1 Chronicles 3:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 3:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 3:13 lists part of the royal family line of Judah, naming Ahaz, his son Hezekiah, and Hezekiah’s son Manasseh. This verse is part of a genealogy showing the succession of kings descended from David.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is recording the descendants of King David for the people of Israel, likely after the exile, to remind them of their royal heritage. By listing Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh, the verse connects key figures in Judah’s history, each of whom played a significant role in the nation’s story.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 3:13

• "son" (בֵּן, ben, H1121) appears repeatedly, emphasizing the direct father-to-son relationship and the unbroken line of descent. This word is central in Hebrew genealogies, marking each generational link.
• "Hezekiah" (חִזְקִיָּה, ḥizqiyyāh, H2396) means "Yahweh strengthens," which may remind readers of Hezekiah’s reputation as a faithful king who trusted in God.
• "Manasseh" (מְנַשֶּׁה, menashsheh, H4519) means "causing to forget," a name that originally reflected Joseph’s relief in Egypt but here identifies a king whose reign had a very different legacy.

Why 1 Chronicles 3:13 matters

• This verse helps clarify the royal succession from Ahaz to Hezekiah to Manasseh, which is important for understanding the historical flow of Judah’s monarchy.
• By including both faithful (Hezekiah) and troubled (Manasseh) kings, the genealogy shows that the Davidic line continued despite the ups and downs of individual rulers.
• The verse connects to the larger purpose of Chronicles, which is to trace the promises to David’s line and remind the returned exiles of their roots and God’s ongoing plan.