1 Chronicles 14:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 14:4 mean?

1 Chronicles 14:4 lists the names of the children born to King David while he was living in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. This verse simply records part of David's family line during his reign in Jerusalem.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to recount the history of Israel, with a focus on David and his descendants. In this verse, the writer is listing David’s sons by name, showing the growth of David’s family after he became king and settled in Jerusalem. The mention of these specific names, especially Solomon, sets the stage for later events in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 14:4

• "names" (שֵׁמוֹת, shemot): This word means "names" and highlights the importance of each individual listed, not just as a number but as a person with identity and significance.
• "children" (יָלַד, yalad): This word is often understood as "children" or "offspring," emphasizing that these were David’s biological sons born to him in Jerusalem.
• "Jerusalem" (יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם, Yerushalayim): The city is specifically named to show where these sons were born, marking a new chapter in David’s life and reign.
• The names "Shammua" (שַׁמּוּעַ, Shammua), "Shobab" (שׁוֹבָב, Shobab), "Nathan" (נָתָן, Nathan), and "Solomon" (שְׁלֹמֹה, Shlomo): Each name is given in Hebrew, and each son would play a different role in the unfolding story of David’s family and Israel’s future.

Why 1 Chronicles 14:4 matters

• This verse clarifies which of David’s children were born in Jerusalem, distinguishing them from those born earlier in Hebron, which helps track the royal lineage.
• The mention of Solomon is significant because he would later become king and build the temple, a central event in Israel’s history.
• Listing these names shows the fulfillment of God’s promise to David about his descendants and connects to the broader narrative of God working through David’s family.