1 Chronicles 3:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 3:21 mean?

1 Chronicles 3:21 lists the descendants of Hananiah, naming his sons Pelatiah and Jesaiah, and then continues by mentioning the sons of Rephaiah, Arnan, Obadiah, and Shechaniah. This verse is part of a genealogical record tracing the family line of David.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is carefully documenting the royal lineage for the people of Israel, showing how David’s family continued through generations. The verse is not telling a story but recording names to preserve the history and identity of the nation, especially important for those returning from exile who needed to know their heritage.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 3:21

• The word for "sons" is בְּנֵי (benê, H1121), which means male descendants or children. Its repeated use marks the structure of the genealogy, showing each generation’s continuation.
• The names Hananiah (חֲנַנְיָה, ḥănanyāh, H2608), Pelatiah (פְּלַטְיָה, pelatyāh, H6410), Jesaiah (יְשַׁעְיָה, yəša‘yāh, H3470), Rephaiah (רְפָיָה, rəpāyāh, H7509), Arnan (אַרְנָן, ’arnān, H770), Obadiah (עֹבַדְיָה, ‘ōvadyāh, H5662), and Shechaniah (שְׁכַנְיָה, šəḵanyāh, H7935) are all personal names, each with a meaning that often includes a reference to God or a quality like "Yahweh has been gracious" (Hananiah) or "Yahweh saves" (Jesaiah). These names reflect the faith and hopes of the families.

Why 1 Chronicles 3:21 matters

• This verse helps clarify the specific branches of David’s family tree, which was crucial for establishing legitimate leadership and priesthood roles in Israel’s history.
• The careful listing of names shows the Chronicler’s concern for accuracy and continuity, especially for a community rebuilding its identity after exile.
• By connecting these names to earlier and later generations, the verse ties the story of Israel’s past to its present, reminding readers of their shared heritage and God’s ongoing involvement with their people.