1 Chronicles 11:29

KJV

Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

KJV (with Strong's)

Sibbecai {H5444} the Hushathite {H2843}, Ilai {H5866} the Ahohite {H266},

Complete Jewish Bible

Sibkhai the Hushati, 'Ilai the Achochi,

Berean Standard Bible

Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

American Standard Version

Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:29 meticulously records the names of "Sibbecai the Hushathite" and "Ilai the Ahohite," two distinguished warriors among David's elite "mighty men." This verse is part of a comprehensive roster that honors the exceptional bravery, unwavering loyalty, and significant contributions of the individuals who formed the backbone of King David's military strength and supported his divinely appointed reign. It underscores the importance of communal effort and individual faithfulness in the establishment and flourishing of God's kingdom on earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 11:10-47, a detailed and significant list of David's most valiant warriors. The chapter begins with David's anointing as king over all Israel and his capture of Jerusalem, establishing it as his capital ([1 Chronicles 11:1-9](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King")). Following this foundational narrative, the chronicler dedicates a substantial portion of the chapter to documenting the names and, in some cases, the heroic deeds of these "mighty men." This list serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement, emphasizing the divine blessing on David's reign, manifested through the loyalty and strength of his supporters. The inclusion of each name, even those without specific actions detailed, highlights the chronicler's intent to honor every individual who contributed to the stability and success of the Davidic monarchy, which was central to God's covenant purposes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the strength and legitimacy of a king were often reflected in the caliber of his military. Elite fighting units, like David's "mighty men," were crucial for defense, expansion, and maintaining order. These warriors were not just soldiers but often close companions and trusted advisors, bound by personal loyalty to the king. The act of meticulously listing names, especially in genealogical or military rosters, was a common practice in the ancient world, serving to establish lineage, confer honor, and preserve a historical record. The Chronicler, writing centuries after David's time, likely during or after the Babylonian exile, would have used such lists to remind the post-exilic community of Israel's glorious past under a righteous king and to inspire faithfulness and hope for future restoration under a new Davidic leader.
* **Key Themes:** The list of David's mighty men, including the individuals in [1 Chronicles 11:29](/1_chronicles/11-29 "1 Chronicles 11:29 - Sibbecai and Ilai"), powerfully articulates several key themes. First, **Loyalty and Service** are paramount; these men dedicated their lives to David, recognizing his divine appointment and serving his cause, which was intrinsically linked to God's plan for Israel. Their unwavering commitment, often at great personal risk, exemplifies faithful service. Second, **Recognition and Honor** are central. The chronicler's deliberate inclusion of each name, even in a long list, underscores the biblical principle that every individual contribution, however seemingly small or unheralded, is valued and remembered by God. This echoes the sentiment found in passages like [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Remembers Your Work"). Third, the list highlights the **Foundation of Leadership**. David's extraordinary success as king was not a solitary achievement but was built upon the collective strength, courage, and dedication of these key supporters. This illustrates the vital role of a strong, unified, and committed team in achieving God-given objectives, a principle applicable to leadership in all spheres, including the church, as seen in the New Testament's emphasis on the body of Christ in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - The Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sibbecai (Hebrew, _Sibbĕḵay_):** This individual is identified as "the Hushathite," indicating his origin from Hushah, a town likely in Judah. Sibbecai is a notable figure among David's mighty men, particularly recognized for his valor in battle. He is famously credited with slaying the Philistine giant Saph (or Sippai), a deed recorded in [2 Samuel 21:18](/2_samuel/21-18 "2 Samuel 21:18 - Sibbecai Slays Saph") and [1 Chronicles 20:4](/1_chronicles/20-4 "1 Chronicles 20:4 - Sibbecai Slays Sippai"). His inclusion here, alongside other prominent warriors, underscores his significant military prowess and contribution to David's kingdom. In the parallel list in [2 Samuel 23:27](/2_samuel/23-27 "2 Samuel 23:27 - Mebunnai the Hushathite"), he is referred to as "Mebunnai," a variation often attributed to scribal differences or an alternative name for the same person.
* **Ilai (Hebrew, _‘Îlay_):** Identified as "the Ahohite," Ilai's name signifies his descent from Ahoah, a Benjamite clan ([1 Chronicles 8:4](/1_chronicles/8-4 "1 Chronicles 8:4 - Sons of Ahoah")). Like Sibbecai, Ilai is listed as one of David's elite warriors, though no specific heroic deed is attributed to him in the biblical text. His presence in this prestigious list is sufficient testimony to his loyalty and military capability. In the parallel account in [2 Samuel 23:28](/2_samuel/23-28 "2 Samuel 23:28 - Zalmon the Ahohite"), he is named "Zalmon the Ahohite." This discrepancy is common in ancient texts and likely represents a variant spelling, a different name by which he was known, or a textual corruption over time. The consistent identification as "the Ahohite" confirms the individual's tribal affiliation despite the name variation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sibbecai the Hushathite":** This phrase introduces one of David's renowned warriors. "Sibbecai" is his personal name, and "the Hushathite" is an ethnicon, specifying his place of origin or tribal affiliation (Hushah, likely in Judah). This identification serves to distinguish him and connect him to his lineage and community. His inclusion in this list signifies his status as a key figure in David's military, known for his strength and bravery, particularly his victory over a Philistine giant.
* **"Ilai the Ahohite":** This second phrase introduces another distinguished member of David's mighty men. "Ilai" is his personal name, and "the Ahohite" indicates his descent from the family of Ahoah, a branch of the tribe of Benjamin. Like Sibbecai, his inclusion here, even without a specific deed mentioned, marks him as a loyal and capable warrior who contributed significantly to David's reign. The chronicler's purpose in listing him is to honor his service and ensure his remembrance among the heroes of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 11:29, and indeed throughout the entire list of David's mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:10-47), is **Catalog/List**. This device is used to systematically enumerate individuals, often with their affiliations or notable achievements, serving to organize information, provide a comprehensive record, and confer honor. The meticulous listing of names like Sibbecai and Ilai emphasizes the chronicler's interest in the individual contributions to the collective strength of David's kingdom. Another significant device is **Parallelism**, specifically with the account found in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Mighty Men"). The Chronicler's list largely mirrors the one in Samuel, but with notable variations in names (e.g., Sibbecai/Mebunnai, Ilai/Zalmon). This highlights the textual transmission process and the potential for alternative names or scribal differences between ancient sources. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis through Repetition** as the chronicler repeatedly lists names, reinforcing the importance of each warrior and the collective strength they represented for David's reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The careful enumeration of David's mighty men, including Sibbecai and Ilai, speaks volumes about God's valuing of individual contributions within His larger redemptive plan. While David was the chosen king, his success was intrinsically linked to the faithfulness and courage of his loyal supporters. This illustrates that God often works through a community of committed individuals, each playing a vital role, no matter how seemingly small or unheralded. The chronicler's dedication to preserving these names underscores a divine principle: God remembers and honors the service of His people. Their loyalty to David, God's anointed, serves as a model for our own faithfulness to God's appointed leaders and, ultimately, to Christ Himself.

* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Remembers Your Work")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Names Written in the Book of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly simple act of listing names in 1 Chronicles 11:29 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every individual, regardless of their public profile or the magnitude of their deeds, holds intrinsic value in God's eyes and plays a crucial part in His unfolding purposes. Just as Sibbecai and Ilai contributed to David's kingdom, we are called to faithfully steward our unique gifts and positions within the body of Christ. Our service, whether in prominent leadership or quiet support, is seen and honored by God. This passage encourages us to embrace our roles with dedication, knowing that our collective faithfulness strengthens the church and advances God's kingdom. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and mutual support, as David's strength was multiplied by the loyalty of his mighty men, urging us to cultivate genuine fellowship and collaborative ministry within our own spiritual communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the chronicler's meticulous listing of names encourage us to value every member of our community or church?**
* **In what ways can we, like David's mighty men, demonstrate unwavering loyalty and faithful service to God's purposes in our own spheres of influence?**
* **What "unseen" or "unheralded" contributions within your church or community might be vital, and how can you acknowledge or support them?**

### FAQ

**Why are there discrepancies in the names of David's mighty men between 1 Chronicles and 2 Samuel?**

Answer: The discrepancies in names, such as Sibbecai in [1 Chronicles 11:29](/1_chronicles/11-29 "1 Chronicles 11:29 - Sibbecai the Hushathite") being called Mebunnai in [2 Samuel 23:27](/2_samuel/23-27 "2 Samuel 23:27 - Mebunnai the Hushathite"), and Ilai in 1 Chronicles being Zalmon in [2 Samuel 23:28](/2_samuel/23-28 "2 Samuel 23:28 - Zalmon the Ahohite"), are common in ancient biblical texts. These variations can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, individuals in ancient Israel sometimes had multiple names (e.g., a birth name and a nickname, or a name adopted later in life). Secondly, scribal errors during the long process of copying manuscripts could lead to minor alterations in spelling or even the substitution of similar-sounding names. Thirdly, the Chronicler may have used a slightly different source tradition or had access to alternative records than the author of Samuel. Despite these variations, the core identity and role of the individuals as David's mighty men remain consistent across both accounts, affirming their historical reality and significance.

**What is the theological significance of such a detailed list of names in the Bible?**

Answer: The theological significance of detailed lists of names, like that of David's mighty men in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David's Mighty Men"), is profound. It underscores God's meticulous attention to individuals and His remembrance of their service. In a culture where honor and lineage were paramount, the chronicler's inclusion of these names serves to validate their contributions and ensure their legacy. Theologically, it highlights that God's kingdom is built not just by a single leader, but by the collective faithfulness and diverse gifts of many individuals. It also provides a historical record of God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, demonstrating how He raised up loyal and courageous people to support His chosen king. This echoes the New Testament concept of the body of Christ, where every member is vital ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ Has Many Parts")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The roster of David's mighty men, including Sibbecai and Ilai, serves as a powerful Old Testament type for the community of believers who serve the greater King, Jesus Christ. Just as these warriors pledged their unwavering loyalty and strength to David, so too are believers called to be "mighty men and women" in the spiritual army of Christ. Their dedication to David's earthly kingdom foreshadows the commitment required of those who follow the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") in His eternal kingdom. The chronicler's careful preservation of each name reflects God's own meticulous remembrance of His faithful servants, whose names are written in the [Book of Life](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - Book of Life"). While David's men fought with physical weapons against earthly foes, Christ's followers engage in a spiritual battle, equipped with the [armor of God](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Armor of God"), striving for righteousness and the advancement of the Gospel ([2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - The Weapons of Our Warfare")). Ultimately, the valor and loyalty of David's mighty men point to the supreme loyalty and sacrifice of Christ Himself, who, as the [true Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), established a kingdom that will never end, built upon the faithful service of His redeemed people ([Revelation 1:5-6](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5-6 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 27:11

The eighth [captain] for the eighth month [was] Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course [were] twenty and four thousand.

2 Samuel 23:27

Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,

2 Samuel 23:28

Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,