1 Chronicles 12:3
1 Chronicles 12:3 in Multiple Translations
Ahiezer their chief and Joash, who were the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite;
The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,
The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite,
Ahiezer was their chief, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Beracah and Jehu the Anathothite;
Ahiezer was their leader, then Joash; the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite;
The chiefe were Ahiezer, and Ioash the sonnes of Shemaah a Gibeathite, and Ieziel, and Pelet the sonnes of Asinaueth, Berachah and Iehu the Antothite,
The head [is] Ahiezer, and Joash, sons of Shemaab the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth, and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,
The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite;
The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,
The chief was Ahiezer, and Joas, the sons of Samaa of Gabaath, and Jaziel, and Phallet the sons of Azmoth, and Beracha, and Jehu an Anathothite.
Their leader was Ahiezer. Next in command was Joash. They were both sons of Shemaah from Gibeah city. These are the names of some of those warriors: Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu from Anathoth town;
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 12:3
BAB
Word Study
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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 12:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ/רֹ֨אשׁ
אֲחִיעֶ֜זֶר
וְ/יוֹאָ֗שׁ
בְּנֵי֙
הַ/שְּׁמָעָ֣ה
הַ/גִּבְעָתִ֔י
ו/יזואל
וִ/יזִיאֵ֥ל
וָ/פֶ֖לֶט
בְּנֵ֣י
עַזְמָ֑וֶת
וּ/בְרָכָ֕ה
וְ/יֵה֖וּא
הָ/עֲנְּתֹתִֽי
הָ/רֹ֨אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Art | N-ms
אֲחִיעֶ֜זֶר
ʼĂchîyʻezer
H295
Ahiezer
N-proper
וְ/יוֹאָ֗שׁ
Yôwʼâsh
H3101
Joash
Conj | N-proper
בְּנֵי֙
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
הַ/שְּׁמָעָ֣ה
Shᵉmâʻâh
H8094
Shemaah
Art | N-proper
הַ/גִּבְעָתִ֔י
Gibʻâthîy
H1395
Gibeathite
Art | Ngmsa
ו/יזואל
Yᵉzavʼêl
H3149
Jeziel
Conj | N-proper
וִ/יזִיאֵ֥ל
Yᵉzavʼêl
H3149
Jeziel
Conj | N-proper
וָ/פֶ֖לֶט
Peleṭ
H6404
Pelet
Conj | N-proper
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
עַזְמָ֑וֶת
ʻAzmâveth
H5820
Azmaveth
N-proper
וּ/בְרָכָ֕ה
Bᵉrâkâh
H1294
Beracah (Valley)
Conj | N-proper
וְ/יֵה֖וּא
Yêhûwʼ
H3058
Jehu
Conj | N-proper
הָ/עֲנְּתֹתִֽי
ʻAnthôthîy
H6069
Anathoth
Art | Ngmsa
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 12:3
הָ/רֹ֨אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Art | 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.
אֲחִיעֶ֜זֶר
ʼĂchîyʻezer
H295
"Ahiezer"
N-proper
Ahiezer means 'my brother is help' and refers to two Israelites, one a Danite chief who helped Moses and another who was one of David's heroes. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:3. Ahiezer was the son of Shemaah and brother of Joash.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3; son of: Shemaah (H8094); brother of: Joash (H3101L) § Ahiezer = "my brother is help" 1) a Danite chief who assisted Moses 2) a Danite chief, one of David's heroes
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ahiezer. See also: Numbers 1:12; Numbers 7:71; 1 Chronicles 12:3.
וְ/יוֹאָ֗שׁ
Yôwʼâsh
H3101
"Joash"
Conj | N-proper
Joash means given by the Lord, the name of several Israelites, including a king of Judah and a king of Israel, mentioned in 1 Chronicles and other books.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3; son of: Shemaah (H8094); brother of: Ahiezer (H0295H) § Joash = "given by the Lord" 1) son of king Ahaziah and the 8th king of Judah 2) son of king Jehoahaz and the 12th king of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) father of Gideon 4) a son of king Ahab 5) a descendant of Shelah the son of Judah; either the son of Shelah or the son of Jokim 6) son of Shemaah of Gibeah who resorted to David at Ziklag
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Joash. See also: Judges 6:11; 2 Kings 14:3; Amos 1:1.
בְּנֵי֙
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
הַ/שְּׁמָעָ֣ה
Shᵉmâʻâh
H8094
"Shemaah"
Art | N-proper
Shemaah was an Israelite who lived during the Divided Monarchy, a Benjamite and father of Ahiezer and Joash, two of David's mighty warriors. He is only mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:3.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3; father of: Ahiezer (H0295H), Joash (H3101L) § Shemaah = "the rumour" a Benjamite, the Gibeathite, father of Ahiezer and Joash, both mighty warriors of David who joined him at Ziklag
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Shemaah. See also: 1 Chronicles 12:3.
הַ/גִּבְעָתִ֔י
Gibʻâthîy
H1395
"Gibeathite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Gibeathite is someone from Gibeah, a city in the Bible. The name refers to the 'hilliness' of the area and is mentioned in the book of 2 Samuel. Gibeathites were part of the tribe of Benjamin.
Definition: Gibeathite = "hilliness" an inhabitant of Gibeah Another spelling of giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeah" H1390H)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Gibeathite. See also: 1 Chronicles 12:3.
ו/יזואל
Yᵉzavʼêl
H3149
"Jeziel"
Conj | N-proper
Jeziel, meaning the assembly of God, was a Benjamite and one of David's mighty warriors. He joined David at Ziklag and is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12. Jeziel was the son of Azmaveth.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3; son of: Azmaveth (H5820I); brother of: Pelet (H6404H) § Jeziel = "the assembly of God" a Benjamite and one of David's mighty warriors who joined him at Ziklag
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Jeziel (from the margin). See also: 1 Chronicles 12:3.
וִ/יזִיאֵ֥ל
Yᵉzavʼêl
H3149
"Jeziel"
Conj | N-proper
Jeziel, meaning the assembly of God, was a Benjamite and one of David's mighty warriors. He joined David at Ziklag and is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12. Jeziel was the son of Azmaveth.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3; son of: Azmaveth (H5820I); brother of: Pelet (H6404H) § Jeziel = "the assembly of God" a Benjamite and one of David's mighty warriors who joined him at Ziklag
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Jeziel (from the margin). See also: 1 Chronicles 12:3.
וָ/פֶ֖לֶט
Peleṭ
H6404
"Pelet"
Conj | N-proper
Pelet was the name of two Israelites, one of whom was a descendant of Caleb and the other a mighty warrior who joined David at Ziklag, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:3. The name Pelet means deliverance, and these men lived during the time of the divided monarchy.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3; son of: Azmaveth (H5820I); brother of: Jeziel (H3149) § Pelet = "deliverance" 1) son of Jahdai and a descendant of Caleb 2) son of Azmaveth and one of David's mighty warriors who joined him at Ziklag
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Pelet. See also H1046 (בֵּית פֶּלֶט). See also: 1 Chronicles 2:47; 1 Chronicles 12:3.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
עַזְמָ֑וֶת
ʻAzmâveth
H5820
"Azmaveth"
N-proper
Azmaveth means strong unto death and is the name of three Israelites and a place in Palestine, also known as Beth-azmaveth. It appears in the book of Numbers and is associated with the tribe of Benjamin. This name signifies strength and endurance.
Definition: Azmaveth = "strong unto death" a place in Benjamin; Another name of bet az.ma.vet (בֵּית־עַזְמָ֫וֶת "Beth-azmaveth" H1041)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Azmaveth. See also H1041 (בֵּית עַזְמָוֶת). See also: 2 Samuel 23:31; 1 Chronicles 12:3; Nehemiah 12:29.
וּ/בְרָכָ֕ה
Bᵉrâkâh
H1294
"Beracah (Valley)"
Conj | N-proper
Beracah is a valley in Palestine where King Jehoshaphat and his people thanked God for victory over the Moabites. It means 'blessing' and is also the name of an Israelite.
Definition: Berachah = "blessing" a valley in the wilderness near Tekoa where Jehoshaphat and his people assembled to bless Jehovah after the overthrow of the hosts of the Moabites Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010H)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Berachah. See also: 1 Chronicles 12:3; 2 Chronicles 20:26.
וְ/יֵה֖וּא
Yêhûwʼ
H3058
"Jehu"
Conj | N-proper
Jehu was the name of several Israelites, including a king who overthrew the dynasty of Omri and a prophet who lived during the time of Baasha and Jehoshaphat. His name means Jehovah is He.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.12.3 § Jehu = "Jehovah is He" 1) the king of the northern kingdom Israel who overthrew the dynasty of Omri 2) son of Hanani and an Israelite prophet in the time of Baasha and Jehoshaphat 3) the Antothite, a Benjamite, one of David's mighty warriors 4) a descendant of Judah of the house of Hezron 5) son of Josibiah and a chief of the tribe of Simeon
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: Jehu. See also: 1 Kings 16:1; 2 Kings 10:19; Hosea 1:4.
