1 Chronicles 11:37

KJV

Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,

KJV (with Strong's)

Hezro {H2695} the Carmelite {H3761}, Naarai {H5293} the son {H1121} of Ezbai {H229},

Complete Jewish Bible

Hetzro the Karmeli, Na'arai the son of Ezbai

Berean Standard Bible

Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai,

American Standard Version

Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:37 meticulously records Hezro the Carmelite and Naarai the son of Ezbai as two additional members among King David's elite corps of "mighty men." This verse, part of a comprehensive roster, underscores the Chronicler's commitment to preserving the names of individuals who contributed significantly to the establishment and security of David's kingdom, highlighting their diverse origins and familial connections within Israel's historical narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and significant passage in 1 Chronicles 11 (verses 10-47) that provides a detailed enumeration of King David's most valiant warriors. This section immediately follows the account of David being anointed king over all Israel and his successful capture of Jerusalem, which became the capital ([1 Chronicles 11:1-9](/1_chronicles/11-1 "1 Chronicles 11:1-9 - David Becomes King and Captures Jerusalem")). The list serves to legitimize David's reign by showcasing the formidable and loyal support he commanded, demonstrating the strength of his nascent kingdom. While largely paralleling the list found in [2 Samuel 23:8-39](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's Mighty Men"), the Chronicler's version often includes additional names or slight variations, reflecting a particular theological emphasis on the comprehensive nature of God's work through His people and the meticulous record-keeping of divine providence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the period of the united monarchy under David, the establishment of a professional and loyal military force was crucial for consolidating power, defending borders, and expanding influence. David's "mighty men" were more than just soldiers; they were an elite guard, often serving as personal bodyguards, military commanders, and trusted advisors. Their inclusion in such a prestigious list reflects the high honor accorded to those who demonstrated exceptional bravery and unwavering loyalty to the king. The mention of "the Carmelite" for Hezro points to his geographical origin from Carmel, a fertile and strategically important region in ancient Israel, known for its rich agriculture and significant historical events, such as the confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on [Mount Carmel](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah on Mount Carmel"). The patronymic "son of Ezbai" was a common way to identify individuals and establish their lineage and tribal affiliation in ancient Israelite society.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of these individuals, including Hezro and Naarai, contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, it emphasizes **Loyalty and Service** to God's chosen king, portraying these men as exemplars of commitment to the divine plan for Israel. Second, it highlights **Individual Recognition**, demonstrating that even in a long roster, each person's contribution is valued and remembered, reinforcing the biblical principle that every individual has a role in God's unfolding narrative. Third, the list serves as a **Historical Record**, asserting the authenticity and reality of the events and figures central to Israel's national identity and the Davidic covenant. This detailed cataloging reinforces the Chronicler's broader aim to encourage post-exilic Israel by reminding them of their glorious heritage and God's faithfulness through the lineage of David, a theme echoed in the emphasis on genealogies throughout the book, such as those found in [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hezro (Hebrew, _ḥeṣrō'_):** This personal name, while not having a definitive etymology, is thought by some to relate to a root meaning "enclosure" or "village." Its primary significance here is as a proper noun identifying a specific individual. The Chronicler's inclusion of his name underscores the meticulous nature of the record, ensuring that even those whose deeds are not elaborated upon are remembered for their service.
* **Carmelite (Hebrew, _hak-karmĕlî'_):** This descriptive adjective indicates Hezro's origin from Carmel, a prominent region and town in the southern part of Judah, known for its fertile land. The name "Carmel" itself means "garden-land" or "fruitful place." This geographical identifier provides crucial context, placing Hezro within the tribal and regional landscape of Israel and suggesting a connection to a specific community or clan.
* **Naarai (Hebrew, _na‘ăray'_):** This name is a masculine proper noun. Its root is related to the Hebrew word for "youth" or "boy" (נַעַר, _na‘ar_), suggesting a possible meaning of "my youth" or "youthful one." Like Hezro, the significance of Naarai's inclusion is primarily his identification as a distinct individual who served David, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of those who formed the king's elite guard.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hezro the Carmelite":** This phrase identifies an individual named Hezro and specifies his geographical origin as Carmel. This detail is not merely incidental; it places Hezro within a specific regional context of Judah, indicating his tribal or clan affiliation and demonstrating the diverse origins of David's loyal warriors. His inclusion in this esteemed list signifies his distinguished service and valor, even if no specific exploits are recorded for him.
* **"Naarai the son of Ezbai":** This phrase identifies Naarai by his own name and through his patronymic, "the son of Ezbai." This method of identification was common in ancient Israel, establishing lineage and family connections, which were vital for social standing and tribal identity. Like Hezro, Naarai's presence in this list confirms his status as one of David's elite fighters, recognized for his contribution to the king's military strength and the kingdom's stability.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 11:37, as part of the broader chapter, is **Catalog** or **List**. The Chronicler meticulously compiles a detailed roster of David's mighty men, serving multiple functions: it acts as a historical record, authenticating the individuals who supported David's reign; it highlights the breadth and depth of loyalty David commanded; and it underscores the Chronicler's theological point that every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or unelaborated, is valued and remembered in God's grand narrative. Additionally, the use of **Patronymics** ("son of Ezbai") and **Geographical Markers** ("the Carmelite") are specific forms of identification within this catalog. These devices serve to precisely locate and identify individuals within the social and geographical fabric of ancient Israel, emphasizing their real-world existence and their specific place within the nation's history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of Hezro and Naarai in David's prestigious list of mighty men, though brief, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful reminder that the grand achievements of God's kingdom are often built upon the collective faithfulness and diverse contributions of many individuals, not just the prominent few. God values every act of service and loyalty, recognizing those who faithfully serve in their appointed roles, whether on the battlefield or in daily life. Their names, preserved for millennia, testify to a divine recognition that transcends human fame, affirming that every person's contribution to God's purposes is seen and remembered by Him. This principle applies universally, reminding believers that their seemingly small acts of obedience and service are integral to the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan.

* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "1 Corinthians 12:4-7 - Diversity of Gifts, Unity in the Spirit")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-8 - The Body of Christ, Many Members")
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for the Church's Growth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Hezro and Naarai in this ancient list offers a timeless encouragement for believers today. In a world that often celebrates only the visible, the famous, or the overtly powerful, this verse reminds us that God's economy operates differently. It teaches us that faithfulness in our unique calling, however seemingly obscure, contributes meaningfully to God's overarching plan. Just as David's kingdom was established and maintained by the collective strength of men like Hezro and Naarai, the church, the body of Christ, thrives through the dedicated service of all its members, each using their gifts for the common good. We are called to be faithful in our spheres of influence, knowing that every act of service, every prayer, every word of encouragement, and every quiet act of obedience is seen and valued by our Heavenly King. Our names, like theirs, are recorded not in a human roster of fame, but in the eternal book of life, a testament to our belonging and service in God's eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of seemingly minor figures like Hezro and Naarai challenge our modern tendency to value only prominent contributions?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the significance of faithfulness in roles that may not receive widespread recognition?**
* **In what ways can we better recognize and affirm the "Hezros" and "Naarais" in our own communities of faith today?**

### FAQ

**Why are these lists of names so detailed in the Bible, especially for seemingly minor figures?**

Answer: The detailed lists of names, including those of Hezro and Naarai, serve several crucial purposes in the biblical narrative. Firstly, they underscore the Bible's commitment to **historical accuracy and authenticity**, demonstrating that these are real people who lived and played roles in specific historical contexts. Secondly, they reflect a divine principle of **individual recognition and value**. God, through the Chronicler, meticulously records each name, emphasizing that every person's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or unelaborated, is seen, remembered, and valued in His grand plan. This contrasts with human systems that often only remember the famous. Thirdly, such lists establish **lineage and tribal connections**, which were vital for identity, inheritance, and understanding the social and political fabric of ancient Israel. For the Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community, these lists also served to re-establish their connection to their glorious past and the continuity of God's covenant with David, ultimately pointing towards the coming Messiah from David's line ([1 Chronicles 17:11-14](/1_chronicles/17-11 "1 Chronicles 17:11-14 - The Davidic Covenant")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 11:37 specifically names two of David's mighty men, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the nature of the kingdom of God and the composition of Christ's own "mighty men and women." David's warriors fought with physical strength to establish an earthly kingdom, but Jesus, the true Son of David and King of kings, builds a spiritual kingdom not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). His followers are not defined by military prowess but by their faith, loyalty, and willingness to lay down their lives in service to Him ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Just as Hezro and Naarai contributed to David's earthly reign, believers today are called to be faithful servants in Christ's spiritual kingdom, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Every member of the body of Christ, regardless of their visible prominence, is a vital "mighty one" in His service, equipped with diverse gifts for the building up of the church ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Church's Growth")). Ultimately, our names are not merely recorded in an earthly roster, but eternally inscribed in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Only Those Written in the Book of Life Enter"), signifying our belonging to the ultimate King, whose victory over sin and death is complete ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")).

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 23:35

Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,