What does 1 Chronicles 3:22 mean?
"And the sons of Shechaniah; Shemaiah: and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six." - 1 Chronicles 3:22

1 Chronicles 3:22 (KJV) states, "The sons of Shechaniah; Shemaiah: and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six." This verse is a part of a genealogy list of the descendants of Jacob, mainly focusing on the line of David. The genealogy is an important aspect of biblical literature, as it provides a historical framework for the people of Israel and their relationship with God.
In order to understand the deeper meaning of this verse, it is important to consider its context within the chapter. 1 Chronicles 3 contains the genealogy of David, detailing his descendants and their positions within the royal line. This genealogy is significant because it establishes David's lineage and affirms his rightful place as the king of Israel. It also serves to connect the Israelites to their past, establishing a sense of history and tradition. The verse specifically lists the sons of Shechaniah, who is a descendent of David, further solidifying the royal lineage.
The mention of the sons of Shemaiah - Hattush, Igeal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, suggests that these individuals were of some significance within the community. While their specific roles are not detailed in this verse, their mention in the genealogy indicates that they were deemed important enough to be included in the historical record. This emphasizes the value of family and lineage, as well as the idea that each individual has a role to play in the larger narrative of history.
One of the key themes that can be observed in this verse is the importance of family and lineage. The genealogy records the descendants of David, highlighting the significance of one's ancestry and how it shapes one's identity. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of the unity and continuity of God's people, emphasizing the interconnectedness of generations and the importance of preserving one's heritage.
Furthermore, the verse underscores the idea of divine purpose and design. Each individual mentioned in the genealogy has a specific place within the lineage, and their inclusion serves to show that God has a plan for each person within the broader scope of history. This reflects the biblical belief in God's sovereignty and his guiding hand in the course of human events.
Symbolically, the mention of the six sons of Shemaiah can be seen as representative of completeness and fulfillment. The number six often symbolizes harmony and balance, and its occurrence in this verse may signify the completeness of Shemaiah's family and their role within the larger narrative. Additionally, the listing of each son's name serves as a testament to their individuality and importance within the family unit.
In conclusion, 1 Chronicles 3:22, while seemingly a simple verse within a genealogy, holds deeper significance within the broader context of biblical themes and motifs. It emphasizes the importance of family and lineage, underscores the idea of divine purpose and design, and symbolically signifies completeness and fulfillment. By delving into the historical and cultural context of this verse, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and relevance within the biblical narrative.
Have questions about 1 Chronicles 3:22?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat β an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
1 Chronicles 3:22 Artwork
1 Chronicles 3:22 - "And the sons of Shechaniah; Shemaiah: and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six."
"And the sons of Shechaniah; Shemaiah: and the sons of Shemaiah; Hattush, and Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six." - 1 Chronicles 3:22
1 Chronicles 22:3 - "And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;"
1 Chronicles 1:22 - "And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,"
2 Chronicles 4:22
1 Chronicles 8:22 - "And Ishpan, and Heber, and Eliel,"
1 Chronicles 3:7 - "And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,"
1 Chronicles 3:6 - "Ibhar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet,"
2 Chronicles 22:3 - "He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly."
1 Chronicles 24:22 - "Of the Izharites; Shelomoth: of the sons of Shelomoth; Jahath."
1 Chronicles 3:14 - "Amon his son, Josiah his son."
1 Chronicles 22:1 - "Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel."
"And Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba," - 1 Chronicles 1:22
"And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;" - 1 Chronicles 22:3
1 Chronicles 1:3 - "Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech,"
1 Chronicles 3:8 - "And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine."
1 Chronicles 3:12 - "Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,"
1 Chronicles 3:18 - "Malchiram also, and Pedaiah, and Shenazar, Jecamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah."
1 Chronicles 16:22 - "Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."
1 Chronicles 27:22 - "Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel."
1 Chronicles 3:16 - "And the sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son."
revelations 22:1-3
"Amon his son, Josiah his son." - 1 Chronicles 3:14
1 Chronicles 3:20 - "And Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushab-hesed, five."
1 Chronicles 3:17 - "ΒΆ And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son,"
1 Chronicles 3:3 - "The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife."
1 Chronicles 3:11 - "Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son,"
1 Chronicles 3:13 - "Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,"
1 Chronicles 25:22 - "The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve:"
"And Ishpan, and Heber, and Eliel," - 1 Chronicles 8:22