1 Chronicles 3:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 3:9 mean?

1 Chronicles 3:9 lists all the sons of King David, noting that this count does not include the sons born to his concubines, and it also mentions Tamar as their sister. The verse is part of a genealogy, clarifying David’s children by his wives and concubines.

This verse comes from a section where the writer is recording the descendants of David for the people of Israel. The mention of Tamar, David’s daughter, is unusual in a list focused on sons, which highlights her significance. The verse also distinguishes between the sons of David’s wives and those of his concubines, showing the complexity of David’s family.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 3:9

• בֵּן (ben; H1121): This word means "son." It appears twice in this verse, emphasizing the focus on male descendants, which was typical in ancient genealogies.
• פִּילֶגֶשׁ (pilegesh; H6370): This word means "concubine." Its use here clarifies that David had children by women who were not his primary wives, a common practice for kings in that era.
• תָּמָר (Tamar; H8559): This is the name of David’s daughter. Her mention by name, when most daughters are not listed in such genealogies, suggests her particular importance or the notable events connected to her life.
• אָחוֹת (achot; H269): This word means "sister." It identifies Tamar’s relationship to the sons, making clear she is part of the same immediate family group.

Why 1 Chronicles 3:9 matters

• The verse clarifies that David’s family included children from both wives and concubines, which helps explain the later conflicts and complexities in his household.
• Tamar’s inclusion in a list of sons draws attention to her unique story, which is told in more detail elsewhere in the Bible, and signals her significance in David’s family history.
• By listing these details, the genealogy sets the stage for understanding the succession issues and family dynamics that shaped Israel’s royal history.