King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:22 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:22 in the King James Version says “Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Mo...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 11:22 · KJV

Context

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

23

And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. great: Heb. measure

24

These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three mighties.

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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 · 25 words
בְּנָיָ֨ה1 of 25

“Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

בֶּן2 of 25

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֧ע3 of 25

“of Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

בֶּן4 of 25

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִֽישׁ5 of 25

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חַ֛יִל6 of 25

“of a valiant”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

רַב7 of 25

“who had done many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

פְּעָלִ֖ים8 of 25

“acts”

H6467

an act or work (concretely)

מִֽן9 of 25
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

קַבְצְאֵ֑ל10 of 25

“of Kabzeel”

H6909

kabtseel, a place in palestine

ה֣וּא11 of 25
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

וְהִכָּ֧ה12 of 25

“and slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֵ֣ת13 of 25
H853

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

שְׁנֵ֤י14 of 25

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲרִיאֵל֙15 of 25

“lionlike men”

H739

lion of god; i.e., heroic

מוֹאָ֔ב16 of 25

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וְ֠הוּא17 of 25
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

יָרַ֞ד18 of 25

“also he went down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

וְהִכָּ֧ה19 of 25

“and slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶֽת20 of 25
H853

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

הָאֲרִ֛י21 of 25

“a lion”

H738

a lion

בְּת֥וֹךְ22 of 25

“in”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַבּ֖וֹר23 of 25

“a pit”

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

בְּי֥וֹם24 of 25

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשָּֽׁלֶג׃25 of 25

“in a snowy”

H7950

snow (probably from its whiteness)

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 11:22 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 11:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 8:182 Samuel 23:20-23Joshua 15:212 Samuel 20:231 Samuel 17:34-362 Samuel 1:23

Places in This Verse

KabzeelSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Hora · 31.29°N, 34.93°E4 verses across 4 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 11 →

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