King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 18:17 Mean?

1 Chronicles 18:17 in the King James Version says “And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king. about: Heb. at the hand of the king”

1 Chronicles 18:17 · KJV

Context

15

And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder. recorder: or, remembrancer

16

And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe; Abimelech: called Ahimelech Sam. Shavsha: called Seraiah in Sam. and Shisha, I.King.4.2.

17

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king. about: Heb. at the hand of the king

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David's military victories - kingdom expansion. The Hebrew term יְשׁוּעָה (yeshuah) - salvation/victory is theologically significant here, pointing to God gives victory to His anointed. 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 gives victory to His anointed. 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: Christ's victory over sin, death, and Satan.

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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's military victories - kingdom expansion 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 gives victory to His anointed challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ's victory over sin, death, and Satan 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 · 11 words
וּבְנָיָ֙הוּ֙1 of 11

“And Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

וּבְנֵֽי2 of 11

“and the sons”

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

יְה֣וֹיָדָ֔ע3 of 11

“of Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

עַל4 of 11
H5921

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

הַכְּרֵתִ֖י5 of 11

“was over the Cherethites”

H3774

a kerethite or life-guardsman

וְהַפְּלֵתִ֑י6 of 11

“and the Pelethites”

H6432

a courier (collectively) or official messenger

וּבְנֵֽי7 of 11

“and the sons”

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

דָוִ֥יד8 of 11

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים9 of 11

“were chief”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לְיַ֥ד10 of 11

“about”

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃11 of 11

“the king”

H4428

a king

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 18:17 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 18:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 8:182 Samuel 15:182 Samuel 23:19-23Zephaniah 2:52 Samuel 20:231 Kings 1:38

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