King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:18 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:18 in the King James Version says “And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hu...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three. and slew them: Heb. slain”

2 Samuel 23:18 · KJV

Context

16

And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.

17

And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

18

And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three. and slew them: Heb. slain

19

Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.

20

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man , of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: who: Heb. great of acts lionlike: Heb. lion of God

Read 2 Samuel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident reveals David's unwillingness to value his comfort above his soldiers' lives. Theological themes include the importance of final testimonies, the eternal nature of God's covenant, the value of faithful servants, and the necessity of sacrificial leadership.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 23 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding legacy, faithful servants provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of legacy, faithful servants?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַֽאֲבִישַׁ֞י1 of 19

“And Abishai”

H52

abishai, an israelite

אֲחִ֣י׀2 of 19

“the brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

יוֹאָ֣ב3 of 19

“of Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

בֶּן4 of 19

“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

צְרוּיָ֗ה5 of 19

“of Zeruiah”

H6870

tserujah, an israelitess

ה֚וּא6 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

רֹ֣אשׁ7 of 19

“was chief”

H7218

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

הַשְּׁלֹשָׁ֔י8 of 19

“among three”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

וְהוּא֙9 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עוֹרֵ֣ר10 of 19

“And he lifted up”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

אֶת11 of 19
H853

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

חֲנִית֔וֹ12 of 19

“his spear”

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

עַל13 of 19
H5921

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

בַּשְּׁלֹשָֽׁה׃14 of 19

“against three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵא֖וֹת15 of 19

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

חָלָ֑ל16 of 19

“and slew”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

וְלוֹ17 of 19
H0
שֵׁ֖ם18 of 19

“them and had the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בַּשְּׁלֹשָֽׁה׃19 of 19

“against three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 23:18 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 2 Samuel 23:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 10:142 Samuel 10:102 Samuel 18:21 Chronicles 11:20-212 Samuel 20:101 Samuel 26:6-8

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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