King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:22 Mean?

“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”

Context

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.

Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.

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

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

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

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22-25) **Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.**—Captain of the royal guard (1Chronicles 18:17) and third “captain of the host” (1Chronicles 27:5-6). **Son of a valiant man.**—“Son” is probably a spurious addition here, as elsewhere. The Syriac has “Benaiah son of Joiada, a strong warrior.” The LXX., however, reads, “son of a mighty man.” **Kabzeel.**—A town of southern Judah, site unknown (Joshua 15:21); Nehemiah 11:25 (Jekabzeel). **Who had done many acts.**—The margin is correct. This poetic phrase only occurs in this and the parallel passage. **He slew two lionlike men of Moab.**—See 1Chronicles 18:2. So the Syriac: “He slew two giants of Moab.” The Hebrew has, “He smote the two Ariel of Moab.” Ariel, “lion of God”—a title of heroes with the Arabs and Persians—appears to be used as an appellative (Isaiah 33:7): “Lo, the heroes (*‘arîêlîm*) cry without!” (Heb.) The LXX. of 2Samuel 23:20 reads, “The two sons of Ariel of Moab;” whence some think that Ariel denotes here the king of Moab; but the former sense is better. **Also he went down and slew a lion.**—Literally, *And he *(*it was who*)* went down and smote the lion in the middle of the cistern in the day of snow.* The article pointedly refers to some well-known feat of Benaiah’s.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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.