1 Chronicles 3:4

KJV

[These] six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.

KJV (with Strong's)

These six {H8337} were born {H3205} unto him in Hebron {H2275}; and there he reigned {H4427} seven {H7651} years {H8141} and six {H8337} months {H2320}: and in Jerusalem {H3389} he reigned {H4427} thirty {H7970} and three {H7969} years {H8141}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Six were born to David in Hevron. He ruled there seven years and six months; then he ruled in Yerushalayim thirty-three years.

Berean Standard Bible

These six sons were born to David in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months. And David reigned in Jerusalem thirty-three years,

American Standard Version

six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months. And in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:4 succinctly outlines key biographical and chronological details of King David's reign, specifically noting the birth of his first six sons in Hebron, the duration of his initial rule from that city, and the subsequent, longer period of his kingship from Jerusalem. This verse, embedded within a comprehensive genealogical record, serves to underscore the precise progression of David's royal ascendancy and the foundational establishment of his family, both pivotal elements in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and the lineage leading to the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is meticulously positioned within [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - David's Descendants"), a chapter exclusively dedicated to enumerating the sons of King David and meticulously tracing the royal line through Solomon down to the post-exilic period. Immediately preceding [1 Chronicles 3:4](/1_chronicles/3-4 "1 Chronicles 3:4 - David's Sons and Reign"), verses 1-3 explicitly name the six sons born to David in Hebron: Amnon, Daniel (also called Chileab), Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah, and Ithream. These preceding verses establish the individuals, and verse 4 then provides the crucial chronological and geographical context for their births and David's early kingship. The Chronicler's profound emphasis on genealogy serves to affirm the unwavering continuity of God's covenant promises, particularly the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), to a post-exilic community yearning for assurance of their heritage and future hope. The detailed record of the royal lineage is foundational for understanding the legitimacy and divine appointment of the kings of Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The designation of Hebron as David's initial capital is profoundly significant from a historical perspective. Following Saul's death, David was anointed king over Judah in Hebron, as recorded in [2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King in Hebron"), where he reigned for "seven years and six months." This period was characterized by a divided kingdom, with Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, reigning over the northern tribes. The birth of David's first six sons in Hebron reflects the early establishment of his royal family in the heart of his initial tribal support. His subsequent strategic move to Jerusalem, which he courageously conquered from the Jebusites and famously renamed the "City of David" (cf. [2 Samuel 5:6-7](/2_samuel/5-6-7 "2 Samuel 5:6-7 - David Conquers Jerusalem")), marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history. Jerusalem swiftly became the unified capital of all Israel, both politically and spiritually, especially after David brought the Ark of the Covenant there. His "thirty and three years" in Jerusalem completed his total reign of 40.5 years, a period of remarkable stability, strategic expansion, and profound consolidation for the nascent Israelite monarchy. The practice of polygamy, by which David had multiple wives and sons, was a common custom among ancient Near Eastern monarchs, often serving to secure alliances and ensure a large, robust lineage.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of David's sons and the distinct phases of his reign in [1 Chronicles 3:4](/1_chronicles/3-4 "1 Chronicles 3:4 - David's Sons and Reign") contribute to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Chronicles. Foremost among these is the enduring **Davidic Covenant**, wherein God promised David an eternal dynasty and an everlasting kingdom (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The detailed lineage presented in [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - David's Descendants"), including the specific mention of David's sons and the precise duration of his reign, serves to affirm God's unwavering faithfulness to this profound promise, despite the challenges and personal failings that would later emerge within David's family and the subsequent royal line. Another crucial theme is **Royal Succession and Legitimacy**, as the Chronicler meticulously traces the line of kings to establish the rightful heirs to the throne, a matter of paramount importance for the post-exilic community's understanding of their heritage and future hope. Furthermore, the verse highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Historical Progression**, demonstrating that God orchestrates historical events and political transitions, from the fragmented beginnings of David's reign in Hebron to its unified zenith in Jerusalem. This progression also underscores the **Centrality of Jerusalem** as the divinely chosen capital and spiritual heart of Israel, a theme that resonates powerfully throughout Chronicles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hebron (Hebrew, _Chebrôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "association" or "league," Hebron was a profoundly significant city in Judah, deeply rooted in patriarchal history as a burial place for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For David, it served as his initial capital, symbolizing the tribal and regional phase of his kingship before the eventual unification of Israel. Its mention here anchors the early, foundational period of David's reign to a historically and geographically pivotal location.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim'_):** Often interpreted as "foundation of peace" or "possession of peace," Jerusalem became David's permanent capital after he strategically conquered it from the Jebusites. This city rapidly transformed into the political and spiritual epicenter of all Israel, representing the consolidated and significantly expanded phase of David's kingdom. Its prominence in the verse highlights the pivotal transition and remarkable growth of David's reign, marking a new era for the nation.
