1 Chronicles 3:8

KJV

And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elishama {H476}, and Eliada {H450}, and Eliphelet {H467}, nine {H8672}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elishama, Elyada and Elifelet.

Berean Standard Bible

Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet—nine in all.

American Standard Version

and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:8 concludes a specific enumeration of King David's sons born to him in Jerusalem, listing Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet, and summing the total to nine. This verse is an integral part of the extensive genealogies that open the book of 1 Chronicles, serving to meticulously document the lineage of David, thereby affirming the legitimacy of the Davidic dynasty and establishing the historical framework for God's covenant promises concerning his royal line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 3:8 is situated within the lengthy genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 1-9, which serve as the foundational historical and theological introduction to the book. Specifically, this verse belongs to the section detailing the descendants of David (1 Chronicles 3:1-24), with 1 Chronicles 3:1-9 focusing on David's sons. The preceding verses (1 Chronicles 3:1-4) list sons born in Hebron, while 1 Chronicles 3:5-8 enumerate those born in Jerusalem. Verse 8 acts as the culmination of this list of Jerusalem-born sons (excluding those by Bathsheba mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:5), providing a numerical summary that underscores the completeness of the record. These genealogies are not mere lists but function as a theological narrative, establishing continuity from creation to the post-exilic community and validating the claims of the Davidic monarchy and the priestly lines.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were far more than simple family trees; they were vital legal and social documents. They established tribal identity, land inheritance rights, eligibility for priestly service, and, crucially for this passage, the legitimacy of the monarchy. For the post-exilic community, to whom 1 Chronicles was primarily addressed, these records provided a link to their past, affirming their identity as God's covenant people and their rightful claim to the land and the promises given to David. The detailed listing of David's sons born in Jerusalem, his capital, emphasizes the establishment and flourishing of his royal household, a tangible sign of God's blessing and the fulfillment of the promise that his house would be enduring. The specific count of "nine" highlights the meticulous record-keeping tradition, reflecting the importance placed on precision in these vital documents.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes evident in 1 Chronicles 3:8 and its immediate context include **Genealogical Precision** and **Divine Faithfulness to Covenant**. The meticulous naming and counting of David's sons underscore the Chronicler's commitment to accurate historical record-keeping, which serves a theological purpose: to demonstrate God's precise and faithful working through generations. This precision reinforces the reliability of God's promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant found in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), which guarantees an enduring dynasty for David. The inclusion of these names, even seemingly mundane, speaks to God's active involvement in human history, preserving the lineage through which the ultimate King, the Messiah, would one day come. The sheer number of David's sons also subtly highlights the **Royal Proliferation** and the establishment of a robust royal household, signifying the strength and stability of his kingdom in Jerusalem, as detailed throughout [1 Chronicles 3](/1_chronicles/3 "1 Chronicles 3 - David's Descendants").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elishama (Hebrew, _ʾĔlîšāmāʿ_):** Meaning "My God has heard" or "God hears." This name, appearing twice in 1 Chronicles 3 (vv. 6 and 8), suggests the possibility of two different sons bearing the same name, a common practice in ancient times, or perhaps a textual variant. Regardless, the name itself carries a theological weight, reflecting a family's acknowledgment of God's attentiveness and responsiveness.
* **Eliada (Hebrew, _ʾĔlyādāʿ_):** Meaning "God knows" or "God has known." Similar to Elishama, this name points to a recognition of God's omniscient nature and His intimate knowledge of human affairs. It underscores a divine awareness that permeates the very fabric of the Davidic lineage.
* **Eliphelet (Hebrew, _ʾĔlîpelet_):** Meaning "My God is deliverance" or "God is escape." This name, also appearing twice in 1 Chronicles 3 (vv. 6 and 8), speaks to a profound experience of divine rescue or salvation. It serves as a reminder of God's power to deliver, a theme central to Israel's history and the broader narrative of redemption.
* **Nine (Hebrew, _tišʿāh_):** This numerical summation is crucial. It concludes the list of sons born in Jerusalem (excluding the four by Bathsheba in 1 Chronicles 3:5), indicating that Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet are the final three of the nine unique sons listed in 1 Chronicles 3:6-8. This precise count emphasizes the meticulous nature of the record and its authoritative claim regarding the completeness of this particular subset of David's progeny.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet":** This clause lists the final three names in a series of David's sons born in Jerusalem, following the six names given in 1 Chronicles 3:6-7. The repetition of "and" (waw-consecutive) links these names as part of a continuous enumeration. These names, as discussed in Key Word Analysis, carry individual theological significance, reflecting the family's faith and experience of God. Their inclusion here ensures a comprehensive record of David's royal offspring.
* **"nine":** This single word provides a numerical summary for the entire list of sons presented in 1 Chronicles 3:6-8. It confirms that the preceding names (Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, Eliphelet) total nine distinct individuals, excluding the four sons born to Bathsheba (who are listed separately in 1 Chronicles 3:5). This precise count reinforces the accuracy and completeness of the genealogical record, which was vital for establishing the legitimacy and continuity of the Davidic line.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 3:8, and indeed in the broader genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles, is **Genealogy** itself, functioning as a structured narrative. The Chronicler employs **Enumeration** and **Listing** to meticulously record the lineage, providing a precise count ("nine") to emphasize completeness and accuracy. The names themselves, such as Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet, are examples of **Theophoric Names**, which incorporate a divine element (El, meaning God), subtly embedding theological statements about God's character and involvement within the very identity of David's descendants. This repetitive naming convention highlights the importance of divine connection within the royal line. The overall effect of these devices is to establish a sense of historical continuity and divine purpose, grounding the narrative in a verifiable past and pointing towards a future fulfillment of God's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 3:8, though a seemingly dry list of names, is profoundly theological. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His faithfulness in preserving the lineage through which His redemptive plan would unfold. The very act of recording these names and their precise number demonstrates that God's promises are not abstract but are anchored in concrete historical realities and specific individuals. This verse contributes to the overarching theme of the Davidic Covenant, showing the proliferation of David's house as a testament to God's blessing and commitment to establish his kingdom forever. It reminds us that even in the seemingly mundane aspects of life, God is at work, orchestrating events and preserving lines for His ultimate purposes.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David") - God's promise to David of an enduring house and kingdom, fulfilled through his descendants.
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") - The comprehensive genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back through David, demonstrating the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - The Importance of Genealogies in the Restoration") - Illustrates the practical importance of genealogies for the restored community in establishing identity and rights.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple enumeration of names, 1 Chronicles 3:8 invites us to reflect on the profound significance of God's faithfulness and His intricate involvement in human history. It reminds us that every detail, every individual, and every generation plays a part in God's grand narrative. Just as God meticulously preserved David's lineage for His redemptive purposes, He is intimately involved in the details of our lives, orchestrating circumstances and relationships for His glory. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when parts of it seem obscure or merely "listed." It challenges us to see our own lives and family histories as part of a larger divine story, recognizing that our heritage, while not defining our worth, connects us to a legacy of God's faithfulness. Ultimately, it points us to the enduring promise of a King who would come from this very line, whose reign is eternal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 3:8, challenge our perception of what is "important" in God's Word?**
* **In what ways does God's faithfulness to David's lineage encourage us to trust in His promises for our own lives, even when they seem distant or delayed?**
* **How can understanding our own family history or spiritual heritage deepen our appreciation for God's ongoing work through generations?**

