King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:41 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:41 in the King James Version says “Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,”

1 Chronicles 11:41 · KJV

Context

39

Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,

40

Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,

41

Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai,

42

Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,

43

Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,

Read 1 Chronicles 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Uriah the Hittite—This simple listing carries devastating weight. Uriah's inclusion among David's most loyal warriors amplifies the horror of David's sin (2 Sam 11). Here was a foreign convert who exemplified covenant faithfulness better than Israel's king. The Hebrew text offers no commentary, letting the name speak its rebuke.

Chronicles' genealogies generally omit David's moral failures, yet Uriah's presence preserves the witness. His Hittite origin shows God's grace extending beyond ethnic Israel—a theme Chronicles develops post-exilic. That Jesus' genealogy includes Bathsheba as 'her that had been the wife of Uriah' (Matt 1:6) shows God's redemptive power through confession and repentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hittites were Canaanite inhabitants of the land before Israel's conquest. Uriah's conversion and military service demonstrate how the Abrahamic covenant blessing extended to all nations (Gen 12:3). His name means 'Yahweh is my light,' reflecting genuine faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Uriah's faithfulness challenge our excuses for compromising God's standards?
  2. What does God's inclusion of foreign believers teach about the universal scope of His grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
אֽוּרִיָּה֙1 of 5

“Uriah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

הַֽחִתִּ֔י2 of 5

“the Hittite”

H2850

a chittite, or descendant of cheth

זָבָ֖ד3 of 5

“Zabad”

H2066

zabad, the name of seven israelites

בֶּן4 of 5

“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

אַחְלָֽי׃5 of 5

“of Ahlai”

H304

achlai, the name of an israelitess and of an israelite

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 11:41 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 11:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 23:391 Chronicles 2:362 Samuel 11:6-27

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