1 Chronicles 11:31

KJV

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

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:31 continues the Chronicler's meticulous catalog of King David's elite warriors, known as his mighty men, who played a crucial role in establishing and securing his 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 records, highlighting the diverse individuals God raised up to support David's divinely appointed reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 11:31 is part of a comprehensive list of David's mighty men, spanning from [1 Chronicles 11:10](/1_chronicles/11-10 "1 Chronicles 11:10 - David's Mighty Men Begin") to [1 Chronicles 11:47](/1_chronicles/11-47 "1 Chronicles 11:47 - End of David's Mighty Men List"). This detailed enumeration serves as a parallel account to [2 Samuel 23:8-39](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's Mighty Men in Samuel"). In the book of Chronicles, which emphasizes the legitimacy of David's dynasty and the unity of Israel under God's chosen king, these lists are not merely historical records but theological statements. They demonstrate the divine favor on David, as God supernaturally gathered and empowered loyal and courageous individuals from various tribes to support his throne. The Chronicler's focus is on the establishment of the kingdom and the temple, and the presence of these warriors underscores the stability and strength provided by God for this purpose.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, military prowess and loyalty were highly valued, especially during periods of kingdom formation and consolidation. Kings relied on elite warriors for personal protection, military campaigns, and maintaining order. The detailed listing of names, fathers, and hometowns was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern records, serving to authenticate identity and lineage. Gibeah, Ithai's hometown, was particularly significant as the former capital and hometown of King Saul, David's predecessor and rival. For a Benjaminite from Gibeah to be loyal to David, a Judean, speaks volumes about the shifting allegiances and the growing consolidation of power under David. Benaiah's designation as "the Pirathonite" indicates his origin from Pirathon, located in the hill country of Ephraim, further illustrating the diverse geographical and tribal representation among David's most trusted men.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader list, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, it highlights the theme of **Loyalty and Service**, showcasing individuals who committed their strength and lives to serving King David, thereby participating in God's kingdom work. Their inclusion in this esteemed list signifies the high value placed on unwavering devotion and courageous service. Second, it underscores **Divine Enablement**, as the strength and success of these men were often seen as a manifestation of God's blessing and empowerment upon David's reign, ensuring his success and the establishment of his throne as promised by God (cf. [1 Chronicles 11:9](/1_chronicles/11-9 "1 Chronicles 11:9 - God's Promise to David")). Third, the **Diversity of Backgrounds** among David's men, drawn from various tribes and regions, demonstrates God's sovereign hand in uniting disparate elements for His purposes, building a unified kingdom under His chosen leader. This diversity reflects God's inclusive plan for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ithai (Hebrew, _'Ittay'_):** The name Ithai (also transliterated as Ittai) means "with me" or "my time." While there is another prominent Ithai, the Gittite, who was loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion (see [2 Samuel 15:18-22](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15:18-22 - Ittai the Gittite's Loyalty")), this Ithai is clearly distinguished by his patronymic ("son of Ribai") and his origin from Gibeah of Benjamin. His inclusion here emphasizes that even from Saul's own tribe and former capital, loyal warriors rallied to David.
* **Gibeah (Hebrew, _Gib'ah'_):** Meaning "hill" or "height," Gibeah was a significant city in the territory of Benjamin and famously served as King Saul's capital. Its mention here for Ithai underscores his tribal identity and geographic origin, adding a layer of historical and political nuance to his loyalty to David, who hailed from Judah.
* **Pirathonite (Hebrew, _Pir'athoni'_):** This designation indicates Benaiah's origin from Pirathon, a town located in the hill country of Ephraim. The use of such specific geographical identifiers highlights the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's records and the broad geographical reach of David's support base, drawing valiant men from across the tribes of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah,"**: This clause introduces the first of the two mighty men listed in this verse. Ithai is identified by his own name, his father's name (Ribai), and his hometown (Gibeah). This tripartite identification was standard for establishing identity and lineage in ancient Israel. The mention of Gibeah, King Saul's former capital, is particularly noteworthy, signaling that David's support extended even into the heartland of his predecessor's tribe.
* **"[that pertained] to the children of Benjamin,"**: This parenthetical clarification, present in the KJV, explicitly states Ithai's tribal affiliation. It emphasizes that Ithai was a Benjaminite, reinforcing the point that David's kingdom was drawing allegiance from all tribes, including those traditionally associated with Saul. This detail highlights the growing unity under David's leadership.
* **"Benaiah the Pirathonite,"**: The second individual named is Benaiah, identified by his name and his place of origin, Pirathon. This Benaiah is a highly distinguished figure among David's mighty men, known for his extraordinary feats of valor, including slaying two lion-like men of Moab, killing a lion in a pit on a snowy day, and defeating an Egyptian giant (as detailed in [2 Samuel 23:20-23](/2_samuel/23-20 "2 Samuel 23:20-23 - Benaiah's Heroic Deeds")). His valor led him to become the captain of David's bodyguard and later, under King Solomon, the commander of Israel's army, replacing Joab (see [1 Kings 2:35](/1_kings/2-35 "1 Kings 2:35 - Benaiah appointed commander")). His inclusion here is significant, even without detailing his exploits, as his name would have been well-known to the original audience.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 11:31, and indeed throughout the entire list of David's mighty men, is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. This involves the systematic listing of individuals, often with their patronymics and geographical origins, to create a comprehensive and authentic historical record. The meticulous detail in naming each warrior underscores the Chronicler's commitment to historical precision and serves to legitimize David's reign by showcasing the breadth and depth of his support. Furthermore, the use of **Patronymics** ("son of Ribai") and **Toponymics** ("of Gibeah," "the Pirathonite") are crucial for establishing the identity and lineage of these individuals, grounding them firmly in the historical and tribal landscape of Israel. These devices, though seemingly simple, contribute to the overall narrative by emphasizing the concrete reality of God's work through specific, identifiable people. The brevity of the entries for many men, including Ithai, paradoxically highlights the renown of others like Benaiah, whose name alone would evoke a rich history of valor for the informed reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The listing of David's mighty men, including Ithai and Benaiah, is more than a mere historical roster; it is a theological statement about God's faithfulness and the nature of His kingdom. These men represent the human instruments through whom God established David's throne and secured His covenant promises. Their loyalty, valor, and diverse origins illustrate that God raises up and uses all kinds of individuals, from various backgrounds and tribes, to accomplish His divine purposes. Their strength and success were not merely human achievements but were often attributed to divine enablement, underscoring that God equips His chosen leaders and their supporters. This detailed record assures the audience that God's plan for Israel, centered on the Davidic dynasty, was meticulously executed through specific, dedicated individuals, affirming His sovereign control over history and His commitment to His covenant.

