1 Chronicles 11:42

KJV

Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,

KJV (with Strong's)

Adina {H5721} the son {H1121} of Shiza {H7877} the Reubenite {H7206}, a captain {H7218} of the Reubenites {H7206}, and thirty {H7970} with him,

Complete Jewish Bible

'Adina the son of Shiza the Re'uveni, a leader among the Re'uveni, and thirty with him,

Berean Standard Bible

Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,

American Standard Version

Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:42 introduces Adina, son of Shiza, a prominent Reubenite and captain who commanded a unit of thirty men among King David's elite warriors. This verse is part of a meticulously compiled roster of David's "mighty men," serving to underscore the breadth of tribal support for his reign, the strength of his military, and the Chronicler's purpose in highlighting the foundational figures who contributed to the establishment and security of the Davidic kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles 11, a pivotal chapter that transitions from David's anointing as king over all Israel in [1 Chronicles 11:1-3](/1_chronicles/11-1 "1 Chronicles 11:1-3 - David Anointed King") and his capture of Jerusalem, establishing it as the capital ([1 Chronicles 11:4-9](/1_chronicles/11-4 "1 Chronicles 11:4-9 - Capture of Jerusalem")). Beginning with [1 Chronicles 11:10](/1_chronicles/11-10 "1 Chronicles 11:10 - The Chief of David's Mighty Men"), the chapter shifts to a detailed enumeration of David's most valiant warriors, often referred to as his "mighty men." This list, which continues through [1 Chronicles 11:47](/1_chronicles/11-47 "1 Chronicles 11:47 - Conclusion of the Mighty Men List"), serves as a testament to the military prowess and widespread loyalty that underpinned David's kingdom. While a parallel list exists in [2 Samuel 23:8-39](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-39 - David's Mighty Men in Samuel"), the Chronicler's version often includes additional names and details, reflecting a particular theological and historical agenda.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign marked a significant period of consolidation and expansion for Israel. The formation of a professional army, distinct from tribal levies, was crucial for maintaining control and projecting power in the ancient Near East. The inclusion of figures like Adina from the Transjordanian tribe of Reuben highlights the successful integration and loyalty of all twelve tribes under David's leadership, a vital aspect for a unified kingdom. In a culture where military strength and valor were highly esteemed, the listing of these warriors served not only as a historical record but also as an honor roll, recognizing their indispensable contributions. For the post-exilic audience of Chronicles, this emphasis on unity, strong leadership, and divine favor on David's kingdom offered a powerful message of hope and continuity.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Adina and his thirty men contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Recognition of Loyalty and Valor**, demonstrating David's practice of honoring those who faithfully served him and the nation. These records emphasize the importance of individual contributions to the collective success of God's people. Secondly, Adina's specific identification as a "Reubenite" highlights the theme of **Tribal Representation and Unity**, showing that David's support base extended across all tribes, including those east of the Jordan, crucial for the strength and cohesion of the kingdom. Lastly, Adina's designation as a "captain" points to the theme of **Leadership and Influence**, indicating a position of authority and responsibility within David's burgeoning army, showcasing the structured military organization that helped secure the kingdom's borders and expand its influence, as seen in David's numerous military victories mentioned throughout [1 Chronicles 18-20](/1_chronicles/18 "1 Chronicles 18-20 - David's Victories and Administration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adina (עֲדִינָא, _'Adina'_):** This Hebrew name, meaning "ornament" or "delicate," presents a striking contrast to the martial prowess expected of a military captain. While names in the ancient world often reflected character or destiny, this particular meaning for a warrior might suggest a unique personal characteristic, a name given at birth that belied his later strength, or simply a common name whose etymology was not directly tied to the individual's profession. It underscores the Chronicler's meticulous detail in recording even seemingly minor figures.
* **Reubenite (הָרֻאוּבֵנִי, _ha-Ru'uveni'_):** This designation emphasizes Adina's tribal affiliation. Reuben was one of the Transjordanian tribes, located east of the Jordan River. Their inclusion in David's elite forces highlights the broad reach of David's authority and the willingness of tribes from all regions to pledge loyalty and contribute to his kingdom. It speaks to the successful unification efforts under David.
* **Captain (שַׂר, _sar'_):** This Hebrew term signifies a chief, prince, or military commander. In this context, it denotes a high-ranking position of authority within David's army. Adina was not merely a foot soldier but a leader responsible for a unit, specifically "thirty" men, indicating a structured military hierarchy and Adina's significant leadership capacity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Adina the son of Shiza":** This phrase provides the individual's name and his paternal lineage, a common way of identification in ancient Israelite society. It establishes his personal identity within the larger tribal and national context.
* **"the Reubenite":** This clause specifies Adina's tribal origin, linking him to the tribe of Reuben. This detail is crucial for the Chronicler's narrative, emphasizing the pan-Israelite support for David's kingship.
* **"a captain of the Reubenites":** This identifies Adina's specific role and rank. He was not just a member of the Reubenite contingent but a leader among them, indicating his status and responsibility within his tribal unit.
* **"and thirty with him":** This final phrase quantifies Adina's command. He led a specific unit of thirty men, a common military grouping in ancient armies, often signifying an elite or specialized force. This detail further highlights his leadership and the structured nature of David's military organization.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's presentation of 1 Chronicles 11:42, within the broader list of David's mighty men, employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Catalog** or **List**, which serves to systematically enumerate the individuals who contributed to David's success. This detailed listing not only provides historical record but also functions as an honor roll, emphasizing the collective strength and loyalty that underpinned David's reign. The **Repetition** of names, tribal affiliations, and military achievements throughout the chapter creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, reinforcing the magnitude of David's support. Through this meticulous naming, the Chronicler employs **Emphasis**, highlighting the importance of each individual's contribution, no matter how brief their mention. This technique serves to legitimize David's kingship by demonstrating the broad and diverse support he commanded. Furthermore, the very act of naming and recording these figures can be seen as a form of **Idealization**, portraying David's kingdom as a unified and divinely favored entity, built upon the valor and faithfulness of its people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The inclusion of Adina, a captain of thirty Reubenites, in the esteemed list of David's mighty men, speaks volumes about God's meticulous care for His people and His work through human agents. It highlights that God's grand redemptive plan often unfolds through the faithful, though sometimes seemingly small, contributions of many individuals. Adina's recognition, even in a brief verse, underscores the biblical principle that every act of loyalty, service, and leadership, performed in God's will, is noted and valued. It reminds us that God is not just concerned with the "superstars" of faith, but with every faithful servant who plays their part in the larger narrative of His kingdom. This divine recognition encourages all believers to serve diligently in their respective callings, knowing that their faithfulness, no matter how obscure, is significant in God's eyes.

