What does 1 Chronicles 3:6 mean?
What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 3:6?

David’s other sons

God’s Word is intentional in preserving the line of David, so 1 Chronicles 3:6 continues the genealogy after naming Bath-shua’s four famous boys (1 Chronicles 3:5; 2 Samuel 5:14). By saying “David’s other sons,” the Spirit reminds us that the covenant king had many children, not merely the well-known Solomon. This fulfills God’s promise that David’s house would be multiplied and established (2 Samuel 7:12-13; Psalm 89:3-4). The phrase also shows that Scripture values every branch of the royal tree, ensuring no link is lost when tracing the Messiah’s legal ancestry (Matthew 1:6; Luke 3:31-32).

• The verse shifts focus from ruling heirs to lesser-known sons, underscoring God’s inclusive record-keeping.

• It assures us that even the seemingly obscure are seen and recorded by the Lord (Psalm 139:16).


were Ibhar

Ibhar’s name surfaces only in the genealogies (also 2 Samuel 5:15), yet that single mention roots him firmly in history. The chronicler’s detail declares that every child in David’s household carried covenant significance, even if Scripture never relates their life stories.

• Just as God numbered David’s sons, He numbers the hairs of our heads (Luke 12:7).

• Though nothing else is written of Ibhar, his existence testifies to God’s faithfulness in enlarging David’s family line (Genesis 17:6 applied through David).


Elishua

Elishua (rendered “Elishama” in some related passages such as 2 Samuel 5:15) reminds us that the Lord cares about accuracy even in variant spellings. The chronicler, guided by the Spirit, lists him here so no generation is forgotten.

• His inclusion reaffirms that “children are a heritage from the LORD” (Psalm 127:3).

• The appearance of his name both here and in 1 Chronicles 14:5 anchors the record, proving Scripture’s careful consistency.


Eliphelet

Eliphelet is actually listed twice in this chapter—once here (v. 6) and again in verse 8—suggesting either two sons bearing the same name or one who died young and whose name was reused, a common ancient practice. Whichever the case, the chronicler ensures the count of David’s sons matches historical reality (compare 1 Chronicles 3:8; 2 Samuel 5:16).

• Repetition drives home that God’s promises to David were abundant, not minimal (Ephesians 3:20 applied through covenant blessings).

• Even an apparently redundant name serves to highlight the precision of the divine record (Proverbs 30:5).


summary

1 Chronicles 3:6 simply lists “Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet,” yet the verse is loaded with purpose. It certifies the breadth of David’s family, safeguards the royal lineage leading to Christ, and confirms that God values every person, famous or obscure. By preserving these three names, Scripture underscores God’s meticulous faithfulness—every promise to David came to pass, every son was counted, and every detail contributes to the unfolding story of redemption.

What does 1 Chronicles 3:5 reveal about God's plan for David's lineage?
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