Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 14:5 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 14:5

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 14:5 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

1 Chronicles 14:5 (KJV)