King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:20 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:20 in the King James Version says “And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 11:20 · KJV

Context

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. that have: Heb. with their lives?

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. who had: Heb. great of deeds

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 · 18 words
וְאַבְשַׁ֣י1 of 18

“And Abishai”

H52

abishai, an israelite

אֲחִֽי2 of 18

“the brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

יוֹאָ֗ב3 of 18

“of Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

ה֚וּא4 of 18
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

הָיָה֙5 of 18
H1961

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

רֹ֣אשׁ6 of 18

“he was chief”

H7218

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

בַּשְּׁלוֹשָֽׁה׃7 of 18

“against three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

וְהוּא֙8 of 18
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

עוֹרֵ֣ר9 of 18

“for lifting up”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

אֶת10 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֲנִית֔וֹ11 of 18

“his spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

עַל12 of 18
H5921

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

בַּשְּׁלוֹשָֽׁה׃13 of 18

“against three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵא֖וֹת14 of 18

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

חָלָ֑ל15 of 18

“he slew”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

וְלֹא16 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שֵׁ֖ם17 of 18

“them and had a name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בַּשְּׁלוֹשָֽׁה׃18 of 18

“against three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

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 11:20 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 11:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 26:61 Chronicles 2:162 Samuel 18:22 Samuel 21:172 Samuel 23:18-392 Samuel 20:6

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