King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:10 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:10 in the King James Version says “These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. strengthened: or, held strongly with him”

1 Chronicles 11:10 · KJV

Context

8

And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city. repaired: Heb. revived

9

So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him. waxed: Heb. went in going and increasing

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. strengthened: or, held strongly with him

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. an Hachmonite: or, son of Hachmoni

12

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties.

Read 1 Chronicles 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David established as king and mighty men. The Hebrew term בְּרִית (berit) - covenant is theologically significant here, pointing to God's sovereign choice of leadership. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God's sovereign choice of leadership. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: David as type of Christ, the Messianic King.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David established as king and mighty men occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God's sovereign choice of leadership challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does David as type of Christ, the Messianic King teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאֵ֨לֶּה1 of 16
H428

these or those

רָאשֵׁ֤י2 of 16

“These also are the chief”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַגִּבֹּרִים֙3 of 16

“of the mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לְדָוִ֔יד5 of 16

“whom David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הַמִּתְחַזְּקִ֨ים6 of 16

“had who strengthened”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

עִמּ֧וֹ7 of 16
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בְמַלְכוּת֛וֹ8 of 16

“themselves with him in his kingdom”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

עִם9 of 16
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כָּל10 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃11 of 16

“and with all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְהַמְלִיכ֑וֹ12 of 16

“to make him king”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

כִּדְבַ֥ר13 of 16

“according to the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל15 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃16 of 16

“and with all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 11:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 11:32 Samuel 23:8-391 Chronicles 12:381 Samuel 16:11 Samuel 16:12-142 Samuel 3:17-18

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