* **Reigned (Hebrew, _mâlak'_):** This primitive root verb signifies "to be king," "to rule," or "to exercise royal power." Its repeated use in the verse emphatically emphasizes the establishment and active execution of David's kingship, meticulously distinguishing between his initial, partial reign over Judah and his later, full reign over a united Israel. It powerfully underscores the divine appointment and active, sovereign leadership of David throughout these distinct phases.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[These] six were born unto him in Hebron;":** This clause directly refers back to the specific list of David's first six sons enumerated in [1 Chronicles 3:1-3](/1_chronicles/3-1-3 "1 Chronicles 3:1-3 - David's Sons Born in Hebron") (Amnon, Daniel/Chileab, Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah, and Ithream). It precisely establishes the geographical context for their births, linking them inextricably to David's initial capital and the nascent period of his reign. This detail is critically important for accurately tracing the royal lineage and understanding the foundational family dynamics from the very beginning of David's kingship, highlighting the early establishment of his dynastic line.
* **"and there he reigned seven years and six months:":** This clause precisely specifies the duration of David's rule from Hebron. This period of seven and a half years marks the initial, transitional phase of his kingship, during which he was recognized as king only by the tribe of Judah. It highlights a time of political division and strategic consolidation before he was universally acknowledged and anointed as king over all Israel. The meticulous precision of this timeframe underscores the Chronicler's profound attention to historical detail and accuracy.
* **"and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.":** This final clause denotes the much longer and significantly more impactful period of David's reign, when he ruled over a unified Israel from his newly established and divinely chosen capital, Jerusalem. This phase represents the zenith of his earthly kingdom, characterized by extensive military expansion, sophisticated administrative organization, and the profound establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political center of the nation. The sum of these two distinct periods (7.5 + 33 = 40.5 years) aligns perfectly with the traditional and widely accepted duration of David's entire reign, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of his rule.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices in [1 Chronicles 3:4](/1_chronicles/3-4 "1 Chronicles 3:4 - David's Sons and Reign") to convey its profound message efficiently and effectively. **Conciseness** is paramount, as the verse expertly compresses a significant span of David's life and reign—including the birth of six sons and two distinct periods of kingship—into a single, remarkably compact statement. This brevity is a characteristic hallmark of genealogical summaries found throughout Chronicles, which often distill extensive narratives from Samuel and Kings into essential facts. The verse also utilizes a clear **Chronological Structure**, moving seamlessly from the initial period in Hebron to the subsequent, much longer reign in Jerusalem, thereby meticulously mapping the progression and strategic expansion of David's kingdom. This chronological ordering profoundly aids the reader in understanding the gradual development and consolidation of David's power and influence. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Juxtaposition** between the "seven years and six months" in Hebron and the "thirty and three years" in Jerusalem. This striking contrast powerfully highlights the transformative transition from a fragmented, regional rule to a unified, national monarchy, underscoring the remarkable growth and divinely guided consolidation of David's reign under God's sovereign providence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Chronicles 3:4](/1_chronicles/3-4 "1 Chronicles 3:4 - David's Sons and Reign"), though appearing as a seemingly dry genealogical and chronological note, is profoundly significant for its deep theological implications. It powerfully underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The precise recording of David's sons and the exact duration of his reign in different capitals demonstrates that God actively works through historical processes and specific individuals to bring about His divine plan. This verse is not merely historical trivia but a foundational stone in the grand biblical narrative, affirming the unbroken continuity of the Davidic line through whom the promised Messiah would ultimately come. It profoundly reassures the reader that even in the midst of human transitions, political shifts, and personal failings, God's overarching purpose for His people and the establishment of His eternal kingdom remains steadfast and unshakeable. The Chronicler's emphasis on this divinely preserved lineage would have been particularly encouraging and reassuring to the post-exilic community, reminding them of their rich heritage and the enduring nature of God's promises despite their challenging present circumstances.

