King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:20 in the King James Version says “And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man , of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 23:20 · KJV

Context

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

21

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

22

These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.

Read 2 Samuel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 · 24 words
וּבְנָיָ֨הוּ1 of 24

“And Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

בֶּן2 of 24

“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

יְהֽוֹיָדָ֧ע3 of 24

“of Jehoiada”

H3077

jehojada, the name of three israelites

בֶּן4 of 24

“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

אִֽישׁ5 of 24

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חַ֛יִ6 of 24

“of a valiant”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

רַב7 of 24

“who had done many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

פְּעָלִ֖ים8 of 24

“acts”

H6467

an act or work (concretely)

מִֽקַּבְצְאֵ֑ל9 of 24

“of Kabzeel”

H6909

kabtseel, a place in palestine

ה֣וּא10 of 24
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

וְהִכָּ֧ה11 of 24

“also and slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֵ֣ת12 of 24
H853

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

שְׁנֵ֤י13 of 24

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲרִאֵל֙14 of 24

“lionlike men”

H739

lion of god; i.e., heroic

מוֹאָ֔ב15 of 24

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וְ֠הוּא16 of 24
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

יָרַ֞ד17 of 24

“he went down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

וְהִכָּ֧ה18 of 24

“also and slew”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶֽת19 of 24
H853

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

הָאֲרִ֛יה20 of 24

“a lion”

H738

a lion

בְּת֥וֹךְ21 of 24

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַבֹּ֖אר22 of 24

“of a pit”

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

בְּי֥וֹם23 of 24

“in time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשָּֽׁלֶג׃24 of 24

“of snow”

H7950

snow (probably from its whiteness)

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 23:20 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 2 Samuel 23:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 15:212 Samuel 20:232 Samuel 8:181 Chronicles 11:22-241 Kings 1:381 Kings 1:8

Places in This Verse

KabzeelSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Hora · 31.29°N, 34.93°E4 verses across 4 books
Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 23 →

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