What number verse is 1 Chronicles 11:31 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 11:31 is the 10,705th 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 11:31 sits at position 10,705.

Translation

King James Version

Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,

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KJV (with Strong's)

Ithai ^H863 the son ^H1121 of Ribai ^H7380 of Gibeah ^H1390, that pertained to the children ^H1121 of Benjamin ^H1144, Benaiah ^H1141 the Pirathonite ^H6553,

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Complete Jewish Bible

Ittai the son of Rivai from Giv'ah, from the descendants of Binyamin, B'nayahu from Pir'aton,

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Berean Standard Bible

Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites, Benaiah the Pirathonite,

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American Standard Version

Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,

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World English Bible Messianic

Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Ithai the sonne of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Beniamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,

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Young's Literal Translation

Ithai son of Ribai of Gibeah, of the sons of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 11:31 meticulously records two more of King David's elite warriors, known as his mighty men, who were instrumental in establishing and securing his divinely appointed kingdom. This verse specifically names Ithai, the son of Ribai, originating from Gibeah and belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, and Benaiah the Pirathonite. The inclusion of their names, patronymics, and places of origin underscores the historical authenticity and precision of these sacred records, highlighting the diverse individuals God sovereignly raised up and empowered to support David's reign and the unified kingdom of Israel.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: 1 Chronicles 11:31 is embedded within the extensive and detailed catalog of King David's elite fighting force, commonly referred to as his "mighty men," which spans from 1 Chronicles 11:10 through 1 Chronicles 11:47. This comprehensive enumeration serves as a parallel account to the list found in 2 Samuel 23:8-39. In the book of Chronicles, which primarily aims to legitimize the Davidic dynasty and emphasize the unity of Israel under God's chosen king, these lists are far more than mere historical records; they function as profound theological statements. They vividly demonstrate the divine favor bestowed upon David, as God supernaturally gathered, equipped, and empowered a diverse array of loyal and courageous individuals from across the tribes to uphold and strengthen his throne. The Chronicler's overarching focus is on the establishment of the kingdom and the subsequent building of the temple, and the presence of these formidable warriors underscores the stability, strength, and divine protection provided by God for the fulfillment of these foundational purposes.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, particularly during periods of kingdom formation and consolidation like David's reign, military prowess, unwavering loyalty, and personal valor were highly esteemed virtues. Kings heavily relied on elite warriors not only for personal protection but also for executing military campaigns, maintaining internal order, and projecting national strength. The meticulous practice of listing names, patronymics (father's names), and hometowns was a common and crucial method in ancient records for authenticating identity, establishing lineage, and confirming tribal affiliations. Ithai's origin from Gibeah is particularly significant; it was the former capital and ancestral home of King Saul, David's predecessor and rival. For a Benjaminite from Gibeah to pledge loyalty to David, a Judean, speaks volumes about the shifting political allegiances and the successful, divinely orchestrated consolidation of power under David's leadership. Benaiah's designation as "the Pirathonite" indicates his origin from Pirathon, a town situated in the hill country of Ephraim, further illustrating the remarkable geographical and tribal diversity represented among David's most trusted and formidable men.
Key Themes: This verse, situated within the broader catalog of David's mighty men, contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Loyalty and Service, showcasing individuals who committed their strength, valor, and very lives to serving King David, thereby actively participating in God's unfolding kingdom work. Their esteemed inclusion in this revered list signifies the profound value placed on unwavering devotion and courageous service to God's anointed leader. Secondly, the passage underscores Divine Enablement, as the extraordinary strength, valor, and ultimate success of these men were consistently perceived as a direct manifestation of God's blessing and empowering presence upon David's reign. This divine assistance ensured David's success and the secure establishment of his throne, as explicitly promised by God (compare 1 Chronicles 11:9). Thirdly, the notable Diversity of Backgrounds among David's chosen warriors, drawn from various tribes and regions across Israel, powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign hand in uniting disparate elements for His grand purposes, forging a unified and formidable kingdom under His chosen leader. This rich diversity reflects the expansive and inclusive nature of God's plan for His people.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Ithai (Hebrew, 'Ittay', H863): While the name itself means "near" or "with me," this specific Ithai is identified by his lineage and origin, distinguishing him from the more famous Gittite Ittai (H857). His inclusion in David's elite force, despite hailing from Gibeah of Benjamin, Saul's tribe and former capital, underscores the widespread allegiance David commanded and the unity being forged under his reign.
Benaiah (Hebrew, Bᵉnâyâh', H1141): Derived from the Hebrew words for "built" and "Yah" (a shortened form of Yahweh), this name means "Jah has built" or "Yahweh has built." This theological name is highly fitting for a man who would become one of David's most celebrated warriors and later, a key figure in Solomon's kingdom, as his life and accomplishments were indeed built and established by God's hand.
Gibeah (Hebrew, Gibʻâh', H1390): Meaning "hill" or "height," Gibeah was a strategically important city in the territory of Benjamin and famously served as King Saul's capital. Its mention here as Ithai's hometown emphasizes his specific tribal and geographical origin, adding significant historical and political nuance to his loyalty to King David, who hailed from the rival tribe of Judah.
Pirathonite (Hebrew, Pirʻâthôwnîy', H6553): This gentilic term identifies Benaiah as an inhabitant of Pirathon, a town located in the hill country of Ephraim. The use of such precise geographical identifiers is characteristic of the Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping, highlighting the authenticity of the historical accounts and demonstrating the broad geographical reach of David's support base, drawing valiant men from diverse regions across the tribes of Israel.

