What number verse is 1 Chronicles 11:46 in the Bible?

1 Chronicles 11:46 is the 10,720th 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 11:46 sits at position 10,720.

Translation

King James Version

Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

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KJV (with Strong's)

Eliel ^H447 the Mahavite ^H4233, and Jeribai ^H3403, and Joshaviah ^H3145, the sons ^H1121 of Elnaam ^H493, and Ithmah ^H3495 the Moabite ^H4125,

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Complete Jewish Bible

Eli'el from Machavim, Yerivai and Yoshavyah the sons of Elna'am, Yitmah the Mo'avi,

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Berean Standard Bible

Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, Ithmah the Moabite,

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American Standard Version

Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

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World English Bible Messianic

Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Eliel the Mahauite, and Ieribai and Ioshauiah the sonnes of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

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Young's Literal Translation

Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

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In the KJVVerse 10,720 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Chronicles 11:46 concludes a pivotal section enumerating David's "mighty men," the elite warriors who formed the backbone of his kingdom. This verse meticulously records the names of Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai, Joshaviah (sons of Elnaam), and Ithmah the Moabite, highlighting the diverse origins and unwavering loyalty of those who supported David's divinely appointed reign. The Chronicler's inclusion of these specific individuals underscores not only the historical breadth of David's support but also the providential gathering of a formidable and varied group instrumental in establishing and securing God's chosen king and his kingdom.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is strategically positioned at the culmination of a comprehensive list of David's "mighty men" (1 Chronicles 11:10-47), directly following the account of David's anointing as king over all Israel in Hebron and his triumphant capture of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 11:1-9). The Chronicler's deliberate placement of this extensive roster serves a crucial rhetorical purpose: to demonstrate the foundational support, military prowess, and divine backing that enabled David to consolidate his kingdom and establish Jerusalem as its spiritual and political capital. It emphasizes that David's success was not merely a result of his personal charisma or military genius, but was profoundly facilitated by the dedication and valor of these individuals, whom God had sovereignly raised up for His purposes. The meticulous list functions to validate David's reign, underscore the divine blessing upon his leadership, and link his authority inextricably to the loyalty and diverse strength of his fighting force.
Historical & Cultural Context: The practice of compiling detailed registers of loyal retainers, officials, or elite warriors was a common and significant administrative custom in ancient Near Eastern monarchies. Such lists served as vital historical and political documents, affirming a king's power, the extent of his dominion, and the breadth of his support base. David's reign (circa 1010-970 BC) marked a transformative era in Israel's history, transitioning from a loose tribal confederation to a centralized, unified monarchy. The inclusion of specific geographical or tribal affiliations, such as "Mahavite" and particularly "Moabite," vividly illustrates the diverse origins of David's loyalists. This diversity speaks volumes about David's exceptional leadership and his remarkable capacity to unite disparate groups, including those from traditionally non-Israelite backgrounds, under his banner, thereby contributing significantly to the strength, stability, and legitimacy of his burgeoning kingdom.
Key Themes: This verse, as an integral part of the larger enumeration of David's mighty men, contributes profoundly to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of Loyalty and Devotion, as each name represents an individual whose life was characterized by unwavering commitment to David and, by extension, to God's unfolding plan for Israel. These men were distinguished by their bravery, their valor, and their steadfast allegiance to the divinely appointed king. Secondly, it highlights Divine Providence and Support, illustrating how God actively raised up, equipped, and gathered diverse individuals to support His chosen leader, thereby fulfilling His promises concerning David's reign, as dramatically articulated in the Davidic Covenant found in 2 Samuel 7. Thirdly, the explicit mention of "Ithmah the Moabite" carries immense significance, emphasizing the theme of Inclusivity in Service. Moabites were historically considered outsiders and even adversaries of Israel, specifically prohibited from entering the assembly of the Lord for ten generations, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:3. Yet, Ithmah served among David's most trusted warriors, echoing the remarkable narrative of Ruth the Moabite, who, through divine providence, became an ancestress of David himself. This striking inclusion foreshadows God's boundless capacity to utilize individuals from all backgrounds in His divine purposes, transcending and breaking down traditional ethnic and national barriers.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Eliel (Hebrew, ʼĔlîʼêl', H447): From the root meaning "God" repeated, this name signifies "God of (his) God" or "My God is God." As a common theophoric name in the Old Testament, its inclusion here suggests a personal declaration of faith or a dedication to God. Within the context of David's loyalists, it implies a community of individuals whose very names reflect a deep theological understanding of God's sovereignty and their personal relationship with Him, even as they serve an earthly king.
Joshaviah (Hebrew, Yôwshavyâh', H3145): Derived from the Hebrew for "Jehovah" (YHWH) and "set," this name means "Jehovah-set" or "Yahweh is salvation." This is another significant theophoric name, pointing directly to the divine source of deliverance, strength, and establishment. In the context of David's mighty men, it subtly underscores the understanding that their exceptional prowess, valor, and ultimate success were not merely human achievements but were divinely enabled and derived from the Lord.
Moabite (Hebrew, Môwʼâbîy', H4125): This term is a patronymical designation, referring to a descendant from Moab, a nation located east of the Dead Sea, historically characterized by antagonism towards Israel. The specific designation "Ithmah the Moabite" is profoundly significant. It immediately signals his non-Israelite origin, making his presence among David's elite forces a powerful and unexpected testament to David's broad appeal and, more importantly, to God's broader redemptive plan that transcends conventional ethnic and national boundaries. This inclusion is a remarkable and intentional detail within a list predominantly composed of Israelites.

