2 Chronicles 11:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 11:21 mean?

2 Chronicles 11:21 says that King Rehoboam loved Maachah, the daughter of Absalom, more than any of his other wives or concubines. The verse also notes that Rehoboam had eighteen wives, sixty concubines, twenty-eight sons, and sixty daughters.

This verse is part of a historical account describing Rehoboam’s family life and his many marriages, which was common for kings in that era. The mention of Maachah being especially loved highlights her importance, which later affects the royal succession story. The verse gives a sense of the king’s household and the scale of his family, which would have had political as well as personal significance.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 11:21

• "Loved" (אָהַב, ’ahav): This word means to have affection or strong preference. The verse emphasizes that Rehoboam’s feelings for Maachah were stronger than for his other wives and concubines, which sets her apart in the narrative.
• "Concubines" (פִּילֶגֶשׁ, pilegesh): Concubines were women who had a recognized relationship with the king but did not have the full status of wives. The mention of both wives and concubines shows the complexity and size of Rehoboam’s household.
• "Threescore" (שִׁשִּׁים, shishim): This is an old way of saying sixty. The verse uses this word to describe the number of Rehoboam’s concubines and daughters, giving a sense of the large royal family.

Why 2 Chronicles 11:21 matters

• This verse helps explain later events, since Maachah’s favored status influences which of Rehoboam’s sons is chosen as successor.
• The verse gives insight into the customs of ancient Israelite royalty, where kings often had many wives and children for political alliances and status.
• By naming Maachah and her lineage, the verse connects Rehoboam’s family to earlier biblical figures, showing how family ties shaped the kingdom’s history.