1 Chronicles 2:3 Meaning and Explanation
“The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah: which three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD; and he slew him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The record turns to Judah and notes that his firstborn, Er, was wicked and was taken by the Lord.
What Does 1 Chronicles 2:3 Mean?
Now the chronicler narrows his focus to Judah, the tribe of David and the royal line. He names Judah's first three sons, born of a Canaanite wife, and records without flinching that Er was evil in the Lord's sight and was struck down. This dark note opens a line that will nonetheless lead to kings.
It is striking that the line of promise begins with a man God judged for his wickedness. Scripture does not hide the failures of those through whom blessing came. God's grace is not the reward of a flawless family tree; it works through broken people and even around their sins. The line to the King would be carried not by human merit but by mercy that no evil could finally defeat.
1 Chronicles 2:3 in the Original Language
ra (רַע), 'evil' -- morally wicked, displeasing to God, here marking Er's conduct before the LORD.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Chronicles 2:3
What does 1 Chronicles 2:3 mean?
The record turns to Judah and notes that his firstborn, Er, was wicked and was taken by the Lord.