Verse Breakdown

"Eliel the Mahavite": This clause introduces the first individual, Eliel, who is identified by his clan or geographical origin, "the Mahavite." This specific detail helps to situate him within the tribal or regional structure of Israel, thereby illustrating the diverse geographical reach and widespread nature of David's loyal support base.
"and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam": This phrase groups Jeribai and Joshaviah together, explicitly identifying them as brothers and sons of a man named Elnaam. The mention of a shared father's name suggests a family unit or an established lineage known for its consistent loyalty and dedicated service to David, potentially indicating a shared valor or a tradition of military distinction within that specific family.
"and Ithmah the Moabite": This final and most striking clause introduces Ithmah, whose unique designation as "the Moabite" stands out in stark contrast to the preceding names with their Israelite or geographically specific Israelite affiliations. Ithmah's explicit ethnic identity as a Moabite is crucial, as it highlights the remarkable and unexpected inclusivity of David's inner circle, drawing individuals even from nations traditionally considered adversaries of Israel, thereby demonstrating a kingdom that transcends conventional ethnic and national boundaries.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 11:46, consistent with the entire preceding list of David's mighty men, is Enumeration. The meticulous and extensive listing of names serves a multifaceted purpose: it validates David's kingship and the divine support he received by showcasing the vast and diverse human resources at his disposal, thereby solidifying his legitimacy. Beyond mere cataloging, this enumeration functions as a powerful testament to the individual loyalty, valor, and dedication of these men. Furthermore, the deliberate inclusion of "Ithmah the Moabite" introduces a potent element of Juxtaposition and Inclusivity. By placing a traditional enemy (a Moabite) alongside the loyal Israelite warriors, the Chronicler subtly but powerfully highlights the expansive and unexpected nature of God's redemptive plan and David's kingdom, which could embrace those from outside the conventional covenant community. This specific detail also carries significant Symbolic weight, pointing forward to a future where God's people would be drawn from all nations, effectively breaking down barriers of ethnicity and background, a theme central to the broader biblical narrative.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The inclusion of names like Ithmah the Moabite among David's elite forces offers a profound and challenging theological insight: God's redemptive plan is neither confined by human-made boundaries nor limited by traditional enmities. Just as Ruth, a Moabite woman, was providentially woven into the lineage of David and ultimately Christ, Ithmah's presence among the mighty men signifies God's boundless capacity to use anyone, from any background, for His sovereign purposes. This truth compels us to recognize God's absolute sovereignty in raising up diverse individuals and to actively embrace a vision of community that transcends ethnic, social, or historical divisions. It powerfully underscores that genuine loyalty and unwavering devotion to God's chosen leadership, and ultimately to God Himself, are the true and enduring criteria for inclusion in His transformative work.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

