ContradictionsReading order 357Bible context 2 min read
Which sons of David were born in Jerusalem?
The Jerusalem birth lists differ in length and names, including two additional entries in Chronicles and changes within the corresponding positions.
- Textual conflict
- Interpretive tension
- The passages pull in different directions, but the conflict depends on how their wording, scope, or narrative context is read.
- Importance
- Minor
- A local detail in a story, chronology, or inventory.
The Jerusalem lists vary in names and length, but a shorter inventory does not necessarily exclude additional sons and several differences may be name forms.
An editorial assessment of the quoted passages. Importance describes the stakes; it does not increase certainty. Reading order weighs both.
Samuel lists eleven sons born to David in Jerusalem
And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia, And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.
2 Samuel 5:14-16
Translation / edition: King James Version (KJV)
Read the full chapter:2 Samuel 5
Chronicles lists thirteen sons with repeated Elishama and Eliphelet names
And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bath–shua the daughter of Ammiel: Ibhar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet, And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia, And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine.