TRV
Translation
King James Version
Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.
Complete Jewish Bible
Of the three in the second rank he had the most honor and was therefore made their leader; however, he did not achieve the status of the first three.
Berean Standard Bible
He was doubly honored above the Three, and he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.
American Standard Version
Of the three, he was more honorable than the two, and was made their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.
World English Bible Messianic
Of the three, he was more honorable than the two, and was made their captain: however he didn’t attain to the three.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Among the three he was more honourable then the two, and he was their captaine: but he attained not vnto the first three.
Young's Literal Translation
Of the three by the two he is honoured, and becometh their head; and unto the first three he hath not come.
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 10,695 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11 verses 10–47
10 ¶ These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.
11 And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time.
12 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties.
13 He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.
14 And they set themselves in the midst of that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philistines; and the LORD saved them by a great deliverance.
15 Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.
16 And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.
17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!
18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,
19 And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.
20 And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.
21 Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.
22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.
23 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.
24 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three mighties.
25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.
26 Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
28 Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,
29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,
30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite,
31 Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,
32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,
33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
34 The sons of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the son of Shage the Hararite,
35 Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur,
36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,
37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,
38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,
39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,
40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,
41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,
42 Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,
43 Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,
44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel the sons of Hothan the Aroerite,
45 Jediael the son of Shimri, and Joha his brother, the Tizite,
46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,
47 Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite.
We have here an account of David's worthies, the great men of his time that served him and were preferred by him. The first edition of this catalogue we had, Sa2 23:8, etc. This is much the same, only that those named here from Ch1 11:41 to the end are added. Observe,
I. The connexion of this catalogue with that which is said concerning David, Ch1 11:9. 1. David waxed greater and greater, and these were his mighty men. Much of the strength and honour of great men is borrowed from their servants and depends upon them, which cannot but somewhat diminish pomp and power in the opinion of those that are wise. David is great because he has great men about him; take these away, and he is where he was. 2. The Lord of hosts was with him, and these were the mighty men which he had. God was with him and wrought for him, but by men and means and the use of second causes. By this it appeared that God was with him, that he inclined the hearts of those to come over to him that were able to serve his interest. As, if God be for us none can be against us, so, if God be for us, all shall be for us that we have occasion for. Yet David ascribed his success and increase, not to the hosts he had, but to the Lord of hosts, not to the mighty men that were with him, but to the mighty God whose presence with us is all in all.
II. The title of this catalogue (Ch1 11:10): These are the men who strengthened themselves with him. In strengthening him they strengthened themselves and their own interest; for his advancement was theirs. What we do in our places for the support of the kingdom of the Son of David we shall be gainers by. In strengthening it we strengthen ourselves. It may be read, They held strongly with him and with all Israel. Note, When God has work to do he will not want fit instruments to do it with. If it be work that requires mighty men, mighty men shall either be found or made to effect it, according to the word of the Lord.
III. That which made all these men honourable was the good service that they did to their king and country; they helped to make David king (Ch1 11:10) - a good work. They slew the Philistines, and other public enemies, and were instrumental to save Israel. Note, The way to be great is to do good. Nor did they gain this honour without labour and the hazard of their lives. The honours of Christ's kingdom are prepared for those that fight the good fight of faith, that labour and suffer, and are willing to venture all, even life itself, for Christ and a good conscience. It is by a patient continuance in well-doing that we must seek for glory, and honour, and immortality; and those that are faithful to the Son of David shall find their names registered and enrolled much more to their honour than these are in the records of fame.
IV. Among all the great exploits of David's mighty men, here is nothing great mentioned concerning David himself but his pouring out water before the Lord which he had longed for, Ch1 11:18, Ch1 11:19. Four very honourable dispositions of David appeared in that action, which, for aught I know, made it as great as any of the achievements of those worthies. 1. Repentance for his own weakness. It is really an honour to a man, when he is made sensible that he has said or done any thing unadvisedly, to unsay it and undo it again by repentance, as it is a shame to a man when he has said or done amiss to stand to it. 2. Denial of his own appetite. He longed for the water of the well of Bethlehem; but, when he had it, he would not drink it, because he would not so far humour himself and gratify a foolish fancy. He that has such a rule as this over his own spirit is better than the mighty. It is an honour to a man to have the command of himself; but he that will command himself must sometimes cross himself. 3. Devotion towards God. That water which he thought too good, too precious, for his own drinking, he poured out to the Lord for a drink offering. If we have any thing better than another, let God be honoured with it, who is the best, and should have the best. 4. Tenderness of his servants. It put him into the greatest confusion imaginable to think that three brave men should hazard their lives to fetch water for him. In his account it turns the water into blood. It is the honour of great men not to be prodigal of the blood of those they employ, but, in all the commands they give them, to put their own souls into their souls' stead.
