The name Arnan is a unique name in the Bible, possibly meaning “nimble,” “joyful,” or “their strong one.” Arnan holds a very specific, though minor, place in the historical record of the Bible: he is a descendant of King David and a member of the royal line through which the Messiah was promised to come.
The Genealogical Record
Arnan is mentioned only once in the entire biblical canon, appearing in 1 Chronicles 3:21 as part of a detailed genealogy that tracks the royal line of David through the period of the Babylonian Exile and beyond.
This verse is part of the extensive lists compiled by the Chronicler to confirm the continuity and integrity of the tribes of Israel and, most importantly, the legitimacy of the Davidic royal lineage after the return from captivity.
The passage reads:
“And the sons of Hananiah; Pelatiah, and Jesaiah: the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechaniah.” (KJV, emphasis added).
The Lineage of King David
To understand Arnan’s significance, one must place him within the context of David’s royal house. The preceding verses in 1 Chronicles 3 trace the line of David through his son Solomon, and then through the kings who reigned in Judah, down to Jehoiachin (also called Coniah or Jeconiah), who was taken captive to Babylon.
After the deportation, the lineage continued through Jehoiachin’s son, Salathiel, and his descendants. Arnan is a part of this post-exilic branch of the family, being listed as an ancestor of a man named Rephaiah.
The primary theological purpose of this entire chapter is not to detail the lives of these individuals, but to preserve the covenant line. The Old Testament promise of the Messiah was that He would come from the seed of David and sit upon his throne forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
The inclusion of names like Arnan, who lived long after the physical throne of David had been overturned, serves as a powerful written assertion that the Davidic line was not broken and continued to exist, awaiting the promised King.
Historical and Theological Importance
While nothing is known about Arnan’s personal life, occupation, or deeds, his mere inclusion in this list conveys profound theological truths:
- Faithfulness in Obscurity: Arnan represents the many generations of faithful Israelites who maintained their heritage and commitment to the covenant during periods when the Kingdom of God was in low esteem and under foreign rule. He is a link in the chain of God’s redemptive plan, ensuring the promise survived through long periods of obscurity.
- Verification of Prophecy: The genealogical records provided by the Chronicler (and later by Matthew and Luke in the New Testament) served to authenticate the claim of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Without the meticulous preservation of names like Arnan, the claim of Davidic descent for the Messiah would be unverifiable.