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1 Chronicles 12:22

1 Chronicles 12:22 in Multiple Translations

For at that time men came to David day after day to help him, until he had a great army, like the army of God.

For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.

For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great host, like the host of God.

And from day to day more supporters came to David, till he had a great army like the army of God.

Men arrived daily to help David until he had a large army, like the army of God.

For at that time day by day there came to Dauid to helpe him, vntill it was a great hoste, like the hoste of God.

for at that time, day by day, they come in unto David to help him, till it is a great camp, like a camp of God.

For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like God’s army.

For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.

Moreover day by day there came some to David to help him till they became a great number, like the army of God.

Every day more men joined David’s men, and his army became large, like [SIM] the army of God (OR, a very huge army).

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 12:22

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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 12:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/הֵ֗מָּה עָזְר֤וּ עִם דָּוִיד֙ עַֽל הַ/גְּד֔וּד כִּֽי גִבּ֥וֹרֵי חַ֖יִל כֻּלָּ֑/ם וַ/יִּהְי֥וּ שָׂרִ֖ים בַּ/צָּבָֽא
וְ/הֵ֗מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Conj | Pron
עָזְר֤וּ ʻâzar H5826 to help V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עִם ʻim H5973 with Prep
דָּוִיד֙ Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
עַֽל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הַ/גְּד֔וּד gᵉdûwd H1416 band Art | N-ms
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
גִבּ֥וֹרֵי gibbôwr H1368 mighty man Adj
חַ֖יִל chayil H2428 Helech N-ms
כֻּלָּ֑/ם kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּהְי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שָׂרִ֖ים sar H8269 ruler N-mp
בַּ/צָּבָֽא tsâbâʼ H6635 army Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 12:22

וְ/הֵ֗מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
עָזְר֤וּ ʻâzar H5826 "to help" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
עִם ʻim H5973 "with" Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
דָּוִיד֙ 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.
עַֽל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/גְּד֔וּד gᵉdûwd H1416 "band" Art | N-ms
This word means a group of people, often a band of soldiers or a crowd. In the Bible, it is used to describe the armies of Israel and other nations, like the troop that followed King David. It can also refer to a group of robbers.
Definition: 1) a band, troop, marauding band 1a) marauding band, raiding band 1b) troop, band (of divisions of army) 1c) foray, raid
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: army, band (of men), company, troop (of robbers). See also: Genesis 49:19; 1 Chronicles 12:19; Psalms 18:30.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גִבּ֥וֹרֵי gibbôwr H1368 "mighty man" Adj
This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.
Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.
חַ֖יִל chayil H2428 "Helech" N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
כֻּלָּ֑/ם kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff
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.
וַ/יִּהְי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
שָׂרִ֖ים sar H8269 "ruler" N-mp
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.
בַּ/צָּבָֽא tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 12:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 3:1 Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
2 Job 17:9 Yet a righteous one holds to his way, and the one with clean hands grows stronger.
3 Genesis 32:2 When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim.
4 Joshua 5:14 “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?”
5 Psalms 148:2 Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His heavenly hosts.
6 2 Samuel 2:2–4 So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron. Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.”

1 Chronicles 12:22 Summary

[This verse tells us that David's army grew very quickly, with many men coming to join him every day, until he had a huge and powerful army, like the army of angels that serves God, as seen in Psalm 34:7 and Matthew 26:53. This shows us that when we follow God's plan and serve Him with our whole heart, He can bring people and resources into our lives to help us accomplish great things, just like He did for David in 1 Chronicles 12:22 and for the early church in Acts 2:47. It's also a reminder that our strength and power come from God, not just from our own abilities or efforts, as seen in Psalm 28:7 and 1 Corinthians 15:57.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that David's army was like the army of God?

This phrase suggests that David's army was vast and powerful, much like the heavenly host that fights on behalf of God, as seen in 2 Kings 6:17 and Psalm 103:20-21.

How did David's army grow so quickly?

According to 1 Chronicles 12:22, men came to David day after day to help him, indicating a steady stream of recruits who were drawn to his leadership and vision, much like the way Jesus gathered disciples in Luke 5:1-11.

Is this verse suggesting that David's army was invincible?

