King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:26 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:26 in the King James Version says “Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,”

1 Chronicles 11:26 · KJV

Context

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.

26

Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

27

Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, Shammoth: or, Shammah Harorite: or, Harodite Pelonite: or, Paltite

28

Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,

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 · 10 words
וְגִבּוֹרֵ֖י1 of 10

“Also the valiant men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

הַֽחֲיָלִ֑ים2 of 10

“of the armies”

H2428

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

עֲשָׂהאֵל֙3 of 10

“were Asahel”

H6214

asahel, the name of four israelites

אֲחִ֣י4 of 10

“the brother”

H251

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

יוֹאָ֔ב5 of 10

“of Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶלְחָנָ֥ן6 of 10

“Elhanan”

H445

elchanan, an israelite

בֶּן7 of 10

“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

דּוֹד֖וֹ8 of 10

“of Dodo”

H1734

dodo, the name of three israelites

מִבֵּ֥ית9 of 10
H0
לָֽחֶם׃10 of 10

“of Bethlehem”

H1035

beth-lechem, a place in palestine

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 11:26 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 11:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 27:72 Samuel 23:242 Samuel 21:192 Samuel 3:302 Samuel 2:18-23

Places in This Verse

Bethlehem 1Settlement · Modern: Bethlehem · 31.70°N, 35.21°E52 verses across 14 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 11 →

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