King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 20:4 Mean?

1 Chronicles 20:4 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathi...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued. arose: or, continued: Heb. stood Gezer: or, Gob the giant: or, Rapha”

1 Chronicles 20:4 · KJV

Context

2

And David took the crown of their king from off his head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set upon David's head: and he brought also exceeding much spoil out of the city. to weigh: Heb. the weight of

3

And he brought out the people that were in it, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

4

And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued. arose: or, continued: Heb. stood Gezer: or, Gob the giant: or, Rapha

5

And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam. Jair: called also, Iaare-ore-gim.2.Sam.21.19

6

And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot: and he also was the son of the giant. great: Heb. a man of measure the son: Heb. born to the giants, or, Rapha

Read 1 Chronicles 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Final conquests and giant slayers. The Hebrew term רָפָה (rapha) - giant/Rephaim is theologically significant here, pointing to God enables victory over impossible odds. 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 enables victory over impossible odds. 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 defeats spiritual giants (powers and principalities).

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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 Final conquests and giant slayers 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 enables victory over impossible odds challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ defeats spiritual giants (powers and principalities) 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 · 16 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַחֲרֵיכֵ֔ן2 of 16

“And it came to pass after this”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וַתַּֽעֲמֹ֧ד3 of 16

“that there arose”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

מִלְחָמָ֛ה4 of 16

“war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

בְּגֶ֖זֶר5 of 16

“at Gezer”

H1507

gezer, a place in palestine

עִם6 of 16
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים7 of 16

“with the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

אָ֣ז8 of 16

“at which time”

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

הִכָּ֞ה9 of 16

“slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

סִבְּכַ֣י10 of 16

“Sibbechai”

H5444

sibbecai, an israelite

הַחֻֽשָׁתִ֗י11 of 16

“the Hushathite”

H2843

a chushathite or descendant of chushah

אֶת12 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

סִפַּ֛י13 of 16

“Sippai”

H5598

sippai, a philistine

מִֽילִידֵ֥י14 of 16

“that was of the children”

H3211

born

הָֽרְפָאִ֖ים15 of 16

“of the giant”

H7497

a giant

וַיִּכָּנֵֽעוּ׃16 of 16

“and they were subdued”

H3665

properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish

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 20:4 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 20:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 21:18-22Joshua 16:31 Chronicles 11:29Joshua 12:122 Samuel 21:15

Places in This Verse

GezerSettlement · Modern: Tel Gezer · 31.86°N, 34.92°E14 verses across 5 books
HushahSettlement · Modern: Husan · 31.71°N, 35.13°E6 verses across 2 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 20 →

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