1 Chronicles 3:9

KJV

[These were] all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister.

KJV (with Strong's)

These were all the sons {H1121} of David {H1732}, beside the sons {H1121} of the concubines {H6370}, and Tamar {H8559} their sister {H269}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All these were sons of David, apart from the sons of the concubines; Tamar was their sister.

Berean Standard Bible

These were all the sons of David, besides the sons by his concubines. And Tamar was their sister.

American Standard Version

All these were the sons of David, besides the sons of the concubines; and Tamar was their sister.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 3:9 serves as a concluding summary within the meticulous genealogies of David's royal lineage, specifically enumerating his children born in Jerusalem. This verse comprehensively accounts for all his male offspring from principal wives, explicitly distinguishes those born from concubines, and notably includes his daughter Tamar, thereby providing a complete, albeit succinct, record of David's immediate descendants. It underscores the Chronicler's commitment to a precise historical account, vital for establishing the continuity of the Davidic covenant and the future Messianic line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as the concluding summary statement for the enumeration of David's sons born in Jerusalem, which commenced in [1 Chronicles 3:5](/1-chronicles/3-5 "1 Chronicles 3:5 - David's Sons Born in Jerusalem"). Prior to this, the Chronicler meticulously detailed David's sons born in Hebron in [1 Chronicles 3:1-4](/1-chronicles/3-1-4 "1 Chronicles 3:1-4 - David's Sons Born in Hebron"). The broader literary framework is the extensive genealogical record spanning [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1-chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Saul"), which meticulously traces Israel's lineage from Adam, through the patriarchs and tribes, with particular emphasis on the royal line of David. It functions as a final, comprehensive accounting of David's direct offspring, ensuring no category of his children is overlooked in this vital historical and theological record. Its precision sets the stage for the subsequent narrative focus on the kingdom of Judah and the enduring Davidic dynasty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, genealogies were of paramount importance, serving as legal documents that established identity, tribal affiliation, land rights, and claims to leadership, especially the kingship. The Chronicler, writing primarily for a post-exilic community, meticulously preserved and emphasized these records to reconnect the returning exiles with their heritage and God's enduring promises, particularly the [Davidic Covenant](/2-samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David"). The mention of "concubines" reflects the accepted, albeit complex, polygamous family structures prevalent in the ancient Near East. Children born to secondary wives were legally recognized as part of the father's household, though their social standing, inheritance rights, or political influence might differ from those of principal wives. The inclusion of Tamar, David's daughter, is culturally significant as daughters were rarely named in such patriarchal genealogies unless their story held particular importance or notoriety, as hers tragically did in [2 Samuel 13](/2-samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - The Rape of Tamar").
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within the book of 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the **Completeness and Accuracy of God's Record**, demonstrating the Chronicler's meticulous attention to detail in preserving the lineage through which God's promises, specifically the Messianic hope, would be fulfilled. The phrase "all the sons of David" emphasizes this exhaustive approach, ensuring the integrity of the genealogical chain. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Faithfulness Amidst Human Imperfection**. David's family, despite its royal status, was marked by polygamy, tragedy, and sin, as vividly illustrated by Tamar's story in [2 Samuel 13:1-22](/2-samuel/13-1-22 "2 Samuel 13:1-22 - Amnon's Sin Against Tamar"). Yet, God's covenant with David, as articulated in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David"), remained steadfast, ensuring the continuity of the royal line despite human failings. Finally, the specific inclusion of Tamar emphasizes the **Significance of Individual Lives**, even those marked by suffering or scandal, within the larger divine narrative. Her presence in this otherwise male-dominated list serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and brokenness within the royal family that God nevertheless works through.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to build," signifies a son as a builder or perpetuator of the family name and lineage. In 1 Chronicles 3:9, it is used in its widest sense to encompass all male offspring of David, whether from principal wives or concubines. Its repeated use emphasizes the focus on male heirs for the continuation of the Davidic dynasty, which is central to the Chronicler's purpose in establishing the Messianic line.