* [2 Samuel 5:4-5](/2_samuel/5-4-5 "2 Samuel 5:4-5 - David's Reign in Hebron and Jerusalem")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While [1 Chronicles 3:4](/1_chronicles/3-4 "1 Chronicles 3:4 - David's Sons and Reign") presents historical facts about King David's reign, its underlying message offers profound and timeless insights for our own lives. It powerfully reminds us that God's plans often unfold in deliberate stages, requiring immense patience, unwavering faithfulness, and adaptability through various transitions. David's initial "Hebron" period, though shorter and more localized, was absolutely crucial for preparing him for the larger, unified "Jerusalem" phase of his kingship. Similarly, our own lives often involve periods of humble beginnings, quiet preparation, or limited influence that serve as foundational training grounds for future responsibilities and broader impact. God's meticulous recording of these precise details in Scripture assures us that every season of our lives, even those that may seem less significant or more challenging, is an integral part of His sovereign and perfect design. Our faithfulness and diligence in the smaller, initial stages prepare us for the greater callings and responsibilities He has for us, and God's unwavering faithfulness to David's lineage assures us of His steadfast commitment to His promises in our lives. We are profoundly called to trust His timing and process, knowing with certainty that He is orchestrating every single detail for His ultimate glory and our profound good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the "Hebron" periods of our lives, marked by beginnings or limitations, prepare us for future "Jerusalem" callings and greater responsibilities?**
* **In what specific ways does God's meticulous attention to historical detail in Scripture encourage your trust in His overarching and perfect plan for your life?**
* **How does understanding the progression of David's reign from fragmented to unified inform your patience and perseverance in waiting for God's divine timing in your own circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why does Chronicles focus so much on genealogies?**

Answer: Genealogies were absolutely crucial for establishing identity, confirming land inheritance rights, validating priestly service, and, most importantly, establishing the legitimate royal line in ancient Israel. This was especially vital for the post-exilic community to whom the book of Chronicles was primarily addressed. They served to powerfully affirm the continuity of God's covenant promises, particularly the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness across countless generations. By meticulously tracing the lineage, the Chronicler aimed to profoundly reassure the returning exiles of their rightful place within God's covenant people and to highlight the unbroken, divinely preserved line leading directly to the promised Messiah. For example, the detailed list of David's sons and his reign lengths in [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - David's Descendants") underscores the legitimacy and divine endorsement of the Davidic dynasty and God's enduring commitment to His promise of an eternal throne.

**What is the significance of the specific reign lengths mentioned?**

Answer: The "seven years and six months" in Hebron (also noted in [2 Samuel 2:11](/2_samuel/2-11 "2 Samuel 2:11 - David's Reign in Hebron")) highlights the initial, fragmented stage of David's reign, where he was king only over the tribe of Judah. This period represents a crucial time of political transition and strategic consolidation. The "thirty and three years" in Jerusalem (also found in [2 Samuel 5:5](/2_samuel/5-5 "2 Samuel 5:5 - David's Reign in Jerusalem")) signifies the much longer, unified reign over all Israel, marking the profound consolidation of his kingdom and the establishment of Jerusalem as the national capital and spiritual heart. The precision of these numbers underscores the historical accuracy and divine ordering of David's ascent to full kingship, powerfully demonstrating God's sovereign hand in establishing and expanding his kingdom in distinct, purposeful stages.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Chronicles 3:4](/1_chronicles/3-4 "1 Chronicles 3:4 - David's Sons and Reign"), by meticulously detailing David's lineage and the progression of his reign, inherently and powerfully points forward to the ultimate and perfect fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. David's earthly kingdom, though glorious and divinely appointed, was nevertheless temporary, limited by human flaws, and marked by internal challenges, as tragically evidenced by the strife within his own family. Yet, God's profound promise to David in the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant") was of an eternal throne and an enduring, everlasting dynasty. This promise finds its perfect, complete, and everlasting fulfillment in Jesus, who is repeatedly and emphatically identified throughout the New Testament as the "Son of David" (e.g., [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ"); [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, Son of David")). David's reign, beginning in Hebron and culminating in Jerusalem, beautifully foreshadows Christ's two comings: His first advent, a humble and often overlooked beginning much like David's initial reign, where He established the spiritual foundation of His kingdom; and His second advent, when He will fully and gloriously establish His eternal reign from the New Jerusalem, taking up His rightful throne as King of kings and Lord of lords (cf. [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord"); [Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, this seemingly simple verse about David's family and reign becomes a vital, divinely inspired link in the grand, unfolding narrative of redemption, pointing with profound certainty to the true and eternal King whose kingdom will indeed have no end.

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 5:4

David [was] thirty years old when he began to reign, [and] he reigned forty years.

2 Samuel 5:5

In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.

2 Samuel 2:11

And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

1 Kings 2:11

And the days that David reigned over Israel [were] forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 5:14

And these [be] the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,

2 Samuel 5:16

And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.

1 Chronicles 29:27

And the time that he reigned over Israel [was] forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three [years] reigned he in Jerusalem.