Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 3:5 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 3:5 lists four sons born to David in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, all by Bathshua, the daughter of Ammiel. This verse records part of David’s family line, highlighting the children he had with Bathshua. The writer of 1 Chronicles is documenting the genealogy of King David for the people of Israel, focusing here on the sons born to him after he became king in Jerusalem. The mention of Bathshua (another name for Bathsheba) and her father Ammiel connects these sons to a specific family background, and the inclusion of Solomon is significant because he would later become king.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 3:5

Accepted Answer

בַּתְשׁוּעַ (Bathshua, transliterated "Bathshua") is another form of the name Bathsheba. This name variation can help readers recognize that Bathshua and Bathsheba refer to the same person in different passages. שְׁלֹמֹה (Shelomoh, transliterated "Solomon") means "peaceful." The name is significant because Solomon is a central figure in Israel’s history, known for his peaceful reign and wisdom.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 3:5 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that Solomon, who would become a major king, was not David’s only son by Bathshua; he had three brothers by her as well. The genealogy here ties Solomon’s royal lineage to both David and Bathshua, emphasizing his legitimate place in the line of kings. The verse helps readers trace the family connections that are important for understanding later events in the history of Israel, especially the succession of the throne.

1 Chronicles 3:5 (KJV)