King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 12:20 Mean?

1 Chronicles 12:20 in the King James Version says “As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elih...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.”

1 Chronicles 12:20 · KJV

Context

18

Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains , and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band. came: Heb. clothed

19

And there fell some of Manasseh to David, when he came with the Philistines against Saul to battle: but they helped them not: for the lords of the Philistines upon advisement sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master Saul to the jeopardy of our heads. to the: Heb. on our heads

20

As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.

21

And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host. against: or, with a band

22

For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.

Read 1 Chronicles 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Warriors who joined David - unity of Israel. The Hebrew term גִּבּוֹר (gibbor) - mighty warrior is theologically significant here, pointing to Unity of God's people under chosen leader. 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 Unity of God's people under chosen leader. 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: Church united under Christ's headship.

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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 Warriors who joined David - unity of Israel 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 Unity of God's people under chosen leader challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Church united under Christ's headship 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 · 17 words
בְּלֶכְתּ֣וֹ1 of 17

“As he went”

H3212

to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)

אֶל2 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צִֽיקְלַ֗ג3 of 17

“to Ziklag”

H6860

tsiklag or tsikelag, a place in palestine

נָֽפְל֣וּ4 of 17

“there fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עָלָ֣יו׀5 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לִמְנַשֶּֽׁה׃6 of 17

“that were of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

עַ֠דְנַח7 of 17

“Adnah”

H5734

adnah, the name of two israelites

וְיֽוֹזָבָ֔ד8 of 17

“and Jozabad”

H3107

jozabad, the name of ten israelites

וִידִֽיעֲאֵל֙9 of 17

“and Jediael”

H3043

jediael, the name of three israelites

וּמִֽיכָאֵ֣ל10 of 17

“and Michael”

H4317

mikael, the name of an archangel and of nine israelites

וְיֽוֹזָבָ֔ד11 of 17

“and Jozabad”

H3107

jozabad, the name of ten israelites

וֶֽאֱלִיה֖וּא12 of 17

“and Elihu”

H453

elihu, the name of one of job's friends, and of three israelites

וְצִלְּתָ֑י13 of 17

“and Zilthai”

H6769

tsillethai, the name of two israelites

רָאשֵׁ֥י14 of 17

“captains”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָֽאֲלָפִ֖ים15 of 17

“of the thousands”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לִמְנַשֶּֽׁה׃17 of 17

“that were of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

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 12:20 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 12:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 29:11Deuteronomy 1:15Exodus 18:21Deuteronomy 33:17

Places in This Verse

ZiklagSettlement · Modern: Tell esh Sharia · 31.39°N, 34.68°E13 verses across 5 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 12 →

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