Who was Chileab in the Bible?

Chileab, also called Daniel, was the second son of King David. He was born to David and Abigail, the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, as recorded in 2 Samuel 3:3 and 1 Chronicles 3:1.

Why is Chileab not mentioned much in the Bible?

Chileab is only mentioned in the genealogical lists of David's sons. There is no record of his actions or key life events, suggesting he may have died young or did not play a significant political role in the royal succession.

What is the significance of Chileab having two names?

Having two names (Chileab and Daniel) was not uncommon in the Bible. It often signified a change in circumstance or highlighted different aspects of a person's identity, though the specific reason for his dual names is not explained in scripture.

Chileab

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleSon

Chileab, also known as Daniel, was David's son by Abigail the Carmelitess. (2Sa.3.3; 1Ch.3.1)

Chileab

Biography

Chileab, listed in 2 Samuel 3:3 as the second son born to David in Hebron, was the child of Abigail, the widow of Nabal the Carmelite whom David had married after Nabal's death (1 Samuel 25). The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 3:1 records his name as Daniel, suggesting either a dual name or a scribal variant in transmission. Despite being the king's son by a notably wise and capable mother, Chileab disappears entirely from the subsequent royal narratives. He is never mentioned in the conflicts surrounding the succession to David's throne, a silence that implies he either died young or was otherwise removed from consideration before the rivalries between Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah consumed the royal court.

Significance

Chileab's near-total absence from the historical record carries quiet theological weight. His mother Abigail was celebrated for her wisdom, discernment, and faith, yet her son left no discernible mark on Israel's story. This serves as a reminder that godly parentage does not guarantee prominence in redemptive history, God's sovereign purposes operate independently of human lineage and expectation. Chileab also stands as a silent witness to the complexity of David's household, a family shaped as much by political alliance and personal passion as by covenant faithfulness, and whose internal fractures would ultimately shadow the Davidic kingdom for generations.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherDavidMotherAbigailSiblingTamarSiblingNathanSiblingIbhar

Verse Appearances (2)

2Sam

2Sam 3:3

1Chr

1Chr 3:1

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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