1 Chronicles 11:6

1 Chronicles 11:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.

King James Version KJV

And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.

American Standard Version ASV

And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And David said, The first to overcome the Jebusites will be chief and captain. And Joab, the son of Zeruiah, went up first, and became chief.

Free Bible Version FBV

David had said, “Whoever is first to attack the Jebusites will be my commander-in-chief.” Since Joab, son of Zeruiah, was the first, he became commander-in-chief.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Dauid sayd, Whosoeuer smiteth the Iebusites first, shalbe the chiefe and captaine. So Ioab the sonne of Zeruiah went first vp, and was captaine.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And David saith, 'Whoever smiteth the Jebusite first doth become head and prince;' and go up first doth Joab son of Zeruiah and becometh head.

World English Bible WEB

David had said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And David said, Whoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was chief.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he said: Whosoever shall first strike the Jebusites, shall be the head and chief captain. And Joab the son of Sarvia went up first, and was made the general.

Translation for Translators T4T

What happened was this:: David said to his soldiers, “The one who leads our soldiers to attack the Jebus people-group will become the commander of all my army.” Joab, the son of Zeruiah, led the soldiers, so he became the commander of all the army.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 11:6

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Chronicles 11:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר דָּוִ֔יד כָּל מַכֵּ֤ה יְבוּסִי֙ בָּ/רִ֣אשׁוֹנָ֔ה יִהְיֶ֥ה לְ/רֹ֖אשׁ וּ/לְ/שָׂ֑ר וַ/יַּ֧עַל בָּ/רִאשׁוֹנָ֛ה יוֹאָ֥ב בֶּן צְרוּיָ֖ה וַ/יְהִ֥י לְ/רֹֽאשׁ

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִ֔יד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

מַכֵּ֤ה nâkâh H5221 to smite V-Hiphil

יְבוּסִי֙ Yᵉbûwçîy H2983 Jebus Ngmsa

בָּ/רִ֣אשׁוֹנָ֔ה riʼshôwn H7223 first Prep | Adj

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לְ/רֹ֖אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms

וּ/לְ/שָׂ֑ר sar H8269 ruler Conj | Prep | N-ms

וַ/יַּ֧עַל ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בָּ/רִאשׁוֹנָ֛ה riʼshôwn H7223 first Prep | Adj

יוֹאָ֥ב Yôwʼâb H3097 Joab N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

צְרוּיָ֖ה Tsᵉrûwyâh H6870 Zeruiah N-proper

וַ/יְהִ֥י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לְ/רֹֽאשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 11:6

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

דָּוִ֔יד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

מַכֵּ֤ה nâkâh H5221 "to smite" V-Hiphil

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

יְבוּסִי֙ Yᵉbûwçîy H2983 "Jebus" Ngmsa

A Jebusite is a person who lives in Jebus, the early name for Jerusalem. They are descendants of Jebus, a son of Canaan. The KJV translates it as 'Jebusite'.

Definition: Jebusite = "descendants of Jebus" descendants of the 3rd son of Canaan who lived in or around the site of Jebus, the early name for Jerusalem Another spelling of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Jebusite(-s). See also: Genesis 10:16; Joshua 24:11; Zechariah 9:7.

בָּ/רִ֣אשׁוֹנָ֔ה riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Prep | Adj

This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.

Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לְ/רֹ֖אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

וּ/לְ/שָׂ֑ר sar H8269 "ruler" Conj | Prep | N-ms

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden

Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

וַ/יַּ֧עַל ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

בָּ/רִאשׁוֹנָ֛ה riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Prep | Adj

This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.

יוֹאָ֥ב Yôwʼâb H3097 "Joab" N-proper

Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family

Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

צְרוּיָ֖ה Tsᵉrûwyâh H6870 "Zeruiah" N-proper

Zeruiah was an Israelite woman, sister of David, and mother of three leading heroes in his army. Her name means balsam and she is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6. Zeruiah was the daughter of Jesse and Nahash.

Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.26.6; daughter of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); sister of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J), Shimeah (H8093) § Zeruiah = "balsam" sister of David and mother of the 3 leading heroes of David's army-Abishai, Joab, and Asahel

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: Zeruiah. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 21:17; 1 Chronicles 27:24.

וַ/יְהִ֥י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

לְ/רֹֽאשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 11:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Chronicles 11:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 11:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 11:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:6
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:6
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:6
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 11:6
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 11:6
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 11:6

Context — David Conquers Jerusalem

4Then David and all the Israelites marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus), where the Jebusites inhabited the land. 5The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

6Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.

7So David took up residence in the fortress; that is why it was called the City of David. 8He built up the city around it, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 8:16	Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
2	2 Samuel 20:23	Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;
3	2 Samuel 3:27	When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.
4	Joshua 15:16–17	And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.” So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.
5	2 Samuel 2:18	The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,
6	1 Samuel 17:25	Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see this man who keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.”

