2 Samuel 23:22

KJV

These [things] did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.

KJV (with Strong's)

These things did {H6213} Benaiah {H1141} the son {H1121} of Jehoiada {H3077}, and had the name {H8034} among three {H7969} mighty men {H1368}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are things that B'nayah the son of Y'hoyada did that earned him a name among the three warrior-heroes.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who won a name alongside the three mighty men.

American Standard Version

These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had a name among the three mighty men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 23:22 serves as a powerful capstone to the individual exploits of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, affirming his unparalleled status among King David's elite warriors. This verse highlights that Benaiah's extraordinary deeds—which included slaying formidable foes and dangerous beasts—earned him a reputation so profound that his renown was considered comparable to, or even uniquely positioned just below, the legendary "Three" mighty men, distinguishing him as a warrior of exceptional valor and enduring legacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the specific account of Benaiah's heroic deeds, which are detailed in the preceding verses of [2 Samuel 23:20-21](/2_samuel/23-20 "2 Samuel 23:20-21 - Benaiah's Exploits"). The broader chapter, [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Last Words and Mighty Men"), is structured to first present David's "last words" (vv. 1-7), followed by a catalog of his most valiant warriors. This catalog is divided into two main groups: the "Three" (Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah, vv. 8-12) and the "Thirty" (vv. 24-39). Benaiah's narrative is strategically placed after the "Three" and before the general list of the "Thirty," indicating his unique and highly esteemed position. Verse 22 acts as a summary statement, solidifying his exceptional standing before the text moves on to list the rest of David's distinguished warriors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in other Near Eastern monarchies, the king's power and security were heavily reliant on a strong and loyal military, particularly an elite fighting force. King David, a warrior king himself, surrounded himself with men of extraordinary courage and skill. The concept of "mighty men" (Hebrew: _gibborim_) was deeply ingrained in the culture, signifying individuals of immense strength, valor, and military prowess who were crucial for national defense and expansion. "Having a name" in this context meant achieving lasting renown and a distinguished reputation through one's deeds, which was highly valued. Such men were not merely soldiers but heroes whose exploits became part of the national narrative, embodying the ideals of loyalty, strength, and service to the king and, by extension, to God's kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "2 Samuel - David's Reign"): **Exceptional Valor and Prowess** are evident in Benaiah's enumerated deeds, which distinguish him even among other elite warriors. The phrase "had the name among three mighty men" underscores the theme of **Distinguished Reputation and Recognition of Merit**, signifying that his achievements were so significant they placed him in a class just below the undisputed top three, making him arguably the fourth most celebrated warrior. Furthermore, Benaiah's story, like that of all David's mighty men, exemplifies **Loyalty and Dedicated Service** to King David and the kingdom of Israel, highlighting how individual strength and skill were consecrated to a greater cause. This also subtly points to the theme of **Divine Enablement**, as the success of these warriors was often attributed to God's hand, ensuring the stability and prosperity of David's reign, which was a type of God's rule on earth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Benaiah (Hebrew, _Benaiah'_):** Derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to build" and the divine name Yahweh, meaning "Yahweh builds" or "Yahweh has built." This name is fitting for a man whose actions contributed significantly to the strength and stability of David's kingdom, literally "building up" its security and reputation through his valor.
* **mighty men (Hebrew, _gibborim'_):** The Hebrew term גִּבֹּרִים (_gibborim_) refers to strong, valiant, or heroic individuals. It denotes men of exceptional strength, courage, and military capability. Its use throughout [2 Samuel 23](/2_samuel/23 "2 Samuel 23 - David's Mighty Men") emphasizes the extraordinary nature of these warriors. Benaiah's inclusion and specific mention among these _gibborim_, particularly his esteemed "name among three," underscores that he was not merely strong but possessed a reputation for unparalleled bravery and effectiveness in battle, making him a true hero in David's army.
* **had the name (Hebrew, _vayehi lo shem'_):** The phrase וַיְהִי־לוֹ שֵׁם (_vayehi lo shem_) literally means "and there was to him a name." In biblical thought, a "name" (שֵׁם, _shem_) is far more than a mere label; it encapsulates one's character, reputation, legacy, and even destiny. To "have the name" implies achieving renown, distinction, and a lasting reputation earned through significant deeds. It signifies that Benaiah's exploits were not only recognized but celebrated and remembered, placing him in an honored position.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [things] did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada":** This clause serves as a direct reference back to the extraordinary deeds detailed in [2 Samuel 23:20-21](/2_samuel/23-20 "2 Samuel 23:20-21 - Benaiah's Feats"). It explicitly attributes these specific acts of valor—slaying two "lion-like men" of Moab, a lion in a pit on a snowy day, and an Egyptian giant with his own spear—to Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada. The emphasis on his lineage connects his personal prowess to his family identity, a common practice in ancient Israelite society where family reputation was paramount.
* **"and had the name":** This phrase highlights the outcome of Benaiah's actions: he earned a distinguished reputation. It signifies that his deeds were not performed in obscurity but gained him widespread recognition and honor. This "name" was a testament to his exceptional skill, courage, and effectiveness as a warrior, setting him apart even within the ranks of David's formidable army.
* **"among three mighty men":** This is the most debated and significant part of the verse. It does not mean Benaiah was literally one of the "Three" (Jashobeam, Eleazar, Shammah), who are clearly distinguished as a separate, supreme group. Rather, it indicates that his renown and prestige were so great that they were considered on par with, or immediately adjacent to, the fame of the top three. He was effectively "among" them in terms of honor and reputation, even if not formally a member of that specific trio. This places him in a uniquely exalted position, arguably the fourth most celebrated warrior in David's entire army, standing head and shoulders above the rest of the "Thirty."

