1 Samuel 14:49
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-shua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙
H1961
וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּנֵ֣י
Now the sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
Now the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
H8034
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
7 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בְנֹתָ֔יו
daughters
H1323
בְנֹתָ֔יו
daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
9 of 15
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
H8034
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
10 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
H8034
וְשֵׁ֥ם
and the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
13 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
1 Chronicles 8:33And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal.1 Samuel 31:2And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, Saul's sons.1 Chronicles 9:39And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal.
Historical Context
Royal genealogies established dynastic claims and political relationships. Ishui/Ishbosheth's later brief reign over northern Israel (2 Samuel 2:8-10) and the daughters' marriages to David intertwine Saul's house with Israel's future. The family information prepares for subsequent narrative.
Questions for Reflection
- How do family relationships established here shape Israel's future history?
- What does inclusion of daughters in the genealogy suggest about their coming significance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-shua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:
The genealogical information introduces Saul's family: sons Jonathan, Ishui (also called Ishbosheth), and Malchi-shua; daughters Merab and Michal. Jonathan's prominence in this chapter makes his listing first fitting. Merab was promised to David but given to another (18:17-19); Michal became David's first wife (18:27). These family relationships will shape Israel's future. The mention of daughters is unusual in royal genealogies, suggesting their narrative importance.