What number verse is 1 Chronicles 11:25 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 11:25 is the 10,699th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 1 Chronicles 11:25 sits at position 10,699.

Translation

King James Version

Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.

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KJV (with Strong's)

Behold ^H2009, he was honourable ^H3513 among the thirty ^H7970, but attained ^H935 not to the first three ^H7969: and David ^H1732 set ^H7760 him over his guard ^H4928.

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Complete Jewish Bible

He had more honor than the thirty, but he did not achieve the status of the first three. David put him in command of his personal guard.

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Berean Standard Bible

He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard.

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American Standard Version

Behold, he was more honorable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.

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World English Bible Messianic

Behold, he was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn’t attain to the three: and David set him over his guard.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Behold, he was honourable among thirtie, but he attained not vnto the first three. And Dauid made him of his counsell.

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Young's Literal Translation

Of the thirty, lo, he is honoured, and unto the first three he hath not come, and David setteth him over his guard.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 11:25 vividly portrays Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, as a warrior of exceptional valor and standing within King David's elite forces. This verse specifically highlights his distinguished position among the "thirty" mighty men, a select company of David's most formidable soldiers, while also noting that he did not achieve the pinnacle status of the "first three" supreme heroes. Benaiah's proven capabilities and unwavering loyalty were recognized and rewarded by David, who entrusted him with the highly sensitive and crucial role of commanding his personal guard, a testament to his immense competence and trustworthiness.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is embedded within a comprehensive list of King David's mighty men found in 1 Chronicles 11 (with a parallel account in 2 Samuel 23). The Chronicler meticulously details these warriors not merely as a historical record, but to underscore the divine favor upon David and the strength of the kingdom established through loyal and valiant supporters. Immediately preceding 1 Chronicles 11:25, verses 1 Chronicles 11:22-24 recount Benaiah's astonishing individual feats—slaying two lion-like men of Moab, a lion in a pit during a snowstorm, and a formidable Egyptian giant. These specific exploits serve as the narrative justification for his esteemed position and subsequent appointment, demonstrating that his honor was earned through extraordinary courage and skill. The list itself is structured to highlight a clear hierarchy, moving from the "three" supreme heroes to the "thirty" and then others, providing a precise context for Benaiah's specific ranking.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, a king's personal guard was a critical component of his power and security. These units, often composed of highly skilled and intensely loyal individuals, served not only as bodyguards but also as enforcers of royal decrees and executors of sensitive missions. The "thirty" (or "thirty-seven," including the "three" and other named individuals) were more than just a military unit; they formed a royal retinue, embodying the king's strength and prestige. Their existence reflects the need for absolute loyalty in a period characterized by political instability and frequent warfare. The very concept of "mighty men" (Hebrew: gibborim) was deeply ingrained in the culture, referring to individuals of extraordinary strength, courage, and prowess in battle, whose deeds were legendary and foundational to the establishment and maintenance of kingdoms like David's. David's ability to attract and command such men speaks volumes about his leadership and God's hand upon him.
Key Themes: The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles:
- Hierarchy and Recognition: The explicit distinction between the "first three" and the "thirty" illustrates a clear, merit-based military hierarchy. Benaiah's "honourable" status among the "thirty" signifies his exceptional skill and bravery, yet his inability to attain the highest tier of the "three" (like Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah, whose exploits are detailed in 1 Chronicles 11:11-12) highlights that even within an elite group, there were different levels of achievement and honor. This structure emphasizes that recognition was directly tied to proven valor and effectiveness.
- Competence and Trust in Leadership: Benaiah's appointment "over his guard" was a direct consequence of his proven valor and leadership abilities. This role demanded unwavering loyalty and absolute trustworthiness, as he was responsible for the king's personal safety and the execution of sensitive royal commands. This theme underscores how demonstrated faithfulness and competence are prerequisites for positions of significant responsibility and influence, a principle crucial for effective leadership in any era.
- Loyalty and Service to the King: The dedication of these mighty men, including Benaiah, was foundational to the stability and success of David's kingdom. Their willingness to serve, protect, and fight for their king exemplifies the importance of steadfast commitment and allegiance. The Chronicler often highlights such loyalty as a key factor in the prosperity and security of the Davidic dynasty, implicitly linking it to divine blessing.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Honourable (Hebrew, kâbad', H3513): The Hebrew word כָּבֵד (kâbad) carries the primary sense of "heavy" or "weighty." In this context, it metaphorically signifies a person of substantial importance, dignity, and influence. For Benaiah, it denotes not merely a good reputation but a deep-seated esteem, indicating that his presence and character carried significant weight and commanded respect due to his proven deeds and inherent worth.
Guard (Hebrew, mishmaʻath', H4928): The Hebrew term מִשְׁמַעַת (mishmaʻath) is derived from a root meaning "to hear" or "to obey." It can refer to "audience," "obedience," or, as here, a "royal court" or "bodyguard." This implies a unit composed of individuals who are not only highly skilled warriors but are also intimately attentive and absolutely obedient to the king's direct command. Benaiah's appointment to this role highlights an unparalleled level of trust and an expectation of unwavering discipline and loyalty, placing him in the closest proximity to the king's person and affairs.
Set (Hebrew, sûwm', H7760): The Hebrew word שִׂים (sûwm) is a versatile primitive root meaning "to put" or "to place." In this context, it signifies David's deliberate and authoritative act of appointing or ordaining Benaiah to a specific, crucial position. This verb emphasizes the king's sovereign decision and the formal establishment of Benaiah's authority over his guard, underscoring the deliberate recognition and strategic placement of a trusted individual.

