What does 2 Samuel 5:15 mean?

This list continues to name the children of David born while he lived and ruled as Israel's king in Jerusalem. It now adds Abhor, Elisha, Nepheg, and Japhia. None of these are mentioned again in any meaningful way in Israel's history.

The list is not apparently meant to be exhaustive. David's oldest sons are listed in 2 Samuel 3:2–5. First Chronicles 14:4–7 is the companion passage, and 1 Chronicles 3:5–8 is the official genealogy. The genealogy specifically states that the sons of David's concubines are not given, and it only mentions one of his daughters, Tamar, perhaps because she will become an important part of the story of David's relationship with his children (1 Chronicles 3:9).

"Ibhar" means God chooses or whom God elects.

"Elishua" means God of affluence. First Chronicles 3:6 gives his name as Elishama which can mean God the hearer. David has a second son named Elishama (2 Samuel 5:16). Other men named Elishama include the leader of Ephraim when Israel entered the Promised Land (Numbers 2:18), a priest (2 Chronicles 17:8), the grandfather of one of Governor Gedaliah's murderers (2 Kings 25:25), and a secretary (Jeremiah 36:12). The last two may be the same person.

"Nepheg" means offshoot or sprout. He is not the brother of Korah (Exodus 6:21).

"Japhia" means illustrious, splendid, shining, that which enlightens. One of the kings of Lachish is also named Japhia (Joshua 10:3).

The parallel passage to 2 Samuel 5:15, 1 Chronicles 14:5–6, includes Elpelet and Nogah. First Chronicles 3:6–7 refers to Elpelet using the spelling Eliphelet. These two sons may have died young. Another Eliphelet is mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:16.