1 Chronicles 11:46, though seemingly a simple list of names, carries profound weight and offers rich lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly obscure, unheralded, or minor, is deeply valued and meticulously remembered in God's grand and unfolding design. Just as these men were painstakingly recorded for their unwavering loyalty and dedicated service to King David, so too is every act of faithfulness, every quiet sacrifice, and every diligent effort seen, known, and honored by God. Furthermore, the striking and counter-cultural inclusion of "Ithmah the Moabite" serves as a potent reminder of God's radical and expansive inclusivity. He consistently uses diverse people, from all walks of life, varied backgrounds, and even those traditionally considered outsiders or enemies, to accomplish His divine will. This truth challenges us to dismantle our own preconceived notions, biases, and prejudices, to look beyond conventional boundaries, and to actively embrace, empower, and celebrate those whom God calls to serve Him, fostering a community that truly reflects the multifaceted and diverse body of Christ. Our loyalty should extend not only to God but also to the leaders He has sovereignly placed over us, supporting them faithfully in their God-given tasks, just as these mighty men steadfastly supported David.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous recording of these names challenge my perception of "insignificant" contributions or "small" acts of faithfulness in God's kingdom?
In what specific ways might I be tempted to exclude, undervalue, or prejudge individuals based on their background, and how can I actively cultivate a more inclusive and welcoming mindset in my service to God and others?
What does "loyalty" truly mean in the context of Christian service and community, and how can I more consistently demonstrate unwavering faithfulness to God and to the leaders He has placed in my life?

FAQ

Why are these seemingly obscure names listed in such detail in the Bible, particularly in 1 Chronicles?

Answer: The detailed enumeration of names like those in 1 Chronicles 11:46 serves several crucial purposes for the Chronicler. Firstly, it powerfully validates David's reign by showcasing the extensive and diverse loyal support he commanded, demonstrating that his kingdom was established not merely by divine decree but also through the dedicated service and valor of many individuals. Secondly, these lists function as vital historical records, preserving the memory and acknowledging the significant contributions of those who played a pivotal role in Israel's formative years under David's leadership. Finally, and most importantly for the Chronicler's theological agenda, these detailed enumerations highlight God's active hand in gathering, equipping, and empowering individuals from various backgrounds to fulfill His purposes through His chosen king, thereby emphasizing the divine providence at work throughout Israel's history.

What is the profound significance of "Ithmah the Moabite" being included among David's mighty men?

Answer: The inclusion of "Ithmah the Moabite" is profoundly significant because Moabites were traditionally considered enemies of Israel, even explicitly excluded from the assembly of the Lord for ten generations, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:3. Ithmah's unexpected presence among David's elite warriors powerfully illustrates God's inclusive nature and David's unique ability to unite diverse peoples under his leadership. It serves as a remarkable foreshadowing of the breaking down of ethnic and national barriers in God's broader redemptive plan, echoing the earlier narrative of Ruth, another Moabite woman who, through divine providence, became an ancestress of David himself. This striking detail points to a more expansive vision of God's kingdom, one that embraces individuals from all nations and backgrounds, a theme that finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the New Testament with the inclusion of Gentiles into the church, as vividly depicted in passages like Acts 10.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous list of David's mighty men, culminating in verses like 1 Chronicles 11:46, finds its ultimate and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the universal kingdom of God established by Jesus Christ. Just as David, the earthly king, gathered loyal and diverse warriors to establish and defend his temporal kingdom, so Christ, the greater Son of David and the King of kings, gathers His "mighty men and women" from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation (Revelation 7:9) to build His eternal, spiritual kingdom. The striking and counter-cultural inclusion of Ithmah the Moabite among David's elite forces powerfully foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the gospel, where the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile is decisively broken down and abolished by Christ's sacrificial death on the cross (Ephesians 2:14). In Christ Jesus, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for all who believe are one in Him and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:28). His disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), demonstrating that the true King's reign extends to all who believe, regardless of their background, united in their unwavering loyalty and devotion to Him.

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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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