1 Chronicles 14:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 14:5 mean?

1 Chronicles 14:5 lists three of David’s sons: Ibhar, Elishua, and Elpalet. This verse is part of a genealogy, simply recording the names of these children born to David in Jerusalem.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to document Israel’s history, and this section specifically lists David’s family after he became king in Jerusalem. The verse is not making a theological point but is preserving the names of David’s descendants, which was important for tracing lineage and understanding the royal family’s history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 14:5

• אִבְחָר (Ibhar, transliterated "Ibhar") means "He chooses" or "chosen." This name may reflect the hope or faith of David regarding his son's future.
• אֱלִישׁוּעַ (Elishua, transliterated "Elishua") means "God is salvation." This name expresses a common theme in Hebrew names, pointing to trust in God’s saving power.
• אֶלְפָּלֶט (Elpalet, transliterated "Elpalet") means "God is deliverance" or "God delivers." Like Elishua, this name highlights a belief in God’s ability to rescue or save.

Why 1 Chronicles 14:5 matters

• This verse helps clarify the family tree of King David, which is significant for later biblical stories and genealogies, including those that trace the ancestry of Jesus.
• The names themselves reflect the faith and values of the time, with each name pointing to qualities or actions attributed to God.
• By listing these sons, the chronicler emphasizes the establishment and growth of David’s house in Jerusalem, marking a key moment in Israel’s history.