* **Concubines (Hebrew, _pîylegesh'_):** This word refers to a secondary wife, distinct from a principal wife, whose status was often lower but whose children were legally recognized as part of the father's household and lineage. The explicit mention of "sons of the concubines" in 1 Chronicles 3:9 underscores the comprehensive nature of the Chronicler's genealogical record, ensuring that all of David's acknowledged offspring are accounted for, reflecting the social realities of polygamous practices among royalty in ancient Israel.
* **Tamar (Hebrew, _Tâmār'_):** Meaning "date palm," Tamar is David's daughter, whose singular mention in this male-dominated genealogy is highly significant. Her inclusion, despite the general omission of daughters in such lists, points to the profound impact of her story on David's family and the royal line. It serves as a stark and poignant reminder of the tragic events of [2 Samuel 13](/2-samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - The Rape of Tamar"), where she was violated by her half-brother Amnon, highlighting the Chronicler's commitment to presenting a full, unvarnished account of David's family, including its sorrows and scandals.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[These were] all the sons of David":** This opening clause functions as a comprehensive summary statement, referring back to the preceding lists of David's sons born in Hebron ([1 Chronicles 3:1-4](/1-chronicles/3-1-4 "1 Chronicles 3:1-4 - David's Sons in Hebron")) and Jerusalem ([1 Chronicles 3:5-8](/1-chronicles/3-5-8 "1 Chronicles 3:5-8 - David's Sons in Jerusalem")). The word "all" emphasizes the exhaustive nature of the record concerning his sons born to his principal wives, affirming the meticulous and complete scope of the genealogy.
* **"beside the sons of the concubines":** This phrase serves as a crucial clarification, indicating that while the primary list focused on sons from principal wives, David also fathered children through concubines. This distinction acknowledges the differing legal and social statuses of the mothers while unequivocally recognizing these children as legitimate members of David's lineage. It demonstrates the Chronicler's commitment to a full and accurate accounting of David's entire recognized offspring.
* **"and Tamar their sister":** The singular, explicit mention of Tamar is profoundly significant and highly unusual for patriarchal genealogies, where daughters are almost never named unless their story holds exceptional importance. Her inclusion here serves as a powerful and poignant reminder of the tragic events recounted in [2 Samuel 13](/2-samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - Tamar's Ordeal"), where she suffered a grievous violation by her half-brother Amnon. Her presence in this list, alongside her brothers, underscores the enduring impact of this trauma on David's family and the Chronicler's unflinching honesty in recording the complexities, brokenness, and human cost of sin within the royal line.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 3:9 employs several literary devices to convey its message with precision and depth. **Enumeration** is the foundational device of the entire chapter, with this verse serving as a concluding summary that reinforces the meticulous listing of David's offspring. The phrase "all the sons of David" highlights the Chronicler's commitment to **Inclusion** and comprehensiveness, assuring the reader of the exhaustive nature of the record. Furthermore, there is a clear **Juxtaposition** by explicitly separating "the sons of David" (from principal wives) from "the sons of the concubines," subtly highlighting the differing social statuses within David's extensive family. The unique and deliberate naming of "Tamar their sister" among a list predominantly composed of sons is a powerful instance of **Emphasis through Exception**. Her singular mention draws the reader's attention to her story, acting as a poignant **Allusion** to the tragic events of [2 Samuel 13](/2-samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - The Rape of Tamar") and underscoring the deep human brokenness and the lasting consequences of sin that permeated even the royal household.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple genealogical verse carries profound theological weight, revealing much about God's character and His redemptive plan. It demonstrates God's meticulous care in preserving the lineage of David, through whom the promised Messiah would come, underscoring the divine faithfulness to the [Davidic Covenant](/2-samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David") despite the complexities and imperfections of human families. The inclusion of concubines' sons and, most notably, Tamar, reveals the Bible's unflinching honesty about the realities of sin, polygamy, and tragedy even within the most sacred lines of descent. It reminds us that God's sovereign plan unfolds not through perfect people, but through flawed individuals and messy circumstances, yet His purposes remain steadfast. This verse thus serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises, working through the entirety of human history, with all its blemishes, to bring about His ultimate redemption.

