King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:23 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:23 in the King James Version says “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'...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 11:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.

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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 · 24 words
וְהֽוּא1 of 24
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

הִכָּה֩2 of 24

“And he slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת3 of 24
H853

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

אִ֥ישׁ4 of 24

“a 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)

הַמִּצְרִ֔י5 of 24

“an Egyptian”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

אִ֥ישׁ6 of 24

“a 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)

מִדָּ֣ה׀7 of 24

“of great stature”

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

חָמֵ֣שׁ8 of 24

“five”

H2568

five

בָּֽאַמָּ֗ה9 of 24

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

מִיַּ֣ד10 of 24

“hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַמִּצְרִ֔י11 of 24

“an Egyptian”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

בַּֽחֲנִיתֽוֹ׃12 of 24

“him with his own spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

כִּמְנ֣וֹר13 of 24

“beam”

H4500

a yoke (properly, for plowing), i.e., the frame of a loom

אֹֽרְגִ֔ים14 of 24

“like a weaver's”

H707

to plait or weave

וַיֵּ֥רֶד15 of 24

“and 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

אֵלָ֖יו16 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בַּשָּׁ֑בֶט17 of 24

“to him with a staff”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

וַיִּגְזֹ֤ל18 of 24

“and plucked”

H1497

to pluck off; specifically to flay, strip or rob

אֶֽת19 of 24
H853

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

בַּֽחֲנִיתֽוֹ׃20 of 24

“him with his own spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

מִיַּ֣ד21 of 24

“hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַמִּצְרִ֔י22 of 24

“an Egyptian”

H4713

a mitsrite, or inhabitant of mitsrajim

וַיַּֽהַרְגֵ֖הוּ23 of 24

“and slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

בַּֽחֲנִיתֽוֹ׃24 of 24

“him with his own spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

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 11:23 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 11:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 17:71 Chronicles 20:51 Samuel 17:51Deuteronomy 3:111 Samuel 17:4

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