Verse Breakdown

"Behold, he was honourable among the thirty": The introductory "Behold" (Hebrew: הִנֵּה, hinnêh) serves as an emphatic particle, drawing the reader's attention to Benaiah's remarkable status. This clause establishes Benaiah's elite position within the "thirty," a renowned group of David's most valiant and distinguished warriors. His "honourable" status indicates that he was highly esteemed, respected, and recognized for his exceptional prowess and character, standing out even among such a formidable company.
"but attained not to the [first] three": This phrase provides a crucial nuance to Benaiah's standing. While exceptionally honored among the "thirty," he did not reach the absolute pinnacle occupied by the "first three" mighty men (Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah), whose exploits were considered even more extraordinary and unparalleled. This distinction highlights the extreme valor and unique achievements of the very top tier, while still affirming Benaiah's near-supreme status and remarkable capabilities.
"and David set him over his guard": This final clause reveals the practical outcome of Benaiah's proven character and competence. King David, recognizing Benaiah's immense trustworthiness, loyalty, and military skill, appointed him to the highly sensitive and critical position of commanding his personal guard. This unit, often identified with the Cherethites and Pelethites, functioned as the king's personal security force and often carried out royal decrees, underscoring the profound trust and authority vested in Benaiah.

Literary Devices

The Chronicler employs several literary devices to convey Benaiah's significance. Hierarchy/Gradation is prominently featured, as the text meticulously distinguishes between the "first three" and the "thirty," establishing a clear ranking system that highlights the exceptional nature of the top tier while still praising Benaiah's high standing within the second. This precise classification emphasizes the rigorous standards of valor and achievement within David's army. Furthermore, Juxtaposition is used to create a nuanced portrayal of Benaiah's status: his "honourable" position among the "thirty" is immediately contrasted with his failure to "attain... the three." This contrast underscores both his remarkable achievements and the even more extraordinary feats of the absolute elite, providing a balanced perspective on his capabilities. The use of the emphatic "Behold" (KJV) or "Now" (ESV/NIV) at the beginning of the verse also serves as a device of Emphasis, drawing the reader's immediate attention to Benaiah's significant and noteworthy status.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Benaiah's story in 1 Chronicles 11:25 offers profound theological insights into the nature of service, leadership, and divine recognition. His example illustrates that faithfulness and competence in one's assigned role, regardless of its hierarchical position, are deeply valued and lead to greater trust and responsibility. The Chronicler emphasizes that God works through individuals with diverse gifts and callings to establish and sustain His kingdom. Benaiah's willingness to serve David with unwavering loyalty and exceptional skill mirrors the call for believers to serve God with their unique abilities, understanding that all diligent service contributes to God's overarching purposes and is seen by Him. This narrative highlights a divine economy where proven character and ability are rewarded, not merely for human glory, but for the effective functioning of God's plan through His chosen leaders.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Benaiah's narrative is a powerful testament to the value of faithful and competent service, regardless of whether one occupies the absolute top tier. It challenges the modern inclination to constantly strive for the most prominent positions, reminding us that true honor comes from diligent effort and unwavering loyalty in the role God has placed us in. Benaiah excelled among the "thirty," proving his worth through extraordinary deeds, and was subsequently entrusted with a vital and highly sensitive position. This teaches us the importance of cultivating excellence in our current spheres of influence, recognizing that every act of faithful service, no matter how seemingly small or "secondary," contributes to the larger work of God's kingdom and is seen and valued by Him. We are called to be trustworthy stewards of the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to us, building a reputation for integrity and reliability that can lead to greater opportunities for impact and service for God's glory.