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Samuel 23:22 is **Culmination** or **Summary**. This verse serves as a climactic summary statement following the detailed recounting of Benaiah's individual exploits in the preceding verses. It provides a definitive assessment of his standing, solidifying his reputation within the narrative. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through the explicit statement of his "name among three mighty men," which highlights his exceptionalism. The use of **Cataloging** is also evident in the broader chapter, as this verse is part of a list of David's heroes, but it stands out as a unique entry for Benaiah, preceding the more general list of the "Thirty." The phrasing "had the name among three mighty men" might also contain a subtle form of **Hyperbole** or **Synecdoche**, where "among three" represents the highest echelon of renown, rather than a literal inclusion in the trio.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Benaiah's story, culminating in his distinguished "name," offers profound theological insights. His valor and success were not merely a result of personal strength but, implicitly, a demonstration of God's enablement for those who serve His anointed king and kingdom. In a broader sense, Benaiah represents the principle that God honors faithfulness and excellence in service, regardless of one's specific role. His earthly renown, earned through courageous and dedicated action, foreshadows the spiritual truth that true honor and a lasting "name" are found in devoted service to God, often in ways that are not always seen by the world but are known and valued by the Lord. His life reminds us that God uses individuals with unique gifts and skills to accomplish His purposes, and He acknowledges those who perform their duties with integrity and might.

* [Proverbs 22:1](/proverbs/22-1 "Proverbs 22:1 - A Good Name is Precious")
* [Matthew 20:26](/matthew/20-26 "Matthew 20:26 - Greatness Through Service")
* [Hebrews 11:32-34](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32-34 - Heroes of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Benaiah's legacy in 2 Samuel 23:22 provides a compelling model for believers today. His "name among three mighty men" was not inherited but earned through consistent, courageous, and decisive action. He didn't shy away from dangerous challenges, whether facing lion-like men, a lion in a pit, or a formidable giant. This challenges us to consider our own spheres of influence and the "battles" we face—be they spiritual, professional, or personal. Are we pursuing excellence and demonstrating courage in our callings, using the gifts and strengths God has given us? Benaiah's renown came from serving his king faithfully and effectively; similarly, our ultimate "name" or legacy in God's kingdom is built upon our faithfulness in serving Christ and His purposes. We are called to be "mighty" not in our own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit, making our lives count for eternal significance, trusting that God sees and honors every act of dedicated service, even those unseen by human eyes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to demonstrate "valor" or exceptional dedication, even when facing daunting challenges?**
* **How does Benaiah's pursuit of excellence in his role challenge your own commitment to your calling or responsibilities, whether in your church, family, or workplace?**
* **What does it mean to "have a name" in God's kingdom, and how does that pursuit differ from seeking worldly recognition or fame?**

### FAQ
**Was Benaiah one of the "Three" or "Thirty" mighty men of David?**

Answer: Benaiah was officially part of the "Thirty" mighty men, but his standing was unique and exceptional. The "Three" (Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah) were the absolute top tier, whose exploits are detailed separately in [2 Samuel 23:8-12](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8-12 - David's Top Three Mighty Men"). Benaiah's specific deeds are recounted in [2 Samuel 23:20-21](/2_samuel/23-20 "2 Samuel 23:20-21 - Benaiah's Extraordinary Exploits"), immediately before the general list of the "Thirty" begins. The phrase "had the name among three mighty men" signifies that his renown and achievements were considered so extraordinary that they placed him in a class comparable to, or uniquely alongside, the fame of the top three. He was not literally one of them, but his reputation was on par with theirs, making him the most distinguished of the "Thirty," and effectively the fourth most celebrated warrior.

**What was the significance of "having the name" in ancient Israelite culture?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite culture, "having the name" (Hebrew: _shem_) was profoundly significant. It meant achieving lasting reputation, honor, and a legacy of remarkable achievement. A person's "name" was synonymous with their character, their deeds, and their standing in the community and before God. It implied that their actions were not only recognized but celebrated and remembered, ensuring their place in the collective memory. For Benaiah, it meant his extraordinary acts of valor were widely acknowledged and esteemed, securing his place as a legendary figure among David's elite, a testament to his unparalleled bravery and effectiveness in battle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, stands as a powerful Old Testament type, whose valor and distinguished "name" point forward to the ultimate "Mighty Man," Jesus Christ. While Benaiah earned his name through physical prowess and military victories, Christ's name is supreme not through earthly conquest but through divine obedience, sacrificial love, and ultimate victory over sin and death. Isaiah prophesied of the Messiah, declaring His name would be "Wonderful Counselor, [Mighty God](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God"), Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Just as Benaiah's deeds secured David's kingdom, Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection established an eternal kingdom, delivering us from the domain of darkness and transferring us into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). The renown Benaiah achieved is but a faint echo of the "name that is above every name" that God bestowed upon Christ, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Name Above All Names")). Believers, empowered by Christ, are called to be "strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" ([Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord")), participating in His spiritual victories and earning a "name" in the Lamb's Book of Life, a renown far surpassing any earthly accolade.

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.