The Hebrew name Kilʼâb, represented by H3609, is translated as Chileab. The name is defined as "restraint of (his) father." This name appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire biblical text, identifying a specific individual in the lineage of King David.
The sole appearance of Kilʼâb is in the context of listing the sons of David who were born in Hebron. The verse identifies him explicitly as David's second son, born to Abigail, who had been the wife H802 of Nabal the Carmelite 2 Samuel 3:3. This places him in the royal line between Amnon, the firstborn, and Absalom, the third son.
Several related words in the surrounding text help establish Kilab's identity and familial context:
- H4932 mishneh (a second): This word is used to specify Kilab's birth order, stating he was the "second" son born to David 2 Samuel 3:3. It defines his rank within the family structure.
- H802 ʼishshâh (wife): This term identifies the status of Kilab's mother, Abigail, in relation to her former husband Nabal 2 Samuel 3:3.
- H1121 bên (a son): This word appears in the same verse to identify Absalom as a "son," establishing the theme of patriarchal lineage that defines the passage 2 Samuel 3:3.
- H1323 bath (a daughter): Used to describe Absalom's maternal lineage, this word clarifies that his mother Maacah was the "daughter" of King Talmai, further detailing the royal family's connections 2 Samuel 3:3.
The significance of H3609 is tied directly to its role in the royal genealogy of Israel.
- Royal Lineage: As the second son of King David, Kilab was part of the line of succession. His inclusion in this list is a matter of historical and genealogical record 2 Samuel 3:3.
- Maternal Heritage: His identity is linked to his mother, Abigail, a notable figure in her own right. The text specifically recalls her past as the wife of Nabal 2 Samuel 3:3.
- Defined by Position: The use of H4932 to mark him as the "second" son is the primary descriptor given to him, highlighting the importance of birth order in David's family.
In summary, Kilʼâb H3609 is the name of a specific person, Chileab, whose presence in the Bible is confined to a single genealogical record. While the name's meaning is "restraint of (his) father," its biblical significance is purely historical, documenting him as the second son of King David and Abigail. His mention solidifies a key detail in the early family structure of Israel's most prominent king.
TRV