Questions for Reflection

How does Benaiah's example challenge our modern pursuit of "top" positions or external recognition in our work or service?
In what ways can we faithfully serve in our current roles, even if they seem less prominent, knowing that God values all diligent service?
What does Benaiah's appointment teach us about the qualities leaders should seek in those they entrust with significant responsibilities?
How can we cultivate a spirit of loyalty and unwavering commitment to the "King" in our spiritual lives, mirroring Benaiah's dedication to David?

FAQ

What was the significance of the "thirty" and the "three" mighty men?

Answer: The "three" and the "thirty" represented distinct, highly elite tiers within King David's army, symbolizing the pinnacle of military prowess and loyalty in ancient Israel. The "three" (Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah) were the absolute supreme warriors, whose legendary exploits (e.g., breaking through enemy lines for water, single-handedly defeating hundreds) set them apart as unparalleled heroes (1 Chronicles 11:11-19). The "thirty" (or sometimes "thirty-seven" including the three and other named individuals, as seen in 2 Samuel 23) constituted a broader but still exceptionally distinguished group. They formed the core of David's special forces, his personal guard, and were instrumental in establishing and maintaining his kingdom. Their existence underscored the strength and divine favor upon David's reign, as he was able to attract and command such formidable and loyal men.

Why was Benaiah's appointment "over his guard" so important?

Answer: Benaiah's appointment "over his guard" was a position of immense trust, power, and intimacy with the king. In ancient monarchies, the royal guard served as the king's personal security detail, responsible for his life and the immediate execution of his most sensitive commands. This unit, often composed of foreign mercenaries or specially chosen loyalists like the Cherethites and Pelethites, operated outside the regular army structure and reported directly to the king. Entrusting Benaiah with this role signified David's absolute confidence in his loyalty, discretion, and competence. It was a testament to Benaiah's proven character and military skill, placing him in the closest proximity to royal authority. His continued rise, eventually becoming commander of the entire army under King Solomon (1 Kings 2:35), further underscores the critical importance and foundational nature of this initial appointment.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Benaiah's exemplary loyalty, competence, and service to King David serve as a powerful foreshadowing of the unwavering devotion and service due to our ultimate King, Jesus Christ. Just as Benaiah was "honourable" among David's mighty men, Christ alone is truly worthy of all honor, glory, and praise, the Lamb of God who is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!. Benaiah's role as the commander of David's personal guard, responsible for the king's safety and the execution of his will, points to Christ as our ultimate Protector and Guardian, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and promises that no one can snatch them out of His hand. Furthermore, the meritocratic nature of David's army, where proven deeds led to greater responsibility, mirrors the call for believers to be faithful stewards in God's kingdom. We are called to serve our King with the same diligence and loyalty Benaiah showed David, using our diverse gifts for His purposes, knowing that one day the King will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much." Benaiah's story, therefore, is not just about an ancient warrior, but a timeless call to faithful service under the reign of the true and eternal King.

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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.

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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.

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