* [2 Samuel 23:8-39](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's Mighty Men")
* [1 Chronicles 12:18](/1_chronicles/12-18 "1 Chronicles 12:18 - The Spirit of God came upon Amasai")
* [Psalm 18:32-34](/psalms/18-32 "Psalm 18:32-34 - God equips me with strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While 1 Chronicles 11:31 might seem like a simple list of names, it offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every act of faithful service, no matter how seemingly obscure or brief its mention, is noted and valued by God. Just as Ithai and Benaiah committed their strength and lives to supporting King David, we are called to use our unique gifts, talents, and positions to support righteous leadership and contribute to God's kingdom work today. The diversity of backgrounds among David's mighty men encourages us that God uses people from all walks of life, tribes, and nations to accomplish His purposes. Our primary calling is to be loyal and available, allowing God to empower us for His service. The example of Benaiah, whose valor led to great prominence, serves as an inspiration for perseverance and excellence in one's calling, demonstrating that consistent faithfulness can lead to significant impact, not for personal glory, but for the advancement of God's 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 plan, even in seemingly minor historical details?**
* **In what 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?**
* **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 or past?**

### 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, identified as "the son of Ribai of Gibeah" and belonging to "the children of Benjamin," is distinct from Ittai the Gittite. Ittai the Gittite was a loyal Philistine commander who famously accompanied David during Absalom's rebellion, demonstrating remarkable loyalty despite his foreign origin (see [2 Samuel 15:18-22](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15:18-22 - Ittai the Gittite's Loyalty")). While the names are similar, their tribal affiliations, origins, and specific contexts in the biblical narrative clearly differentiate them. This Ithai is a native Israelite from Benjamin.

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

Answer: Benaiah's designation as "the Pirathonite" indicates his origin from Pirathon, a town located in the hill country of Ephraim. This detail is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the geographical diversity of David's loyal supporters, drawing valiant men from across the tribes of Israel, not just Judah. Secondly, it underscores the Chronicler's interest in precise genealogical and geographical details, which authenticates the historical record and lends credibility to the list of David's mighty men. Benaiah himself was a highly renowned warrior whose detailed exploits are found in [2 Samuel 23:20-23](/2_samuel/23-20 "2 Samuel 23:20-23 - Benaiah's Heroic Deeds"), and he later rose to become the commander of King Solomon's army (see [1 Kings 2:35](/1_kings/2-35 "1 Kings 2:35 - Benaiah appointed commander")). His origin from Pirathon simply specifies his hometown within Ephraim.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The list of David's mighty men, including Ithai and Benaiah, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King. David's earthly kingdom, established through the valor and loyalty of these men, was a foreshadowing of Christ's spiritual and eternal kingdom. While David's men fought with physical strength to secure a temporal throne, Christ gathers His "mighty men" – His disciples and followers – not by physical prowess but by spiritual commitment and faith. Just as David's kingdom drew supporters from diverse tribes and backgrounds, Christ's church unites believers from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")), demonstrating the universal scope of His redemptive work. Furthermore, the divine enablement that empowered David's warriors points to the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers today to serve Christ, not with swords and shields, but with spiritual gifts for the building up of His body ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Equipping the Saints")). Christ Himself is the ultimate Warrior who conquered sin and death, establishing a kingdom that will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom will have no end")), and He calls His followers to participate in His ongoing mission through faithful service and unwavering loyalty to Him alone.

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

2 Samuel 23:29

Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,