While the comparison to the army of God implies great strength, it does not guarantee invincibility, as seen in the subsequent battles and challenges faced by David in 1 Chronicles 14:8-17 and 1 Chronicles 19:1-19.

What can we learn from David's experience about building a team or community?

This verse highlights the importance of leadership, vision, and relationships in attracting and retaining people who share a common goal, as seen in Nehemiah 4:6 and Proverbs 24:3-4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can be like the men who came to help David, supporting and serving a leader or community?
  2. How can I trust God to provide me with the resources and support I need, just as He did for David?
  3. In what ways can I be part of a 'great army' that serves God and advances His kingdom, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20?
  4. What are some lessons from David's experience that I can apply to my own life and relationships, such as the importance of humility and dependence on God?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 12:22

For at that time, day by day, there came to David to help him,.... Particularly after the defeat of Saul by the Philistines, unto the time that David came to Hebron: until it was a great host, like

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 12:22

For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God. The host of God - i:e., great and powerful army.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:22

At that time, i.e. while he was at Ziklag, and in his march to Hebron, and principally at Hebron, as the next verse explains it. Like the host of God, i.e. innumerable, like the stars or angels, both which are called God’ s hosts. Otherwise, the host of God, i.e. a very great host, great things being so called, as cedars, mountains, &c. of God. But the particle of likeness here added excludes this sense, for it had been very improper to say, a great host like a great host, i.e. like itself.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:22

1 Chronicles 12:22 For at [that] time day by day there came to David to help him, until [it was] a great host, like the host of God.Ver. 22. Like the host of God,] i.e., A numerous and a notable host, such as God’ s is, of angels and all creatures. Dei nimirum Maximi, maxima sunt omnia.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:22

(22) For at that time day by day . . .—Literally, For at the time of each day (i.e., every day) men used to come to David to help him; amounting to a mighty camp, like a camp of God. The verse explains why David required so many captains as have been enumerated, and why the term “army” was used of his troop in the last verse. A great host, like the host of God.—Literally, camp. The phrase has an antique colouring Comp. Genesis 32:1-2 : “And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God’s camp (mahançh ‘Elôhîm): and the name of that place was called Mahanaim (i.e., two camps). Mahanaim was a place iýý Manasseh (Joshua 13:30). Ancient Hebrew denotes excellence by reference to the Divine standard, which is the true ideal of all excellence. Comp. Psalms 36:6 : “Thy righteousness is like the hills of God”; and so elsewhere we find the expression, “cedars of God” (Psalms 80:11). The verse appears to include the considerable accessions to David’s forces which followed upon the defeat and death of Saul.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:22

Verse 22. Like the host of God.] "That is, a very numerous army; like the army of the angel of God." - T.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 12:22

22. For at that time day by day] R.V. For from day to day. the host of God] The phrase comes from Genesis 32:2; cp. Psalms 68:15 (R.V.) “a mountain of God.” The epithet “of God” is used to distinguish a thing as “very great.”

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:22

22. A great host, like the host of God — That is, strong, mighty, glorious. Compare “hill of God,” Psalms 68:15, “cedars of God,” Psalms 80:10, margin; “city of God,” Jonah 3:3, margin.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 12:22

SermonDescription
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo
F.B. Meyer David Wared Stronger and Stronger, by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit, illustrating that while the struggle is long and arduous, the Spirit must ultimately prevail. He encourag
Theodore Epp Now Then Do It by Theodore Epp Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of making Christ the king of our lives, drawing parallels between David's anointing and Christ's role as the anointed one. He highlights how
John Gill Of the Perseverance of the Saints. by John Gill John Gill emphasizes the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, asserting that those who are truly regenerated and called by God will ultimately persevere in grace and be save
John MacDuff The Faithful Promiser (31 Day Devotional) by John MacDuff John MacDuff preaches about the glorious promises of God, highlighting the delight of pleading individual promises at the mercy-seat and the importance of trusting in God's faithfu
Thomas Watson A Plea for the Godly by Thomas Watson Thomas Watson preaches about the characteristics of a righteous man, emphasizing the importance of humility, holiness, justice, love, and perseverance in one's faith. He highlights
F.B. Meyer Yet Shall the Righteous Hold on His Way. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the enduring nature of genuine faith, asserting that true religion is marked by its ability to persist through trials and challenges. He explains that while s

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