King James Version
2 Samuel 23:19 in the King James Version says “Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.”
2 Samuel 23:19 · KJV
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.
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
Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.
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
And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. a goodly: Heb. a man of countenance, or, sight: called I.Chr.I.23. a man of great stature
KJV Study — Public Domain
“not unto the first three”
H7969three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“Was he not most honourable”
H3513to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
“not unto the first three”
H7969three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
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.
2 Samuel 23:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 2 Samuel 23:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge