King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:31 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:31 in the King James Version says “Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,

1 Chronicles 11:31 · KJV


Context

29

Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, Sibbecai: or, Mebunnai Ilai: or, Zalmon

30

Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Heled: or, Heleb

31

Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,

32

Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, Hurai: or, Hiddai Abiel: or, Abialbon

33

Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin—A Benjaminite fighting for David represents remarkable reconciliation. Benjamin was Saul's tribe, yet Ithai ('with me is God') joined David's forces. His presence among the thirty demonstrates that David's kingdom transcended tribal revenge, welcoming former enemies.

Benaiah the Pirathonite from Ephraim represents another non-Judean warrior in David's elite force. These names document how David's meritocracy united Israel across tribal boundaries. This foreshadows the Church, where former enemies become brothers in Christ (Eph 2:14-16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The inclusion of Benjaminites in David's army (c. 1000 BC) was politically significant—it showed David bore no grudge against Saul's tribe. This reconciliation helped heal the civil war's wounds and demonstrated David's fitness to rule all Israel, not just Judah.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's kingdom break down historical enmities and tribal divisions?
  2. What former 'enemies' might God be calling you to reconcile with and serve alongside?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אִיתַ֣י1 of 8

Ithai

H863

ittai or ithai, the name of a gittite and of an israelite

בְּנֵ֣י2 of 8

that pertained to the children

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

רִיבַ֗י3 of 8

of Ribai

H7380

ribai, an israelite

מִגִּבְעַת֙4 of 8

of Gibeah

H1390

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

בְּנֵ֣י5 of 8

that pertained to the children

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

בִנְיָמִ֔ן6 of 8

of Benjamin

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בְּנָיָ֖ה7 of 8

Benaiah

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

הַפִּרְעָֽתֹנִֽי׃8 of 8

the Pirathonite

H6553

a pirathonite or inhabitant of pirathon


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 11:31 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 11:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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