Old Testament
1 Chronicles 3:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, we learn about two of King David's sons, Absalom and Adonijah.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
The 3rd was Absalom, whose mother was Maachah, the daughter of King Talmai of Geshur. The 4th was Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith.
The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we learn about two of King David's sons, Absalom and Adonijah. Absalom was the third son, born to Maachah, who was the daughter of a king from Geshur. Adonijah was the fourth son, and his mother was Haggith. These details highlight the royal lineage and the importance of family connections in ancient times. Each son had a unique identity shaped by their mothers and their heritage. Absalom is often remembered for his beauty and tragic story, while Adonijah's ambition led to significant conflict. This verse serves as a reminder of how our backgrounds and relationships can influence our lives and choices. Understanding these connections can help us appreciate the complexities of family dynamics and the legacies we inherit. It also prompts us to reflect on our own family stories and how they shape who we are today. The mention of their mothers emphasizes the role of women in these narratives, often overlooked yet crucial in the unfolding of history and personal identity. Explore related legacy.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Chronicles 3:2 to your life
Consider your own family history and how it has shaped your identity. Reflect on the relationships that have influenced your life choices. Recognizing these connections can help you understand yourself better and appreciate the complexities of your own story. Embrace your heritage as part of who you are today. Use this understanding to foster stronger family bonds and connections with others in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 3:2 mean?
1 Chronicles 3:2 lists two of King David's sons, Absalom and Adonijah, along with their mothers. This verse highlights their royal lineage and the significance of family connections in shaping their identities.
Who were the mothers of Absalom and Adonijah in 1 Chronicles 3:2?
Absalom's mother was Maachah, the daughter of King Talmai of Geshur, and Adonijah's mother was Haggith. Their maternal lineage emphasizes the importance of family ties in the context of their lives.
What can we learn from 1 Chronicles 3:2?
From 1 Chronicles 3:2, we learn about the significance of family heritage and relationships in shaping identity. It encourages reflection on how our own family backgrounds influence our lives and choices.
Why is the mention of mothers important in 1 Chronicles 3:2?
The mention of mothers in 1 Chronicles 3:2 highlights their crucial role in the lineage and identity of their sons. It underscores the impact of maternal influence in the context of family dynamics and history.

The Book of 1 Chronicles
Genealogies (Chs 1–9)
The record begins with the line from Adam to Noah and his sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The descendants of Japheth are listed, followed by the descendants of Ham, which include Nimrod, a mighty one in the earth, and the ancestors of the Philistines. The line of Shem is traced down to Abram, who is Abraham. The sons of Abraham—Ishmael and Isaac—are named, along with the sons of Abraham’s concubine Keturah. The generations of Ishmael are listed, followed by the descendants of Isaac’s son Esau, including the dukes and early kings of Edom.
Unlock the full 1 Chronicles summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 1 Chronicles — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 29 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 1 Chronicles summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.