Abishai
Abishai in the Bible — son of Zeruiah and Joab's brother (1SA 26:6), chief of "the thirty" of David's men (2SA 23:18). Abishai belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 6 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “the present of my father”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Judah
- Scripture References
- 6 references
- Known Names
- 3 names
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
The son of Zeruiah and brother of Joab, Abishai was one of David's mighty men and a fierce warrior. He saved David's life in battle against a Philistine giant, wanted to kill Saul when they found him sleeping, and led various military campaigns. He remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion.
Significance
Abishai represents fierce loyalty and courage, though like his brother Joab, his zeal sometimes needed to be restrained by wiser counsel.
Key Events
Names & Labels (3)
- Hebrew
- אֲבִישַׁ֨י
- Transliteration
- aviyshay
- Meaning
- [my] father is Jesse or father exists
- Greek
- Αβεσσα
- Reference
- 1SA 26:6
- Strong's
- H52
- Hebrew
- אַבְשַׁ֛י
- Transliteration
- abəshai
- Meaning
- [my] father is Jesse or father exists
- Greek
- Αβεσσα
- Reference
- 1CH 2:16
- Strong's
- H52
- Hebrew
- יִשְׁמַעְיָה
- Transliteration
- yishəmaəyah
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h heard
- Greek
- Σαμαιας
- Reference
- 1CH 12:4
- Strong's
- H3460
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Abishai in the Bible?
Abishai is described in the Bible as son of Zeruiah and Joab's brother (1SA 26:6), chief of "the thirty" of David's men (2SA 23:18). Abishai belonged to the tribe of Judah.
What does the name Abishai mean?
The name Abishai means “the present of my father” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.