1 Chronicles 14:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 14:7 mean?

1 Chronicles 14:7 lists three names: Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphalet. These are sons of David, mentioned as part of a record of his family in Jerusalem.

This verse is part of a genealogy section where the writer of 1 Chronicles is documenting the children born to King David after he became king in Jerusalem. The focus is on establishing David’s family line, which was significant for the history and leadership of Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 14:7

• אֱלִישָׁמָע (Elishama): This name means "God has heard." It reflects a common theme in Hebrew names where God’s actions or attributes are remembered.
• בְּעֶלְיָדָע (Beeliada): This name can be understood as "Baal knows" or "the Lord knows." In some manuscripts, this name appears as Eliada, which means "God knows," possibly reflecting a shift away from the use of "Baal" in Israelite names.
• אֱלִיפָלֶט (Eliphalet): This name means "God is deliverance" or "God delivers." It is another example of a name expressing trust in God’s saving power.

Why 1 Chronicles 14:7 matters

• The verse helps clarify the family structure of King David during his reign in Jerusalem, which is important for understanding the royal lineage.
• The names themselves reflect the faith and religious culture of ancient Israel, showing how parents expressed their beliefs through their children’s names.
• This list connects to the broader narrative by showing the growth of David’s house and setting the stage for later developments in Israel’s history, including the succession of kings.