King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:13 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:13 in the King James Version says “He was with David at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a parcel of ground...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. Pasdammim: also called, Ephesdammim I.Sam.17.1.”

1 Chronicles 11:13 · KJV

Context

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.

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. Pasdammim: also called, Ephesdammim I.Sam.17.1.

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. set: or, stood deliverance: or, salvation

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. three: or, three captains over the thirty

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 · 19 words
הֽוּא1 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הָיָ֨ה2 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עִם3 of 19
H5973

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

דָּוִ֜יד4 of 19

“He was with David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בַּפַּ֣ס5 of 19
H0
דַּמִּ֗ים6 of 19

“at Pasdammim”

H6450

pas-dammim, a place in palestine

פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃7 of 19

“and there the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

נֶאֱסְפוּ8 of 19

“were gathered together”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

שָׁ֣ם9 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה10 of 19

“to battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַתְּהִ֛י11 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

חֶלְקַ֥ת12 of 19

“where was a parcel”

H2513

properly, smoothness; figuratively, flattery

הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה13 of 19

“of ground”

H7704

a field (as flat)

מְלֵאָ֣ה14 of 19

“full”

H4392

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

שְׂעוֹרִ֑ים15 of 19

“of barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

וְהָעָ֥ם16 of 19

“and the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

נָ֖סוּ17 of 19

“fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

מִפְּנֵ֥י18 of 19

“from before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

פְלִשְׁתִּֽים׃19 of 19

“and there the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

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 11:13 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 11:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 17:12 Samuel 23:11-12

Places in This Verse

Ephes-dammimSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Damun · 31.68°N, 35.05°E3 verses across 3 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 11 →

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