1 Chronicles 11:6 Summary

This verse shows how David, the king of Israel, promised a great reward to the first person who could defeat the Jebusites, a group of people living in Jerusalem. Joab, David's nephew, was the first to succeed and became the chief commander. This story teaches us about the importance of bravery, leadership, and rewarding those who take initiative, as seen in other Bible stories like 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It also reminds us that God often uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things, like in the story of Gideon in Judges 6-8.

Frequently Asked Questions

What motivated David to make the promise of chief commander to whoever struck down a Jebusite first?

David's promise was likely motivated by his desire to encourage bravery and reward those who were willing to take risks to capture the city, as seen in 1 Chronicles 11:6 and similar situations in Joshua 6:16 where God instructed the Israelites to shout and the walls of Jericho came down.

Who was Joab son of Zeruiah and why was he significant in this context?

Joab was David's nephew and a skilled warrior, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:16, who became the chief commander after striking down the Jebusites, demonstrating his bravery and loyalty to David.

What can we learn from David's leadership style in this verse?

David's leadership style, as seen in 1 Chronicles 11:6, shows that he valued courage and initiative, and was willing to reward those who demonstrated these qualities, similar to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25:14-30 where the master rewards the servants who used their talents wisely.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of David's reign?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of David's conquest of Jerusalem, as told in 1 Chronicles 11:4-9, and sets the stage for his establishment of the city as his capital, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:6-12 and 1 Chronicles 11:7-8.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to demonstrate courage and take initiative, like Joab did in this verse?
How can I, like David, create opportunities for others to showcase their skills and talents, and reward them when they do?
What can I learn from David's willingness to give Joab a position of leadership, and how can I apply that to my own relationships and responsibilities?
In what ways can I, like the Israelites, trust in God's power and promises to overcome challenges, as seen in verses like Exodus 14:13-14 and Joshua 1:9?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 11:6

[See comments on 1 Chronicles 11:1]

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 11:6

And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief. David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites , [ Yªbuwciy (H2983), a Jebusite (cf.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:6

Before this he was one of David’ s chief captains, ,23, and general of the forces of Judah; but now he is made captain-general of all the forces of Israel and Judah.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:6

1 Chronicles 11:5 And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which [is] the city of David. 1 Chronicles 11:6 And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief. Ver. 5,6. See 2 Samuel 5:6-8.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:6

(6) Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first.—The account diverges more and more from the parallel passage. 2 Samuel 5:8, reads, “And David said in that day, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusite, let him hurl down the waterfall (Psalms 42:7), both the lame and the blind, the hated of David’s soul! Therefore they say, Blind and lame must not enter the house” (i.e., the Temple). Such is the simplest rendering of an obscure, but evidently original record. The chronicler appears to have followed another and clearer account, which made Joab play at the storm of Jebus the part of Othniel at that of Kirjath-sepher (Judges 1:12-13). Chief and captain.—Literally, shall become a head and a captain.Joab the son of Zeruiah is not mentioned at all in the parallel passage. Joab already appears as David’s general, while Ishbosheth is yet reigning at Mahanaim (2 Samuel 2:13; 2 Samuel 3:23). Perhaps the phrase here used means head and governor of Jerusalem. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 11:8.) Went up.—Scaled the rampart, “and became a head.”

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 11:6

6. Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain] The Chronicler has simplified the very difficult phrase which occurs in the parallel passage (2 Samuel 5:8). Joab the son of Zeruiah] Zeruiah was David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2:16). It is not said in Samuel that Joab first became commander-in-chief on this occasion; on the contrary he appears in command (2 Samuel 2:13) during the civil war against the house of Saul. Perhaps he was first formally acknowledged as commander at the capture of Jebus.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 11:6

The narrative here given fills out a manifest defect in 2 Samuel 5:8 where something has evidently dropped out of the text.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 11:6

	Sermon	Description
	The Defeated Father by Emanuel Esh	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of defeat in our homes and provides guidance on how to overcome it. He shares his own experience of raising four daughters and how t
	Kirjath-Sepher, or the Mind of Christ by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson explores the significance of Kirjath-Sepher, representing the conquest of the mind and the importance of surrendering our thoughts to Christ. He emphasizes that true v
	(2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War by David Guzik	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the need for Christians to have a mature understanding of the spiritual battle they face. He uses the example of a young man in military tra
	Jesus, Wash My Feet by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on John chapter 13, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the true source of power. He emphasizes that power is not found in worldly wealth,
	Human Remedies. by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar emphasizes the futility of human remedies in addressing spiritual afflictions, using Saul's disobedience and subsequent torment as a cautionary tale. He illustrates