### FAQ
**Why are there variations in the names of David's sons when compared to other biblical accounts (e.g., 2 Samuel 5:14-16)?**

Answer: Variations in biblical genealogies are common and can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, ancient Hebrew names often had multiple forms or spellings, or individuals might have been known by different names at various points in their lives. Secondly, some variations might arise from scribal transmission over centuries, where minor errors or different textual traditions emerged. Thirdly, the purpose of each list could differ; for example, one list might focus on sons who survived to adulthood, while another might include those who died young. In the case of [1 Chronicles 3:6-8](/1_chronicles/3-6 "1 Chronicles 3:6-8 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem") and [2 Samuel 5:14-16](/2_samuel/5-14 "2 Samuel 5:14-16 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem"), the Chronicler's list is generally more comprehensive, and names like Elishama and Eliphelet appear twice, possibly indicating different sons with the same name or a textual nuance that has been preserved. The overall intent, however, remains consistent: to establish the legitimate lineage of David.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 3:8, a seemingly dry genealogical entry, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The meticulous preservation of David's lineage, culminating in the precise count of his sons, serves as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His Davidic Covenant, promising an eternal throne and kingdom through David's descendant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). Every name listed, including Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet, forms a vital link in the chain that ultimately leads to the Messiah. The New Testament genealogies of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ") confirm that Jesus is indeed the "Son of David," the rightful heir to the throne, fulfilling centuries of prophecy. Thus, this verse, far from being an isolated historical detail, is a foundational piece in the grand narrative of redemption, underscoring God's sovereign plan to bring forth the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), from the very lineage so carefully recorded in the Old Testament.

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

1 Chronicles 14:7

And Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphalet.

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.