כִּלְאָב (kil.av)
kil.av
Chileab
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Chileab appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, listed as the second son of King David and Abigail in 2 Samuel 3:3. The meaning "like his father" suggests a hope that he would inherit David’s qualities or standing within the royal family.
A notable detail is that the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 3:1 calls this same son Daniel. This variation highlights how names could shift in transmission, perhaps reflecting different traditions or emphases. While Chileab was born to Abigail, he did not become king; Solomon eventually succeeded David, despite being younger.
His brief mention serves as a marker of David’s large household and the complex family dynamics that would later lead to succession struggles. The name itself offers a glimpse into how parents might have viewed their children in relation to the monarch, even if those children never held the throne.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Chileab appears in a brief genealogical list within 2 Samuel 3:3, identifying him as the second son of King David and Abigail. His name carries the meaning "like his father," a wish that perhaps reflected hopes for him to inherit David’s character or standing. This single mention reminds us that every individual in Scripture has a place, even when their story is not fully detailed.
It is interesting to note that 1 Chronicles 3:1 refers to this same son as Daniel, showing how names could vary in biblical transmission. While Chileab did not become king—Solomon eventually succeeded David—his presence in the record highlights the complex dynamics of David’s household. We see here that God’s plans often unfold in ways we cannot predict, and every person matters to Him regardless of their final role.
This small detail invites us to trust that God sees and values each child in His family. Whether we are known for great public deeds or remain behind the scenes, our lives are woven into God’s larger story. We can find comfort in knowing that our identity is secure in Christ, not dependent on earthly titles or succession.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kileab1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִלְאָ֔ב1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 3:3
and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
This verse identifies Chileab as David’s second son by Abigail, establishing his place in the royal lineage and hinting at parental hopes through the name's meaning.