הָ/עֲנְּתֹתִֽי
ʻAnthôthîy
H6069
"Anathoth"
Art | Ngmsa
Anathothite refers to someone from Anathoth, a city near Jerusalem, meaning a descendant or inhabitant of the place. It is another spelling of Anathoth.
Definition: Anethothite, of Anathoth "affliction" a descendant or inhabitant of Anathoth Another spelling of a.na.tot (עֲנָתוֹת "Anathoth" H6068)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: of Anathoth, Anethothite, Anetothite, Antothite. See also: 2 Samuel 23:27; 1 Chronicles 12:3; Jeremiah 29:27.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 12:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag
1Now these were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish (they were among the mighty men who helped him in battle;
2they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):
3Ahiezer their chief and Joash, who were the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite;
4Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the Thirty and a leader over the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite; 5Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 11:28 | Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 21:6 | let seven of his male descendants be delivered to us so that we may hang them before the LORD at Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the LORD.” “I will give them to you,” said the king. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 11:33 | Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 11:4 | When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and relayed these words in the hearing of the people, they all wept aloud. |
1 Chronicles 12:3 Summary
This verse lists some of the brave and loyal men who came to support David at Ziklag, including Ahiezer, Joash, and Jehu. These men were from different families and locations, but they were united in their commitment to David and to God, much like the unity described in Galatians 3:28. Just as God was sovereignly bringing these men to David, He is also working in our lives to bring about His plans and purposes, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. As we read about these men, we can be encouraged to trust God more fully and to cultivate brave and loyal relationships in our own lives, just as David did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the men listed in 1 Chronicles 12:3 and what was their significance?
The men listed in 1 Chronicles 12:3, such as Ahiezer and Joash, were mighty men who came to David at Ziklag and helped him in battle, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:1-2, and their bravery and loyalty are reminiscent of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:32-34.
What can we learn from the fact that these men were from different families and locations?
The fact that these men came from different families and locations, such as Gibeon and Anathoth, shows that David's leadership and God's call on his life were able to unite people from various backgrounds, much like the unity described in Galatians 3:28 and the diverse group of disciples in Matthew 10:2-4.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of David's life and kingdom?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of David's rise to power and the establishment of his kingdom, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13 and 2 Samuel 5:1-12, and it highlights the importance of the brave and loyal men who supported him along the way, much like the role of the faithful believers in the church, as described in Ephesians 4:11-12.
What does this verse reveal about God's sovereign plan for David's life?
This verse shows that God was sovereignly bringing people to David, just as He had promised to make him the king of Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:1 and Psalm 2:6-7, and it demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to bring about His plans through the lives of faithful people, as described in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be a 'mighty man' in the context of 1 Chronicles 12:3, and how can I apply this concept to my own life as a follower of God?
- How can I, like the men listed in this verse, demonstrate bravery and loyalty in my own relationships and commitments?
- What are some ways that God is sovereignly working in my life, just as He was working in David's life, and how can I trust Him more fully?
- How can I, like David, cultivate a community of faithful and brave supporters around me, and what role can I play in supporting and encouraging others in their own walks with God?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 12:3
The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite,.... Who was of Gibeah, in the tribe of Benjamin, sometimes called Gibeah of Benjamin, and of Saul, it being his birthplace, see
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 12:3
The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite, No JFB commentary on this verse.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:3
(3) The chief was Ahiezer.—Captain of the band. Heb., head.Shemaah.—Heb., Hashshemaah.The Gibeathite.—Of “Gibeah of Saul,” between Ramah and Anathoth (Isaiah 10:29); also called “Gibeah of Benjamin” (1 Chronicles 11:31; Judges 20:4). Jeziel.—So Hebrew margin; Hebrew text, Jezûel. (Comp. Peniel and Penuel.) Azmaveth.—Perhaps the warrior of Bahurim (1 Chronicles 11:33). Jehu the Antothite—of Anathoth, now Anâta (1 Chronicles 11:28).
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 12:3
3. The chief was A., then J.] Read (cp. LXX.) A. the chief, J. the son (sing.) of Shemaah. Jehu the Antothite] R.V. the Anathothite, i.e. man of Anathoth. See 1 Chronicles 11:28, note.