King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:9 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:9 in the King James Version says “And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Phil...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

2 Samuel 23:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. into: or, for foraging

Read 2 Samuel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 · 18 words
וְאַֽחֲרָ֛ו1 of 18

“And after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֶלְעָזָ֥ר2 of 18

“him was Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

בֶּן3 of 18

“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

דֹּד֖יֹ4 of 18

“of Dodo”

H1734

dodo, the name of three israelites

בֶּן5 of 18

“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

אֲחֹחִ֑י6 of 18

“the Ahohite”

H266

an achochite or descendant of achoach

בִּשְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה7 of 18

“one of the three”

H7969

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

גִּבֹּרִ֜ים8 of 18

“mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

עִם9 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

דָּוִ֗ד10 of 18

“with David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בְּחָֽרְפָ֤ם11 of 18

“when they defied”

H2778

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּים12 of 18

“the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

נֶֽאֶסְפוּ13 of 18

“that were there gathered together”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

שָׁ֣ם14 of 18
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה15 of 18

“to battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וַֽיַּעֲל֖וּ16 of 18

“were gone away”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אִ֥ישׁ17 of 18

“and the men”

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)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃18 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 23:9 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 23:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 27:41 Chronicles 11:12-141 Samuel 17:261 Samuel 17:10Mark 14:50Numbers 23:7-8

Places in This Verse

Ephes-dammimSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Damun · 31.68°N, 35.05°E3 verses across 3 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 23 →

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