* [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Reward for a Cup of Water")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "God Is Not Unjust to Forget Your Work")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Every Part Working Properly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Adina's brief mention in 1 Chronicles 11:42 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His inclusion, alongside more famous warriors, reminds us that true significance in God's kingdom is not measured by earthly fame or the size of one's platform, but by faithfulness and loyalty in one's assigned role. Like Adina, who faithfully led his thirty men, we are called to exercise leadership and service within our own spheres of influence, whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or churches. The Chronicler's meticulous record-keeping encourages us that every act of service, every demonstration of loyalty, and every contribution to the collective good of God's people is seen and valued by our heavenly Father. This should inspire us to serve with diligence and humility, knowing that our faithfulness, even in seemingly small capacities, contributes to God's larger purposes and will not go unnoticed by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Chronicler's detailed record of individuals like Adina encourage us in our own service, especially when our contributions might seem small or unnoticed?**
* **In what ways can we emulate Adina's loyalty and leadership in our spheres of influence, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities?**
* **How does recognizing the contributions of "lesser-known" figures like Adina challenge our perception of significance and success in God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why is this list of "mighty men" so important to the Chronicler?**

Answer: The Chronicler's list of David's mighty men, including figures like Adina, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it serves to legitimize David's reign, demonstrating the widespread and diverse support he received from all tribes of Israel, including those from Transjordan like the Reubenites. This unity was foundational for the stability and strength of the kingdom. Secondly, it highlights the divine favor upon David, as God provided him with valiant and loyal men to establish and secure his kingdom. For the post-exilic audience, this emphasis on a unified, divinely-blessed kingdom under a righteous king like David offered a powerful message of hope and a model for national restoration. It also underscores the importance of individual faithfulness and contribution to the collective well-being of God's people.

**Is Adina the son of Shiza mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: No, Adina the son of Shiza, the Reubenite, is only mentioned in [1 Chronicles 11:42](/1_chronicles/11-42 "1 Chronicles 11:42 - Adina, a Mighty Man"). While parallel lists of David's mighty men exist in [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and Mighty Men"), Adina is a unique inclusion by the Chronicler. This highlights the Chronicler's distinct historical and theological agenda, often providing additional details or names that were important for his specific audience and purpose. His sole mention underscores the Chronicler's meticulous effort to record even those individuals who might not have appeared in other historical accounts but were nevertheless significant to the establishment of David's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Adina, a loyal captain serving King David, foreshadows the countless faithful individuals who serve the greater King, Jesus Christ. Just as David's earthly kingdom was established and maintained by the dedication of his mighty men, so too is the eternal kingdom of God built and advanced through the faithful service of believers from every tribe and nation. Adina's role as a "captain" leading "thirty with him" reflects the call to leadership and discipleship within Christ's body, where every member, regardless of their perceived prominence, contributes to the whole ([Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Every Part Working Properly")). Jesus Himself taught that true greatness in His kingdom comes through humble service ([Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26 "Servant Leadership")), and He promised that even a cup of cold water given in His name would not lose its reward ([Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Reward for a Cup of Water")). Adina's inclusion in David's honor roll reminds us that Christ, our perfect King, sees and values every act of faithfulness, every sacrifice, and every contribution made by His followers, ensuring that their labor in the Lord is never in vain ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "Steadfast in the Lord")). Ultimately, the unity and strength of David's army, exemplified by men like Adina, point to the spiritual unity and power of the Church, Christ's body, called to advance His kingdom until He returns in glory ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "A Multitude from Every Nation")).

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.