1 Chronicles – Chapter 3

Old Testament24 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 3 of 1 Chronicles begins: "Now these were the sons of David that were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn Amnon of Achinoam the Jezrahelitess, the second Daniel of…" The chapter centers on Zerubbabel, Hezekiah and Manasses. Across its 24 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's kingdom and kingship. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Now these were the sons of David that were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn Amnon of Achinoam the Jezrahelitess, the second Daniel of Abigail the Carmelitess.

2The third Absalom the son of Maacha the daughter of Tolmai king of Gessur, the fourth Adonias the son of Aggith,

3The fifth Saphatias of Abital, the sixth Jethrahem of Egla his wife.

4So six sons were born to him in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months. And in Jerusalem he reigned three and thirty years.

5And these sons were born to him in Jerusalem: Simmaa, and Sobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four of Bethsabee the daughter of Ammiel.

6Jebaar also and Elisama,

7And Eliphaleth, and Noge, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

8And Elisama, and Eliada, and Elipheleth, nine:

9All these the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines: and they had a sister Thamar.

10And Solomon's son was Roboam: whose son Abia begot Asa. And his son was Josaphat,

11The father of Joram: and Joram begot Ochozias, of whom was born Joas:

12And his son Amasias begot Azarias. And Joathan the son of Azarias

13Begot Achaz, the father of Ezechias, of whom was born Manasses.

14And Manasses begot Amon the father of Josias.

15And the sons of Josias were, the firstborn Johanan, the second Joakim, the third Sedecias, the fourth Sellum.

16Of Joakim was born Jechonias, and Sedecias.

17The sons of Jechonias were Asir, Salathiel,

18Melchiram, Phadaia, Senneser and Jecemia, Sama, and Nadabia.

19Of Phadaia were born Zorobabel and Semei. Zorobabel begot Mosollam, Hananias, and Salomith their sister:

20Hasaba also, and Ohol, and Barachias, and Hasadias, Josabhesed, five.

21And the son of Hananias was Phaltias the father of Jeseias, whose son was Raphaia. And his son was Arnan, of whom was born Obdia, whose son was Sechenias.

22The son of Sechenias was Semeia, whose sons were Hattus, and Jegaal, and Baria, and Naaria, and Saphat, six in number.

23The sons of Naaria, Elioenai, and Ezechias, and Ezricam, three.

24The sons of Elioenai, Oduia, and Eliasub, and Pheleia, and Accub, and Johanan, and Dalaia, and Anani, seven.

Important Verses in 1 Chronicles 3

Now these were the sons of David that were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn Amnon of Achinoam the Jezrahelitess, the second Daniel of Abigail the Carmelitess.

1 Chronicles 3:1

So six sons were born to him in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months. And in Jerusalem he reigned three and thirty years.

1 Chronicles 3:4

And Eliphaleth, and Noge, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

1 Chronicles 3:7

The sons of Elioenai, Oduia, and Eliasub, and Pheleia, and Accub, and Johanan, and Dalaia, and Anani, seven.

1 Chronicles 3:24

Historical Context

1 Chronicles addresses the post-exilic community rebuilding its identity around Temple worship within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 3 of 29 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a genealogical record linking earlier promises to later generations with 24 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Zerubbabel, Hezekiah, Manasses and Solomon appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "Now these were the sons of David that were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn Amnon of Achinoam the Jezrahelitess,…" It concludes: "The sons of Elioenai, Oduia, and Eliasub, and Pheleia, and Accub, and Johanan, and Dalaia, and Anani, seven. " The wider setting of 1 Chronicles is this: Writing for the restored community after the exile, the Chronicler retells Israel's story with emphasis on David, the Temple, and worship. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

The list of names is not mere record-keeping: it anchors the story of David's legacy and Temple preparation in real families and real history. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Now these were the sons of David that were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn Amnon of Achinoam the Jezrahelitess, the second Daniel of Abigail the…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 958). Here, the genealogies connect to Christ's lineage (CIC 437). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize family and covenant relationships as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

Zerubbabel2 mentionsHezekiah2 mentionsManasses2 mentionsSolomon2 mentionsJosiah2 mentionsDavid2 mentions

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims 1 Chronicles Chapter 3 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in 1 Chronicles Chapter 3. At the moral level, stewardship of creation challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 854).

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of stewardship of creation bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Chronicles Chapter 3 about?

1 Chronicles 3 contains 24 verses. It opens with "Now these were the sons of David that were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn Amnon of Achinoam the Jezrahelitess,…" and closes with "The sons of Elioenai, Oduia, and Eliasub, and Pheleia, and Accub, and Johanan, and Dalaia, and Anani, seven. ". The book as a whole is historical narrative and genealogy.

What is a key verse in 1 Chronicles 3?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Now these were the sons of David that were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn Amnon of Achinoam the Jezrahelitess, the second Daniel of Abigail the Carmelitess." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Chronicles Chapter 3?

This chapter mentions Zerubbabel, Hezekiah, Manasses, Solomon, Josiah, among others.

Who wrote 1 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars. After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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