1 Chronicles 20:7

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him.

Complete Jewish Bible:

When he mocked Isra'el, Y'honatan the son of Shim'a David's brother killed him.

Berean Standard Bible:

and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him.

American Standard Version:

And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David’s brother slew him.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But when he defied{H2778} Israel{H3478}, Jonathan{H3083} the son{H1121} of Shimea{H8092} David's{H1732} brother{H251} slew{H5221} him.

Cross-References (KJV):

1 Chronicles 2:13

  • And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third,

1 Samuel 16:9

  • Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

Isaiah 37:23

  • Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted [thy] voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? [even] against the Holy One of Israel.

1 Samuel 17:26

  • And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who [is] this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?

1 Samuel 17:10

  • And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.

1 Samuel 17:36

  • Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

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Commentary for 1 Chronicles 20:7

1 Chronicles 20:7 is a verse that recounts a specific incident during the reign of King David. The verse is part of a broader narrative that describes various military campaigns and the exploits of David's warriors. The historical context of this verse is set during the period when David was consolidating his rule over Israel and expanding its territory through a series of battles against neighboring nations.

The verse itself highlights a moment of defiance against Israel by an unnamed individual, who is likely a member of a rival group or nation. In response to this challenge, Jonathan, the son of Shimea (also known as Shammah) and David's brother, takes action. Jonathan's role here is significant as it showcases the strength and loyalty of David's inner circle, often referred to as "David's mighty men." These warriors were renowned for their exceptional military prowess and unwavering commitment to their king.

The theme of loyalty and bravery is central to this verse. Jonathan's act of slaying the defiant opponent underscores the might and valor of David's army, as well as the cohesion and effectiveness of his leadership. It also serves to illustrate the broader theme of divine favor upon David and his men, as they successfully overcome their enemies. This event would have been seen as a demonstration of God's blessing on David's reign and his military endeavors.

In summary, 1 Chronicles 20:7 encapsulates the bravery and loyalty of David's nephew, Jonathan, in the face of a challenge to Israel. It reflects the military successes of David's reign and the divine favor believed to be bestowed upon him and his warriors. This verse is part of the chronicling of the history of Israel under David's rule, emphasizing the strength and faithfulness of those who served under him.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H2778
    There are 40 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חָרַף
    Transliteration: châraph
    Pronunciation: khaw-raf'
    Description: a primitive root; also denominative (from חֹרֶף); to pull off, i.e. (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e. defame; to spend the winter; betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid.
  2. Strong's Number: H3478
    There are 2229 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יִשְׂרָאֵל
    Transliteration: Yisrâʼêl
    Pronunciation: yis-raw-ale'
    Description: from שָׂרָה and אֵל; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity; Israel.
  3. Strong's Number: H3083
    There are 73 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְהוֹנָתָן
    Transliteration: Yᵉhôwnâthân
    Pronunciation: yeh-ho-naw-thawn'
    Description: from יְהֹוָה and נָתַן; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites; Jonathan. Compare יוֹנָתָן.
  4. Strong's Number: H1121
    There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: בֵּן
    Transliteration: bên
    Pronunciation: bane
    Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
  5. Strong's Number: H8092
    There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שִׁמְעָא
    Transliteration: Shimʻâʼ
    Pronunciation: shim-aw'
    Description: for שִׁמְעָה; Shima, the name of four Israelites; Shimea, Shimei, Shamma.
  6. Strong's Number: H1732
    There are 911 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: דָּוִד
    Transliteration: Dâvid
    Pronunciation: daw-veed'
    Description: rarely (fully); דָּוִיד; from the same as דּוֹד; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse; David.
  7. Strong's Number: H251
    There are 636 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אָח
    Transliteration: ʼâch
    Pronunciation: awkh
    Description: a primitive word; a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance (like father)); another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'.
  8. Strong's Number: H5221
    There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נָכָה
    Transliteration: nâkâh
    Pronunciation: naw-kaw'
    Description: a primitive root; to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound.