King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:8 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:8 in the King James Version says “These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat , chief among the captains; the... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat , chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. The Tachmonite: or, Joshebbassebet the Tachmonite, head of the three. whom he: Heb. slain. he lift: See 1.Ch.11.11. whom he: Heb. slain

2 Samuel 23:8 · KJV


Context

6

But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:

7

But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place. fenced: Heb. filled

8

These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat , chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. The Tachmonite: or, Joshebbassebet the Tachmonite, head of the three. whom he: Heb. slain. he lift: See 1.Ch.11.11. whom he: Heb. slain

9

And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:

10

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.

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
אֵ֛לֶּה1 of 19
H428

these or those

שְׁמ֥וֹת2 of 19

These be the names

H8034

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

הַגִּבֹּרִ֖ים3 of 19

of the mighty men

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לְדָוִ֑ד5 of 19

whom David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

יֹשֵׁ֨ב6 of 19

that sat

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בַּשֶּׁ֜בֶת7 of 19

in the seat

H7675

properly, session; but used also concretely, an abode or locality

תַּחְכְּמֹנִ֣י׀8 of 19

had The Tachmonite

H8461

tachkemoni, an israelite

רֹ֣אשׁ9 of 19

chief

H7218

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

הַשָּֽׁלִשִׁ֗י10 of 19

among the captains

H7991

a triple, i.e., (as an officer) a general of the third rank (upward, i.e., the highest)

ה֚וּא11 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

עֲדִינ֣וֹ12 of 19

the same was Adino

H5722

his spear

הָֽעֶצְנִ֔ו13 of 19

the Eznite

H6112

a spear

עַל14 of 19
H5921

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

שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה15 of 19

he lift up his spear against eight

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

מֵא֛וֹת16 of 19

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

חָלָ֖ל17 of 19

whom he slew

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

בְּפַ֥עַם18 of 19

time

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

אֶחָֽד׃19 of 19

at one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first


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 23:8 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 23:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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