TRV
Translation
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 10,706 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 11:32 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
1 Chronicles 11:32 presents two names, "Hurai of the brooks of Gaash" and "Abiel the Arbathite," as part of the Chronicler's extensive and foundational roster of King David's elite warriors. This brief yet significant entry within a larger list of valiant individuals underscores the essential role of personal loyalty, broad regional support, and faithful service in the establishment, legitimation, and flourishing of David's divinely appointed kingdom.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 11:32, and indeed throughout the larger passage detailing David's mighty men, is the list or roster. This meticulous cataloging of names, often accompanied by geographical or familial identifiers, serves several crucial functions. It validates the historical reality of David's reign and the individuals who supported him, providing a concrete foundation for the Chronicler's narrative. Furthermore, the use of toponymy (the study of place names), as seen in "brooks of Gaash" and "the Arbathite," grounds these figures in specific geographical locations within ancient Israel. This adds historical verisimilitude and emphasizes the diverse origins of David's loyal supporters from across the unified land. The very act of naming each individual, even those with seemingly brief mentions, implies a sense of honor and remembrance, highlighting the Chronicler's theological emphasis on the value of every person's contribution to God's overarching plan and the collective nature of kingdom building.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 11:32, though a simple naming, carries profound theological weight by affirming the principle that God utilizes and values every individual's contribution to His purposes, regardless of their perceived prominence. Just as Hurai and Abiel were integral, though perhaps less celebrated, components of David's formidable force, so too does God weave together the seemingly small acts of faithfulness from countless individuals to accomplish His grand design. This verse reminds us that God's kingdom is built not just on the shoulders of famous leaders, but on the steadfast, often unheralded, service of ordinary people. It underscores the corporate nature of God's work, where every member of the body plays a vital, irreplaceable role, reflecting God's meticulous attention to detail and His remembrance of all who serve Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Hurai and Abiel in 1 Chronicles 11:32 offers a powerful and enduring lesson for believers today: every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or obscure, is significant in God's grand design. In a world that often celebrates only the prominent and the visible, this verse reminds us that God values faithful service in every sphere. It challenges us to embrace our unique roles within the body of Christ, serving diligently and with integrity, even when our efforts may not receive widespread recognition. Just as David's kingdom was built upon the collective strength of men like Hurai and Abiel, so too is God's kingdom advanced by the quiet, consistent faithfulness of countless individuals. This encourages us to value and appreciate the contributions of those around us, fostering a spirit of mutual support and humility in our shared pursuit of God's purposes, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of names that seem obscure?
Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of names, even those that appear obscure to modern readers, serves several crucial purposes in biblical narratives. Firstly, it provides historical authenticity and verification, grounding the narrative in real people and places. These rosters were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures to document important figures and legitimize rulers. Secondly, from a theological perspective, it underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His value for every individual. Every person, regardless of their prominence, plays a role in God's unfolding plan, and their faithful service is remembered. This is evident not only in the lists of mighty men but also in genealogies (e.g., Numbers 1) and lists of those who returned from exile (e.g., Ezra 2). Finally, such lists demonstrate the breadth of support for God's chosen leaders and the unity of His people, illustrating how diverse individuals from various regions contribute to a common purpose.
What is the significance of the geographical identifiers like "brooks of Gaash" and "the Arbathite"?
Answer: The geographical identifiers attached to names like Hurai and Abiel hold significant meaning. They serve to pinpoint the precise origins of these individuals, adding a layer of historical and biographical detail that enhances the authenticity of the record. Beyond mere identification, these regional markers demonstrate the wide geographical reach of David's support base, illustrating that his "mighty men" were drawn from various tribes and territories across Israel. This highlights the growing unity of the nation under David's leadership. Furthermore, understanding the geographical context can sometimes offer subtle insights into the character or background of the individual—for instance, someone from a rugged, brook-filled region might be particularly hardy, while someone from the Arabah would be accustomed to a different set of environmental challenges. These details underscore the Chronicler's commitment to a thorough and accurate historical account, portraying David's kingdom as a truly national endeavor.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The faithful service of Hurai and Abiel, alongside David's other mighty men, foreshadows the spiritual reality of Christ's eternal kingdom and His Church. Just as these warriors pledged their loyalty and strength to establish and secure David's earthly reign, so too are believers called to offer their lives in devoted service to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and Son of David. The diversity of origins among David's men—from the brooks of Gaash to the Arabah—prefigures the global, multi-ethnic composition of the Church, where people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" are united under Christ's headship (Revelation 5:9). In Christ, every believer is a "mighty man" or "mighty woman," not by physical prowess but by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, equipped with spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ and advance His purposes (Ephesians 4:11-13). The Chronicler's meticulous recording of these names reminds us that in God's kingdom, every act of faithfulness, however small or unseen by human eyes, is valued and remembered by our Lord, who is building His spiritual temple with living stones (1 Peter 2:5). Ultimately, the strength of David's kingdom, built on the loyalty and diverse contributions of his men, points to the invincible and eternal kingdom of Christ, established and sustained through the faithful service of His redeemed people.