V. In the wonderful achievements of these heroes the power of God must be acknowledged. How could one slay 300 and another the same number (Ch1 11:11, Ch1 11:20), another two lion-like men (Ch1 11:22), and another an Egyptian giant (Ch1 11:23), if they had not had the extraordinary presence of God with them, according to that promise, Jos 23:10, One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God fighteth for you?
VI. One of these worthies is said to be an Ammonite (Ch1 11:39), another a Moabite (Ch1 11:46), and yet the law was that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the congregation of the Lord, Deu 23:3. These, it is likely, had approved themselves so hearty for the interest of Israel that in their case it was thought fit to dispense with that law, and the rather because it was an indication that the Son of David would have worthies among the Gentiles: with him there is neither Greek nor Jew.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–47. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 1 Chronicles 11:21 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
First Chronicles 11:21 meticulously details the exceptional valor and leadership of Abishai, one of King David's most distinguished military commanders. While acknowledging his profound honor and strategic role as a captain, the verse carefully distinguishes his rank, placing him above many but explicitly below the unparalleled status of David's legendary "first three" mighty men. This precise categorization underscores Abishai's significant contributions and unique position within David's elite fighting force, celebrating his individual prowess while maintaining a clear hierarchy of extraordinary achievement.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within a crucial section of 1 Chronicles 11, specifically verses 10-47, which provides a detailed roster of King David's most valiant warriors. Following the account of David's anointing as king at Hebron (1 Chronicles 11:1-3) and his strategic capture of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 11:4-9), the Chronicler shifts focus to the individuals who enabled David's military successes and the establishment of his kingdom. This list serves not merely as a historical record but as a testament to divine blessing upon David's reign, manifested through the exceptional loyalty and strength of his devoted followers. Abishai's specific mention immediately follows the account of the "first three" mighty men and their extraordinary feats, setting the stage for a comparison of his own remarkable, yet distinct, level of honor, as seen in 1 Chronicles 11:11-19.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, military prowess and loyalty to the king were highly esteemed virtues, directly contributing to national security and stability. The formation of an elite fighting force, often comprised of personal bodyguards or special units, was common among Near Eastern monarchs. These "mighty men" (גִּבֹּרִים, gibborim) were not just soldiers but heroes whose individual acts of bravery were celebrated and remembered, often serving as exemplars for future generations. Their status was often tied to specific, demonstrable feats of strength, courage, or strategic acumen, such as those recounted in 2 Samuel 23. The concept of a hierarchical ranking within such a group, as seen with the "first three" and then Abishai's position, reflects the social structures and honor codes prevalent in the ancient world, where precise distinctions in status and achievement were meticulously observed and publicly acknowledged.
Key Themes: The passage powerfully underscores several key themes central to the Chronicler's narrative. Valor and Distinction are paramount, as Abishai's actions and his specific honorific status highlight the importance of individual courage and exceptional service in God's kingdom. His leadership role as a "captain" further emphasizes the theme of Effective Leadership and the necessity of skilled commanders in achieving God-ordained objectives, much like Joab's rise to chief captain in 1 Chronicles 11:6. Crucially, the verse introduces the theme of Hierarchical Excellence, demonstrating that even within a group of highly distinguished individuals, there are varying echelons of achievement and honor. This nuanced ranking system, where Abishai is "more honourable than the two" (referring to the second tier of thirty mighty men) but "attained not to the [first] three," illustrates that while all faithful service is valued, some individuals reach unparalleled heights of distinction, serving as a model for striving for the highest levels of devotion and accomplishment in God's service, as seen in the broader narrative of David's reign and God's favor upon him (1 Chronicles 11:9).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices to convey Abishai's unique status. Emphasis is achieved through the direct comparison ("more honourable than the two"), immediately drawing the reader's attention to Abishai's exceptionalism. This is further highlighted by the explicit reason provided ("for he was their captain"). Contrast is a primary device, sharply delineating Abishai's high honor from the even higher, unparalleled status of the "first three." This creates a sense of a tiered hierarchy, where extraordinary achievement is recognized at multiple levels, yet the pinnacle remains distinct. The use of Numerical Precision (the "three," the "two," the "first three") lends a sense of factual accuracy and meticulous record-keeping, reinforcing the historical reliability and the objective nature of these distinctions. Finally, the overall structure of listing the mighty men, with specific feats attributed to each, functions as a form of Heroic Narrative, celebrating individual bravery and loyalty to the king, which implicitly reflects on the king's own greatness and divine favor.