In 1 Chronicles 3:17–19, how can Zerubbabel be listed as the son of both Pedaiah and Shealtiel, creating an apparent contradiction in lineage? Background of the Genealogy According to 1 Chronicles 3:17–19, “The sons of Jeconiah the captive: Shealtiel his son. Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. The sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei; the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah. Shelomith was their sister.” Here, the text places Zerubbabel in close relationship with both Shealtiel (mentioned just verses earlier) and Pedaiah (v. 18–19), creating the appearance of two different fathers. However, biblical genealogies often reflect multiple nuances of parentage. In the ancient Near East, terms such as “father,” “son,” and “descendant” could include biological, legal, and even royal lineage aspects. This entry explores the primary explanations for how Zerubbabel is listed as descending from two individuals in the same passage. Context in 1 Chronicles and Beyond 1 Chronicles 3 is largely concerned with establishing the family line of King David and providing a record of those who returned from exile. Zerubbabel holds significance in post-exilic history, as he served a central role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s temple (cf. Ezra 3:2–8). Parallel genealogical notations in Ezra 3:2 and Nehemiah 12:1, as well as in the New Testament (Matthew 1:12; Luke 3:27), also link Zerubbabel back to Shealtiel. Yet 1 Chronicles uniquely includes the name Pedaiah, giving rise to the question of how Zerubbabel could be viewed as “son” to them both. Levirate Marriage Possibility One widely proposed explanation cites the Old Testament custom of levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5–6). If Shealtiel died childless, a near relative—often a brother—would marry his widow to produce offspring in the deceased brother’s name. In such a scenario, Pedaiah, Shealtiel’s brother, could be the biological father of Zerubbabel, granting a full legal inheritance for Zerubbabel through Shealtiel. Under this cultural practice: • Zerubbabel would be legally recognized as Shealtiel’s son. • Zerubbabel would also be biologically recognized as Pedaiah’s son. This would align with the genealogical emphasis of 1 Chronicles on preserving the Davidic line through Shealtiel, even as the Chronicler acknowledges the biological lineage through Pedaiah. Alternate Genealogical Usage An additional explanation centers on flexible Hebrew terminology. The Hebrew word often translated as “son” (ben) can also mean “descendant” or “grandson.” In some biblical records, a man is called “son” of one ancestor for legal or royal rights, then recognized simultaneously as “son” of his direct father or an intermediate generation. Such dual listings occur in multiple ancient genealogical accounts. They do not reflect error but rather reflect nuanced documentation of tribal, kingly, or property-related inheritance lines. In that light, the Chronicler’s listing could reflect both Zerubbabel’s immediate paternal line (Pedaiah) and the broader Davidic or royal line (via Shealtiel), which other texts (Ezra, Nehemiah, Matthew, Luke) continue to highlight. Consistency with Additional Biblical Passages • Ezra 3:2: “Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar.” Here Zerubbabel is linked specifically to Shealtiel. • Nehemiah 12:1: Names Zerubbabel as a major leader under Persian rule. • Matthew 1:12 and Luke 3:27: Each record Shealtiel as Zerubbabel’s father in genealogies that trace Jesus’ lineage. All these references give weight to Shealtiel’s paternal standing for the sake of royal or messianic descent, without necessarily negating a biological link through Pedaiah. Consideration of Ancient Sources and Manuscripts Historically, Jewish exegesis (highlighted in some rabbinic writings) and later Christian interpreters recognized levirate marriage and flexible genealogical terms as authentic resolvers of such “contradictions.” Surviving manuscript evidence—such as the text of 1 Chronicles in the Hebrew Masoretic tradition—uniformly includes both names, reinforcing that the Chronicler intentionally preserved dual lines for a theological and historical purpose. These manuscript traditions support the view that far from being an error, this dual mention affirms the completeness of the Davidic record. Synthesis and Conclusion The dual listing of Zerubbabel as son of both Shealtiel and Pedaiah is reconciled by understanding ancient Hebrew customs and genealogical records. Whether through levirate marriage or recognized inheritance rules, the Chronicler accounted for both a legal father (often listed in official lineages) and a biological father (referenced in family rosters). These considerations work consistently with the broader biblical presentation of Zerubbabel as a key Davidic figure. Far from an irreconcilable conflict, the passages in 1 Chronicles 3 highlight multiple vantage points on lineage. Seen in its cultural and historical context, this detail exemplifies the richness and internal harmony of scriptural genealogies. |
    |