Verse Breakdown

"Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah,": This opening clause introduces the first of the two mighty men named in this verse. Ithai is precisely identified by his personal name, his father's name (Ribai), and his specific hometown (Gibeah). This tripartite identification was a standard and crucial method for establishing identity, lineage, and tribal affiliation in ancient Israel. The explicit mention of Gibeah, which was King Saul's former capital, is particularly noteworthy. It signals that David's unifying influence and growing kingdom extended even into the traditional heartland of his predecessor's tribe, demonstrating a broad and consolidating allegiance.
"[that pertained] to the children of Benjamin,": This parenthetical clarification, as rendered in the King James Version, explicitly states Ithai's tribal affiliation. It emphasizes that Ithai was indeed a Benjaminite, reinforcing the significant point that David's burgeoning kingdom was successfully drawing allegiance and support from all the tribes of Israel, including those traditionally associated with the house of Saul. This detail powerfully highlights the growing unity and national cohesion under David's divinely appointed leadership.
"Benaiah the Pirathonite,": The second individual named in this verse is Benaiah, identified by his name and his place of origin, Pirathon. This Benaiah is a highly distinguished and celebrated figure among David's mighty men, renowned for his extraordinary feats of valor. His heroic deeds included slaying two lion-like men of Moab, killing a lion in a pit on a snowy day, and defeating an imposing Egyptian giant (as vividly detailed in 2 Samuel 23:20-23). His exceptional valor and loyalty led him to become the captain of David's personal bodyguard and, later, under King Solomon, the supreme commander of Israel's army, replacing Joab (see 1 Kings 2:35). His inclusion here, even without a detailed recounting of his exploits, is profoundly significant, as his name alone would have immediately evoked a rich history of courage and faithfulness for the original audience.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 11:31, and indeed throughout the entire extended list of David's mighty men in this chapter, is Enumeration or Cataloging. This involves the systematic and comprehensive listing of individuals, often accompanied by their patronymics and precise geographical origins, with the deliberate purpose of creating a thorough, authentic, and verifiable historical record. The meticulous detail in naming each warrior underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical precision and serves a crucial theological function: to legitimize David's reign by showcasing the immense breadth and depth of his support, drawn from across all the tribes of Israel. Furthermore, the consistent use of Patronymics (e.g., "son of Ribai") and Toponymics (e.g., "of Gibeah," "the Pirathonite") are essential for firmly establishing the identity, lineage, and tribal connections of these individuals, thereby grounding them securely within the intricate historical and tribal landscape of ancient Israel. These devices, while seemingly simple in their execution, contribute significantly to the overall narrative by emphasizing the concrete reality of God's sovereign work through specific, identifiable, and historically verifiable people. The brevity of the entries for many of these men, including Ithai, paradoxically serves to highlight the exceptional renown of others like Benaiah, whose mere name would have instantly evoked a rich tapestry of valor and accomplishment for the informed ancient reader.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The listing of David's mighty men, including figures like Ithai and Benaiah, transcends a mere historical roster; it functions as a profound theological statement concerning God's unwavering faithfulness and the very nature of His kingdom. These men represent the divinely chosen human instruments through whom God meticulously established David's throne and secured the fulfillment of His covenant promises. Their unwavering loyalty, extraordinary valor, and diverse tribal origins powerfully illustrate that God sovereignly raises up, equips, and uses all kinds of individuals, from various backgrounds and tribes, to accomplish His divine purposes. Their strength, success, and military victories were not merely human achievements but were consistently attributed to divine enablement, underscoring the truth that God Himself empowers His chosen leaders and their devoted supporters. This meticulously detailed record assures the ancient and modern audience alike that God's grand plan for Israel, centered on the Davidic dynasty, was precisely and meticulously executed through specific, dedicated individuals, thereby affirming His sovereign control over human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While 1 Chronicles 11:31 might initially appear to be a simple, perhaps even obscure, list of names, it offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that every act of faithful service, no matter how seemingly minor, unheralded, or briefly mentioned in the grand narrative, is meticulously noted and deeply valued by God. Just as Ithai and Benaiah committed their strength, skills, and lives to supporting King David's reign, we too are called to use our unique gifts, talents, and positions to support righteous leadership and contribute wholeheartedly to God's kingdom work in our own generation. The remarkable diversity of backgrounds among David's mighty men provides immense encouragement, affirming that God sovereignly uses people from all walks of life, tribes, and nations to accomplish His overarching purposes. Our primary calling is to cultivate a spirit of unwavering loyalty and ready availability, allowing God to empower us for His service, whether in prominent or hidden roles. The example of Benaiah, whose extraordinary valor led to great prominence and responsibility, serves as a compelling inspiration for perseverance, excellence, and faithfulness in one's calling, demonstrating that consistent, dedicated service, motivated by devotion, can indeed lead to significant impact, not for personal glory, but for the ultimate advancement of God's eternal purposes.

