King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:20 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Benaiah.**—He was the general of the third division of the army (1Chronicles 27:5-6). This probably included the Cherethites and Pelethites, since he was also their commander (2Samuel 8:18; 2Samuel 20:23). In consequence of his faithfulness to Solomon in the rebellion of Adonijah, he was finally made commander-in-chief (1Kings 1:8; 1Kings 1:26; 1Kings 1:32; 1Kings 2:25; 1Kings 2:29-35; 1Kings 4:4). His father Jehoiada is called “a chief priest “in 1Chronicles 27:5, and in 1Chronicles 12:27 mention is made of a “Jehoiada the leader of the Aaronites,” who came to David at Hebron, and who may have been the same person. **Kabzeel.**—A town on the extreme south of Judah, on the border of Edom (Joshua 15:21). **Lion-like men.**—Literally, *lion of God, *an expression used among Arabs and Persians of great warriors. **Slew a lion.**—Comp. 1Samuel 17:34-37. It is not said with what weapons he slew him, but the act was evidently a great feat of valour.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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.