1 Chronicles 12:29
1 Chronicles 12:29 in Multiple Translations
From Benjamin, the kinsmen of Saul: 3,000, most of whom had remained loyal to the house of Saul up to that time.
And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.
And of the children of Benjamin, the brethren of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept their allegiance to the house of Saul.
And of the children of Benjamin, the brothers of Saul, three thousand; for up to that time the greater part of them had been true to Saul.
From the tribe of Benjamin, from among Saul's relatives, 3,000, most of whom had remained loyal to Saul up until this time.
And of the children of Beniamin the brethren of Saul three thousande: for a great part of them vnto that time kept the warde of the house of Saul.
And of the sons of Benjamin, brethren of Saul, [are] three thousand, and hitherto their greater part are keeping the charge of the house of Saul.
Of the children of Benjamin, Saul’s relatives: three thousand, for until then, the greatest part of them had kept their allegiance to Saul’s house.
And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.
And of the sons of Benjamin the brethren of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto a great part of them followed the house of Saul.
There were 3,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin who were Saul’s relatives. Most of them had previously wanted one of Saul’s descendants to be the king.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 12:29
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 12:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/צָד֥וֹק
נַ֖עַר
גִּבּ֣וֹר
חָ֑יִל
וּ/בֵית
אָבִ֥י/ו
שָׂרִ֖ים
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
וּ/שְׁנָֽיִם
וְ/צָד֥וֹק
Tsâdôwq
H6659
Zadok
Conj | N-proper
נַ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
גִּבּ֣וֹר
gibbôwr
H1368
mighty man
Adj
חָ֑יִל
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms
וּ/בֵית
bayith
H1004
place
Conj | N-ms
אָבִ֥י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
שָׂרִ֖ים
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
וּ/שְׁנָֽיִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 12:29
וְ/צָד֥וֹק
Tsâdôwq
H6659
"Zadok"
Conj | N-proper
Zadok was a high priest in Israel who supported King David and anointed Solomon as king. His name means righteous and he is mentioned in 1 Kings and Nehemiah. Zadok was a key figure in Israel's history.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.13.13 § Zadok = "righteous" 1) the high priest, son of Ahitub of the house of Eleazar the son of Aaron, and 11th in descent from Aaron; joined David after Saul's death and supported him against Absalom and Adonijah; anointed Solomon as king 2) a priest, son of Meraioth, father of Meshullam of the house of Ahitub; apparently a nephew of 1 3) father of Jerusha, the wife of king Uzziah and mother of king Jotham of Judah 4) son of Baana and repairer of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 5) son of Immer and repairer of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 6) a leader of the people in the time of Nehemiah 7) a scribe appointed by Nehemiah as one of the treasurers over the storehouse 8) a valiant warrior of the tribe of Benjamin who joined David at Hebron. Same as 1?
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: Zadok. See also: 2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Chronicles 5:34; Ezekiel 48:11.
נַ֖עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
גִּבּ֣וֹר
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.
חָ֑יִל
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.
וּ/בֵית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבִ֥י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
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.
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
וּ/שְׁנָֽיִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 12:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 12:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 12:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 12:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:29
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:29
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 12:29
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 12:29
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:29
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 12:29
Context — David’s Army Grows at Hebron
27including Jehoiada, leader of the house of Aaron, with 3,700 men,
28and Zadok, a mighty young man of valor, with 22 commanders from his own family.
29From Benjamin, the kinsmen of Saul: 3,000, most of whom had remained loyal to the house of Saul up to that time.
30From Ephraim: 20,800 mighty men of valor, famous among their own clans. 31From the half-tribe of Manasseh: 18,000 designated by name to come and make David king.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 2:8–9 | Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 12:2 | they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin): |
| 3 | Genesis 31:23 | So he took his relatives with him, pursued Jacob for seven days, and overtook him in the hill country of Gilead. |
1 Chronicles 12:29 Summary
[This verse tells us that 3,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin joined David, even though they had previously been loyal to King Saul. This shows that David was gaining support and recognition as a leader, and it highlights the importance of loyalty and allegiance, as seen in (Proverbs 19:21) and (Hebrews 13:17). The fact that these men were willing to switch their loyalty from Saul to David suggests that they saw something special in David, and it reminds us that our ultimate loyalty should be to God, as stated in (Deuteronomy 6:5).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did 3,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin remain loyal to the house of Saul?
The men from Benjamin remained loyal to the house of Saul because of their family ties and possibly a sense of obligation, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:29, but ultimately, their loyalty was misplaced, as the Bible teaches that our ultimate loyalty should be to God, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37.
What does this verse reveal about the character of David?
This verse does not directly reveal David's character, but the fact that 3,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin, who had previously been loyal to Saul, were willing to join him, suggests that David had gained a reputation as a strong and worthy leader, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:13-16 and 2 Samuel 2:4.
How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles?
This verse is part of a larger list of men who joined David at Hebron, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 12:23-40, and it highlights the growing support for David as the king of Israel, which is a major theme in 1 Chronicles, as seen in 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 and 1 Chronicles 14:2.
What can we learn from the fact that most of the men from Benjamin had remained loyal to the house of Saul up to that time?
This fact teaches us that loyalty to a person or a family can be strong, but it should not supersede our loyalty to God, as seen in Luke 14:26, and it also highlights the importance of seeking God's will and guidance, as David did, in 1 Samuel 23:2 and 2 Samuel 2:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be misplaced in my loyalty, and how can I realign my priorities to be more focused on God?
- How can I, like David, demonstrate strong leadership and gain the respect of others, while still remaining humble and dependent on God?
- What are some ways that I can, like the men from Benjamin, let go of past loyalties and allegiances that may be hindering my relationship with God, and instead, choose to follow Him wholeheartedly, as seen in Romans 6:4 and 2 Corinthians 5:17?
- In what ways can I, like the author of 1 Chronicles, prioritize the recording and remembering of God's faithfulness and the stories of His people, as seen in Psalm 78:4 and 1 Chronicles 16:8-36?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 12:29
[See comments on 1 Chronicles 12:23].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 12:29
And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul. Benjamin ... three thousand.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:29
i.e. Endeavoured to keep the crown in their own tribe, and in Saul’ s family.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:29
1 Chronicles 12:29 And of the children of Benjamin, the kindred of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept the ward of the house of Saul.Ver. 29. Had kept the ward of the house of Saul.] Had done their utmost for Saul’ s family, and to keep the royal dignity in their tribe, obeying before the commands of king Ishbosheth.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:29
(29) Kindred.—Fellow-tribesmen. Hitherto.—Up to that time. (Comp., same phrase, 1 Chronicles 9:18.) Had kept.—Were still keeping guard over the house of Saul. For the phrase comp. Numbers 3:38. The Benjamites, as a whole, were still jealously guarding the interests of their own royal house. This remark, as well as the preceding expression, “Saul’s fellow-tribesmen,” is intended to explain the comparative smallness of the contingent from Benjamin. The tribe’s reluctance to recognise David survived the murder of Ish-bosheth.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 12:29
29. hitherto] i.e. up to the time referred to in 2 Samuel 5:1. kept the ward of the house of Saul] R.V. kept their allegiance to the house of Saul.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 12:29
For hitherto ... - Rather, “For still the greatest part of them maintained their allegiance to the house of Saul.” This is given as the reason for so few coming to Hebron.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:29
29. Benjamin… three thousand — A very great number could hardly be expected on this occasion from the tribe of Saul.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 12:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 31:20-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob fleeing from Laban. Jacob had secretly left Laban's house without informing him and traveled a great distance to Mount Gi |