* [Genesis 5:1](/genesis/5-1 "Genesis 5:1 - The Book of the Generations of Adam")
* [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")
* [Luke 3:23](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - The Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 3:9, though part of a genealogy, offers rich lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's grand narrative of redemption is deeply embedded in the real, often messy, stories of human families. David's lineage, despite its royal status, was marked by polygamy, sibling rivalry, and profound tragedy, as exemplified by Tamar's story. Yet, God faithfully preserved this line, demonstrating that His purposes are not thwarted by human sin or imperfection. For us, this means our own family histories, with all their joys, sorrows, triumphs, and failures, are part of a larger divine tapestry. We are called to acknowledge the full truth of our past, embracing both the blessings and the brokenness, trusting that God continues to work in and through our lives. This verse encourages us to find hope not in the perfection of our lineage or circumstances, but in the unwavering faithfulness of God, who can use even the most challenging aspects of our stories for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. It assures us that our imperfections do not disqualify us from God's plan, but rather highlight His grace and power to redeem.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Bible's honest portrayal of David's imperfect family, including Tamar's tragic story, challenge our expectations of "holy" or "perfect" lineages and our own self-perception?**
* **In what ways does this verse, by showing God's faithfulness through flawed people and difficult circumstances, encourage you about God's work in your own life or family history?**
* **What does the inclusion of "sons of concubines" and "Tamar their sister" teach us about the comprehensive nature of God's record and His attention to every individual within a lineage, regardless of their social standing or personal suffering?**

### FAQ

**Why are daughters rarely named in biblical genealogies, and why is Tamar an exception here?**

Answer: In ancient patriarchal societies, genealogies primarily traced the male line for purposes of inheritance, tribal affiliation, and royal succession. Daughters were typically not listed unless they played a unique or pivotal role in the narrative, often connected to a significant event or the continuation of a lineage through unusual circumstances (e.g., the daughters of Zelophehad in [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1-11 "Numbers 27:1-11 - Daughters of Zelophehad")). Tamar is a notable exception in 1 Chronicles 3:9 because her story, recounted in [2 Samuel 13](/2-samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - The Rape of Tamar"), was a profoundly tragic and scandalous event that had significant repercussions for David's family and the Davidic dynasty. Her explicit inclusion underscores the Chronicler's commitment to providing a full and unvarnished account of David's household, highlighting the brokenness and sin that existed even within the royal family. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of sin and the complexities of God's chosen lineage, even as God's faithfulness endures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 3:9 is a seemingly dry genealogical entry, it plays a crucial role in the overarching biblical narrative that culminates in Christ. By meticulously detailing the lineage of David, including all his recognized offspring, the Chronicler reinforces the divine promise of an enduring dynasty from which the Messiah would come ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). The inclusion of "sons of concubines" and the tragic figure of Tamar highlights that God's redemptive plan unfolds not through a perfect, untainted lineage, but through a real, often messy, human family marked by sin, polygamy, and suffering. This foreshadows the profound truth that Christ, the ultimate Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), would enter into the full reality of human brokenness. He took on flesh in a lineage that included both saints and sinners, kings and concubines, and even those touched by scandal, as seen in His own genealogy 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"). Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfills the Davidic covenant, not by avoiding human imperfection, but by entering into it and ultimately conquering sin and death, bringing true and lasting redemption to all who believe, regardless of their own imperfect family histories or pasts ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

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 13:1

¶ And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name [was] Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.

2 Samuel 13:20

And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he [is] thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.

2 Samuel 5:13

And David took [him] more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.