Questions for Reflection

How does the detailed listing of individuals like Ithai and Benaiah affirm God's meticulous care for His people and His overarching plan, even in seemingly minor historical details?
In what practical ways can we, like David's mighty men, demonstrate unwavering loyalty and faithful service to God's kingdom today, even in roles that may not seem prominent or receive public recognition?
How does the diversity of backgrounds among David's men encourage us about God's inclusive use of all kinds of people in His work, regardless of their origin, past, or perceived status?

FAQ

Is this Ithai the same as the Gittite Ithai mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?

Answer: No, the Ithai mentioned in 1 Chronicles 11:31 is distinctly different from Ittai the Gittite. This Ithai is specifically identified as "the son of Ribai of Gibeah" and belonging to "the children of Benjamin," clearly indicating his Israelite, Benjaminite origin. In contrast, Ittai the Gittite was a loyal Philistine commander who famously accompanied David during Absalom's rebellion, demonstrating remarkable loyalty and faithfulness despite his foreign origin (see 2 Samuel 15:18-22). While the names are phonetically similar, their tribal affiliations, geographical origins, and specific contexts within the biblical narrative clearly differentiate these two individuals.

Why is Benaiah's origin as "the Pirathonite" significant?

Answer: Benaiah's designation as "the Pirathonite" indicates his specific origin from Pirathon, a town located in the hill country of Ephraim. This detail holds significance for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the remarkable geographical diversity of King David's loyal supporters, demonstrating that valiant men were drawn from various tribes across Israel, not exclusively from Judah. Secondly, it underscores the Chronicler's meticulous interest in precise genealogical and geographical details, which serves to authenticate the historical record and lend strong credibility to the comprehensive list of David's mighty men. Benaiah himself was an exceptionally renowned warrior whose extraordinary exploits are vividly detailed in 2 Samuel 23:20-23, and he later ascended to a position of immense authority, becoming the commander of King Solomon's army (see 1 Kings 2:35). His origin from Pirathon simply specifies his hometown within the tribal territory of Ephraim, adding to the rich tapestry of David's unified kingdom.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The list of David's mighty men, including figures like Ithai and Benaiah, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King. David's earthly kingdom, established and secured through the valor, loyalty, and diverse contributions of these dedicated men, served as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's spiritual, universal, and everlasting kingdom. While David's men fought with physical strength and earthly weapons to secure a temporal throne, Christ gathers His own "mighty men" – His disciples and followers – not by physical prowess or military might, but by spiritual commitment, unwavering faith, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Just as David's kingdom drew supporters from diverse tribes and backgrounds across Israel, Christ's church unites believers from "every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9), magnificently demonstrating the universal scope and inclusive nature of His redemptive work. Furthermore, the divine enablement that empowered David's warriors for their earthly battles points directly to the Holy Spirit, who sovereignly empowers believers today to serve Christ, not with swords and shields, but with spiritual gifts for the building up and flourishing of His body, the Church (Ephesians 4:11-12). Christ Himself is the ultimate Warrior King who decisively conquered sin, death, and the grave, establishing a kingdom that will have no end (Luke 1:33), and He graciously calls His followers to participate in His ongoing mission through faithful service and unwavering loyalty to Him alone, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

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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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