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Abishai's honor and distinction, while seemingly a straightforward military record, carries profound theological and thematic weight. It speaks to the biblical understanding of valor, leadership, and faithful service within God's kingdom. Abishai's story illustrates that true honor is not merely about personal glory but about the impact of one's actions in service to a greater cause – in this case, the establishment and security of God's chosen king, David. His willingness to put his life on the line and his capacity to lead others reflect a commitment that God honors. Furthermore, the nuanced hierarchy within David's mighty men subtly points to the diverse ways in which individuals are gifted and called to serve, acknowledging that while some may reach preeminent positions, every act of faithful and courageous service, even if not at the absolute pinnacle, is valuable and recognized. It underscores that God uses a spectrum of abilities and roles to accomplish His purposes, and each person's contribution, when offered in loyalty and excellence, holds significant worth.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abishai's story offers a compelling lesson for contemporary believers: excellence and faithful service are always valued, even if they don't place us at the absolute top of a perceived hierarchy. We are called to steward our gifts and responsibilities with all our might, whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or churches. Abishai's "more honorable" status, despite not reaching the "first three," reminds us that our worth and impact are not solely defined by being the "best" or "first," but by the dedication, courage, and integrity we bring to our assigned roles. It encourages us to strive for our personal best, to lead when called, and to serve faithfully, knowing that God sees and honors every sincere effort. Our focus should be on maximizing our God-given potential and contributing to the greater good of His kingdom, rather than solely on external recognition or comparison.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of the "first three" mighty men, and why was Abishai not among them?
Answer: The "first three" mighty men—Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah—were an elite, unparalleled tier of warriors in David's army, distinguished by extraordinary, almost superhuman feats of valor (e.g., Jashobeam killing 800 men, Eleazar standing alone against Philistines, Shammah defending a lentil field). Their exploits, detailed in 1 Chronicles 11:11-19, set them apart as uniquely courageous and effective, often acting almost single-handedly against overwhelming odds. Abishai, while incredibly honorable and a leader (killing 300 men, rescuing David, etc., as seen in 2 Samuel 21:16-17), belonged to the "second three" or "chiefs of the thirty." His distinction was that he was "more honorable" than the other two in that specific group, largely due to his leadership and specific feats. He was still a hero of immense stature, but the "first three" represented an absolute pinnacle of individual military heroism that even Abishai did not attain, perhaps because their specific acts were seen as more audacious or critical in their impact.
How does Abishai's role as "captain" impact his honor?
Answer: Abishai's designation as "captain" (שַׂר, sar) significantly enhanced his honor beyond that of a mere warrior. It meant he held a position of command and responsibility over other soldiers. This implies not only personal fighting skill but also strategic thinking, the ability to lead men into battle, and the capacity to inspire loyalty and discipline. In ancient warfare, effective leadership was crucial for success, and a captain who could deliver victories and maintain order was highly esteemed. His leadership role, therefore, added a layer of prestige and influence to his already established reputation for valor, making him "more honorable" than others who might have been equally brave but lacked the command authority. This is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, where effective leadership, like that of Joab, Abishai's brother, is vital for the success of God's people (1 Chronicles 11:6).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abishai, a mighty warrior serving King David with exceptional valor and leadership, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Abishai was a faithful servant to an earthly king, Jesus is the true and eternal King, to whom all honor and authority belong (Revelation 19:16). Abishai's willingness to put his life on the line for David foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, laying down His life not for an earthly kingdom, but for the redemption of humanity (John 10:11). Furthermore, Abishai's leadership as a "captain" points to Jesus as the supreme Commander and Shepherd of His people, who leads His church in spiritual warfare against sin and darkness (Hebrews 2:10). Unlike Abishai, who "attained not to the [first] three," Jesus stands alone as the preeminent One, the "firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15-18), in whom all fullness dwells, and to whom all honor is due. His perfect obedience and ultimate victory far surpass any human valor, establishing a new kingdom where true honor is found in humble service and faithfulness to Him, the King of kings and Lord of lords (Philippians 2:8-11).