** This name is typically interpreted as "abundance of people" or "advantage of the people." Like Shephatiah, it reflects a positive aspiration or observation, perhaps related to the growing strength and size of David's family and, by extension, his kingdom. The name suggests prosperity and communal benefit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital:"** This clause identifies Shephatiah as the fifth son born to David in Hebron. The inclusion of his mother, Abital, is significant. While David had many wives and concubines, the Chronicler specifies the mother for each of these Hebron-born sons, emphasizing the legitimacy and distinct identity of each branch of the royal lineage. Shephatiah is also mentioned in the parallel list in [2 Samuel 3:4](/2_samuel/3-4 "2 Samuel 3:4 - David's Sons Born in Hebron").
* **"the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife."** This clause names Ithream as the sixth and final son born to David in Hebron, specifying his mother as Eglah. The phrase "his wife" might suggest her particular status or simply serve to clearly distinguish her from other women in David's life. Some ancient traditions identify Eglah with Michal, Saul's daughter and David's first wife, suggesting she was the mother of Ithream after her return to David; however, the biblical text itself does not explicitly state this, and it remains a matter of scholarly debate. Ithream is also listed in [2 Samuel 3:5](/2_samuel/3-5 "2 Samuel 3:5 - David's Sons Born in Hebron").

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 3:3, and indeed throughout much of Chapters 1-9, is **Enumeration** and **Genealogy**. The meticulous listing of names, birth order, and parental relationships serves to establish a clear and unbroken lineage. This is not merely a historical record but a theological statement, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the promised Davidic line. The **Repetition** of the pattern "son of mother" (or "by mother his wife") provides a consistent structure that emphasizes the individual identity and legitimate parentage of each son. This detailed approach highlights the Chronicler's concern for historical accuracy and the divine order underlying the succession of the monarchy, reinforcing the idea that God works through specific individuals and their precise relationships to fulfill His overarching purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of names in 1 Chronicles 3:3 serves as a profound theological statement. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in preserving the lineage through which His covenant promises would be fulfilled. The very existence of these sons, born to David, is a tangible sign of the flourishing of the Davidic dynasty, which God had promised to establish forever. This careful documentation of the royal line was essential for the post-exilic community, providing assurance that the divine promise of a future king from David's house remained valid and active. It points to a God who works through generations, orchestrating human history to bring about His redemptive plan, culminating in the ultimate Son of David.

* [2 Samuel 3:5](/2_samuel/3-5 "2 Samuel 3:5 - David's Sons Born in Hebron")
* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Covenant Promise to David")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple enumeration of names, 1 Chronicles 3:3 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. Every detail, every life, and every lineage, no matter how seemingly insignificant, plays a part in His sovereign plan. This verse reinforces the certainty of God's promises; just as He meticulously preserved David's line to ensure the coming of the Messiah, so too can we trust that He is faithful to His word in our lives. It encourages us to see our own lives, our families, and our personal histories as part of God's larger narrative, trusting that He works through generations and through seemingly ordinary details to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Our seemingly small contributions or obscure positions are not overlooked by a God who counts every hair on our heads and knows the precise lineage of His chosen ones.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do biblical genealogies like this one affirm the faithfulness and meticulousness of God?**
* **What does it mean for our understanding of God's character that He pays such close attention to seemingly minor details like birth order and parentage?**
* **How can we apply the principle of God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in the preservation of David's line, to our own lives and present circumstances?**
* **In what ways might our own family histories or personal stories be part of God's larger, unfolding plan, even if we don't fully see it yet?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so detailed in 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: The detailed genealogies in 1 Chronicles, including 1 Chronicles 3:3, served multiple crucial purposes for the post-exilic community in Judah. They were vital for establishing tribal identities, confirming land rights, validating claims to priestly and Levitical service, and most importantly, affirming the legitimate continuity of the Davidic royal line. For a people returning from exile and rebuilding their nation, these records provided a foundational sense of identity, continuity with their past, and hope for the future, particularly concerning the [Messianic promise](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Everlasting Kingdom"). They underscored God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen lineage despite the disruptions of exile.

**Who were Abital and Eglah, and why are their names included?**

Answer: Abital and Eglah were two of David's wives, and their names are included in 1 Chronicles 3:3 as the mothers of Shephatiah and Ithream, respectively. Beyond their mention as mothers of these sons, the Bible provides very little specific information about them. The inclusion of mothers' names in genealogies is not universal in the Old Testament, but when present, it often serves to clearly identify the specific son and his lineage, especially in polygamous contexts where multiple sons might share the same father. Eglah is sometimes traditionally identified with Michal, Saul's daughter and David's first wife, based on some rabbinic interpretations, but the biblical text itself does not explicitly state this connection.

**Are the lists of David's sons consistent across different books of the Bible?**

Answer: Generally, the lists of David's sons are remarkably consistent across different books of the Bible, such as 1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel, and 2 Kings. Minor variations in spelling or the inclusion/exclusion of certain names can occur, often due to different scribal traditions, the specific purpose of the author, or the focus of the particular genealogy (e.g., sons born in Hebron vs. Jerusalem). For instance, 1 Chronicles 3:3 parallels [2 Samuel 3:4-5](/2_samuel/3-4 "2 Samuel 3:4-5 - David's Sons Born in Hebron") for the sons born in Hebron. These minor differences do not undermine the overall historical reliability but rather highlight the ancient methods of record-keeping and the specific theological or historical emphasis of each biblical author.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous recording of David's sons in 1 Chronicles 3:3, though seemingly a mere historical detail, serves as a crucial thread in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan, ultimately finding its profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This verse, along with the broader Davidic genealogy, testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with David, where He promised an eternal dynasty and an everlasting throne (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Every name, including Shephatiah and Ithream, represents a link in the unbroken chain that leads directly to the promised Messiah. The New Testament genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Jesus' Genealogy") explicitly trace Jesus' lineage back through David, confirming Him as the rightful heir to the Davidic throne. Thus, 1 Chronicles 3:3 is not just about ancient kings; it's a testament to the divine orchestration of history, ensuring that the [Son of David](/matthew/22-42 "Matthew 22:42 - Jesus, Son of David") would indeed come, fulfilling all the hopes and promises of Israel and establishing an eternal kingdom that transcends all earthly dynasties. Jesus is the ultimate "abundance of people" and the "defense" of His people, embodying the very meanings embedded in the names of David's sons, bringing about God's perfect judgment and salvation.

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 Samuel 3:5

And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.