1 Chronicles 3:2
1 Chronicles 3:2 in Multiple Translations
the third was Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; the fourth was Adonijah the son of Haggith;
The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:
the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;
The third Absalom, the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth Adonijah, the son of Haggith;
The third was Absalom, whose mother was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. The fourth was Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith.
The third Absalom the sonne of Maachah daughter of Talmai King of Geshur: the fourth Adoniiah the sonne of Haggith:
the third Absalom, son of Maachah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth Adonijah, son of Haggith;
the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;
The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:
The third Absalom the son of Maacha the daughter of Tolmai king of Gessur, the fourth Adonias the son of Aggith,
His next son was Absalom, whose mother was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, the king who ruled in Geshur town. His next son was Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 3:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 3:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁי֙
לְ/אַבְשָׁל֣וֹם
בֶּֽן
מַעֲכָ֔ה
בַּת
תַּלְמַ֖י
מֶ֣לֶךְ
גְּשׁ֑וּר
הָ/רְבִיעִ֖י
אֲדֹנִיָּ֥ה
בֶן
חַגִּֽית
הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁי֙
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
Art | Adj
לְ/אַבְשָׁל֣וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
Prep | N-proper
בֶּֽן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
מַעֲכָ֔ה
Maʻăkâh
H4601
Maacah
N-proper
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
תַּלְמַ֖י
Talmay
H8526
Talmai
N-proper
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
גְּשׁ֑וּר
Gᵉshûwr
H1650
Geshur
N-proper
הָ/רְבִיעִ֖י
rᵉbîyʻîy
H7243
fourth
Art | Adj
אֲדֹנִיָּ֥ה
ʼĂdônîyâh
H138
Adonijah
N-proper
בֶן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
חַגִּֽית
Chaggîyth
H2294
Haggith
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 3:2
הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁי֙
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
לְ/אַבְשָׁל֣וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
Prep | N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
בֶּֽן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
מַעֲכָ֔ה
Maʻăkâh
H4601
"Maacah"
N-proper
Maacah is a name that refers to a place in Syria, several Israelites, and some women, meaning 'oppression'. It's also the name of a city with a king in Israel. The name appears in the Bible as 'Maachah' or 'Maacah'.
Definition: Maachah = "oppression" a city with a king that continued within Israel Also named: ma.a.kha.ti (מַעֲכָתִי "Maacathite" H4602)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Maachah, Maachathites. See also H1038 (בֵּית מַעֲכָה). See also: Genesis 22:24; 1 Chronicles 7:15; 2 Chronicles 15:16.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
תַּלְמַ֖י
Talmay
H8526
"Talmai"
N-proper
Talmai was a Canaanite and Syrian, and also the name of a king of Geshur and father of Maacah, who married King David. His name means furrowed.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: Ammihud (H5989J); father of: Maacah (H4601I) § Talmai = "furrowed" 1) one of the 3 sons of the giant Anak who were slain by the men of Judah 2) son of Ammihud, king of Geshur, later king of Geshur himself, and father of Maacah, the mother of Absalom and wife of David
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Talmai. See also: Numbers 13:22; 2 Samuel 3:3; 1 Chronicles 3:2.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
גְּשׁ֑וּר
Gᵉshûwr
H1650
"Geshur"
N-proper
Geshur refers to a district in Syria, also known as a land in north Transjordania. It's mentioned in the Bible as a place with a distinct people and culture.
Definition: Geshur or Geshurites = "proud beholder" a land in north Transjordania Also named: ge.shu.ri (גְּשׁוּרִי "Geshurite" H1651)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Geshur, Geshurite. See also: Joshua 13:13; 2 Samuel 14:23; 1 Chronicles 3:2.
הָ/רְבִיעִ֖י
rᵉbîyʻîy
H7243
"fourth"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means fourth, and is used to describe something that is four-sided or divided into four parts, like a square or a quarter.
Definition: 1) fourth 1a) fourth 1b) four square 1c) fourth part Aramaic equivalent: re.vi.ay (רְבִיעִי "fourth" H7244)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: foursquare, fourth (part). See also: Genesis 1:19; 1 Chronicles 8:2; Jeremiah 25:1.
אֲדֹנִיָּ֥ה
ʼĂdônîyâh
H138
"Adonijah"
N-proper
Adonijah was a name given to several Israelites, including a son of David who tried to take the throne from Solomon. The name means 'my lord is Jehovah'. Adonijah is mentioned in the books of Nehemiah and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.10.16 § Adonijah = "my lord is Jehovah" 1) fourth son of David and Solomon's rival for the throne 2) Levite sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the Law 3) a chief of the people who co-operated with Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Adonijah. See also: 2 Samuel 3:4; 1 Kings 1:49; Nehemiah 10:17.
בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
חַגִּֽית
Chaggîyth
H2294
"Haggith"
N-proper
Haggith was a wife of King David and the mother of Adonijah, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:4. Her name means festive.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.4; married to David (H1732); mother of: Adonijah (H0138) § Haggith = "festive" a wife of David and mother of Adonijah
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Haggith. See also: 2 Samuel 3:4; 1 Kings 1:11; 1 Chronicles 3:2.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 3:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Descendants of David
1These were the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: The firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam of Jezreel; the second was Daniel by Abigail of Carmel;
2the third was Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; the fourth was Adonijah the son of Haggith;
3the fifth was Shephatiah by Abital; and the sixth was Ithream by his wife Eglah. 4These six sons were born to David in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months. And David reigned in Jerusalem thirty-three years,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 19:4–10 | But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” Then Joab went into the house and said to the king, “Today you have disgraced all your servants who have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, of your wives, and of your concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you! For you have made it clear today that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. I know today that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would have pleased you! Now therefore get up! Go out and speak comfort to your servants, for I swear by the LORD that if you do not go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the adversity that has befallen you from your youth until now!” So the king got up and sat in the gate, and all the people were told: “Behold, the king is sitting in the gate.” So they all came before the king. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled, each man to his home. And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 3:4 | his fourth was Adonijah, the son of Haggith; his fifth was Shephatiah, the son of Abital; |
| 3 | 1 Kings 2:24–25 | And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” So King Solomon sent the order to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died. |
| 4 | Joshua 13:13 | but the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites. So Geshur and Maacath dwell among the Israelites to this day. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 2:23 | But Geshur and Aram captured Havvoth-jair, along with Kenath and its sixty surrounding villages. All these were descendants of Machir the father of Gilead. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 13:1 | After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 13:20–28 | Her brother Absalom said to her, “Has your brother Amnon been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister. He is your brother. Do not take this thing to heart.” So Tamar lived as a desolate woman in the house of her brother Absalom. When King David heard all this, he was furious. And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad, because he hated Amnon for disgracing his sister Tamar. Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king. And he went to the king and said, “Your servant has just hired shearers. Will the king and his servants please come with me?” “No, my son,” the king replied, “we should not all go, or we would be a burden to you.” Although Absalom urged him, he was not willing to go, but gave him his blessing. “If not,” said Absalom, “please let my brother Amnon go with us.” “Why should he go with you?” the king asked. But Absalom urged him, so the king sent Amnon and the rest of his sons. Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 14:32 | “Look,” said Absalom, “I sent for you and said, ‘Come here. I want to send you to the king to ask: Why have I come back from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.’ So now, let me see the king’s face, and if there is iniquity in me, let him kill me.” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 13:38 | After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 1:5 | At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. |
1 Chronicles 3:2 Summary
This verse lists two of David's sons, Absalom and Adonijah, who were born to different mothers. Absalom's mother, Maacah, was the daughter of a king, which may have influenced his sense of pride and ambition. As we read about David's family life, we can learn about the importance of humility, forgiveness, and mercy, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15 and Ephesians 4:32. We can also see how God's sovereignty is at work, even in the midst of human mistakes and weaknesses, as stated in Romans 8:28 and Proverbs 16:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Absalom's mother, Maacah, and what was her background?
Maacah was the daughter of King Talmai of Geshur, indicating that she came from a royal family, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:2. This royal lineage may have influenced Absalom's sense of pride and ambition, as seen in his later actions in 2 Samuel 15:1-6.
What can we learn about David's family life from this verse?
This verse and the surrounding verses show that David had multiple wives and sons, which was a common practice among kings in that time, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:17. However, this practice often led to complications and conflicts, as seen in the stories of David's sons, including Absalom and Adonijah.
How does this verse fit into the larger story of David's life and reign?
This verse is part of a list of David's sons born in Hebron, where he reigned for seven years and six months, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 3:4. This period in Hebron was a significant time in David's life, as he transitioned from being a leader of a small group to becoming the king of Judah, and later, all of Israel, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:1-7 and 5:1-12.
What can we learn about God's sovereignty from the fact that David had so many sons with different mothers?
Despite the complexities and challenges that arose from David's multiple marriages and sons, God was still sovereign over his life and reign, as seen in 1 Chronicles 29:10-19. This reminds us that God is always in control, even in the midst of human mistakes and weaknesses, as stated in Romans 8:28 and Proverbs 16:9.
Reflection Questions
- How do you think David's experiences as a father and king influenced his relationship with God, and what can you learn from his example?
- What are some potential consequences of prioritizing human ambition and pride, as seen in the story of Absalom, and how can you guard against these tendencies in your own life?
- How does the fact that David's sons were born to different mothers reflect the complexities and challenges of human relationships, and what can you learn from this about the importance of forgiveness and mercy, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15 and Ephesians 4:32?
- What role do you think God's sovereignty played in David's life, despite his mistakes and weaknesses, and how can you apply this truth to your own life, as seen in Psalm 103:8-14 and Isaiah 46:10?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 3:2
[See comments on 1 Chronicles 3:1].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 3:2
The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith: No JFB commentary on this verse.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 3:2
(2) Absalom.—David’s favourite and rebellious son (2 Samuel 15-19). The common Heb. text has “to Absalom;” but a number of MSS. and all the old versions read Absalom. Rabbi D. Kimchi gives the characteristic explanation that L- alludes to LO-, “not Absalom”—that is, not a “father of peace,” but a rebel. Maachah . . . Geshur.—See 1 Chronicles 2:23. Adonijah the son of Haggith.—Who would have succeeded his father, and was put to death by Solomon (1 Kings 1, 1 Kings 2:19-25).
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 3:2
2. Geshur] Cp. 1 Chronicles 2:23, note.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 3:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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From the Death of Saul to the Death of David by Flavius Josephus | Flavius Josephus recounts the tragic events in King David's family, including David's sin with Bathsheba, the death of their child, and the rebellion of his son Absalom. David's so |
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Who Is the King by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adonijah from the Bible. Adonijah exalted himself and declared that he would be king, but later realized that King David had ma |
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Zadok Priesthood by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ministering to the Lord before going out to the mission field. He encourages pastors to prioritize their ministry to God an |
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The Zadok Priesthood by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapter 44. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the two priesthoods that exist in the Bible. The |
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Results of Neglect by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp discusses the consequences of neglect in leadership, using King David's failure to declare his successor as a cautionary tale. As David neared the end of his reign, hi |
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Will You Miss the Coming Revival? by David Smithers | David Smithers preaches about the anticipation of a mighty move of God, emphasizing the need for the Church to be empowered and purified for Christ's sake and service in preparatio |