1 Chronicles 21:6
1 Chronicles 21:6 in Multiple Translations
But Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the count, because the king’s command was detestable to him.
But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king’s word was abominable to Joab.
But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them; for the king’s word was abominable to Joab.
But Levi and Benjamin were not numbered among them, for Joab was disgusted with the king's order.
However, Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the census total, because he disagreed with what the king had ordered.
But the Leuites and Beniamin counted he not among them: for the Kings worde was abominable to Ioab.
And Levi and Benjamin he hath not numbered in their midst, for the word of the king was abominable with Joab.
But he didn’t count Levi and Benjamin among them, for the king’s word was abominable to Joab.
But Levi and Benjamin he counted not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab.
But Levi and Benjamin he did not number: for Joab unwillingly executed the king’s orders.
Joab did not count the men from the tribes of Levi and Benjamin, because he was disgusted with what the king had commanded.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 21:6
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 21:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֵוִי֙
וּ/בִנְיָמִ֔ן
לֹ֥א
פָקַ֖ד
בְּ/תוֹכָ֑/ם
כִּֽי
נִתְעַ֥ב
דְּבַר
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
אֶת
יוֹאָֽב
וְ/לֵוִי֙
Lêvîy
H3878
Levi
Conj | N-proper
וּ/בִנְיָמִ֔ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
Conj | N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
פָקַ֖ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/תוֹכָ֑/ם
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נִתְעַ֥ב
taʻâb
H8581
to abhor
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
יוֹאָֽב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 21:6
וְ/לֵוִי֙
Lêvîy
H3878
"Levi"
Conj | N-proper
Levi was a son of Jacob and Leah, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. He was a brother of Reuben, Simeon, and Judah, and the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi's name is significant in the tribe of Levi.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) § Levi = "joined to" the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: Levi. See also H3879 (לֵוִי), H3881 (לֵוִיִּי). See also: Genesis 29:34; Deuteronomy 27:12; Psalms 135:20.
וּ/בִנְיָמִ֔ן
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
Conj | N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
פָקַ֖ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
בְּ/תוֹכָ֑/ם
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
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.
נִתְעַ֥ב
taʻâb
H8581
"to abhor"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To abhor or detest something is what this Hebrew word means, and it is often used in a moral or ritual sense. It can also mean to cause something to be detested.
Definition: 1) to abhor, be abominable, do abominably 1a) (Niphal) to be abhorred, be detested 1a1) in the ritual sense 1a2) in the ethical sense 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to loathe, abhor, regard as an abomination 1b1a) in the ritual sense 1b1b) in the ethical sense 1b2) to cause to be an abomination 1c) (Hiphil) to make abominable, do abominably 1c1) in the ritual sense 1c2) in the ethical sense Also means: ta.av (תָּאַב "to loathe" H8374)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (make to be) abhor(-red), (be, commit more, do) abominable(-y), [idiom] utterly. See also: Deuteronomy 7:26; Psalms 53:2; Psalms 5:7.
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יוֹאָֽב
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.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 21:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 21:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 21:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 21:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:6
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 21:6
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 21:6
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:6
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 21:6
Context — David’s Military Census
4Nevertheless, the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and traveled throughout Israel, and then he returned to Jerusalem.
5And Joab reported to David the total number of the troops. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah.
6But Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the count, because the king’s command was detestable to him.
7This command was also evil in the sight of God; so He struck Israel. 8Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly because I have done this thing. Now I beg You to take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 27:24 | Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. For because of this census wrath came upon Israel, and the number was not entered in the Book of the Chronicles of King David. |
| 2 | Numbers 1:47–49 | The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers. For the LORD had said to Moses: “Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 20:9–10 | “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 11:15–21 | In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.” So as Joab besieged the city, he assigned Uriah to a place where he saw the strongest enemy soldiers. And when the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of David’s servants fell, and Uriah the Hittite also died. Joab sent to David a full account of the battle and instructed the messenger, “When you have finished giving the king all the details of the battle, if the king’s anger flares, he may ask you, ‘Why did you get so close to the city to fight? Did you not realize they would shoot from atop the wall? Who was the one to strike Abimelech son of Jerubbesheth ? Was it not a woman who dropped an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you get so close to the wall?’ If so, then you are to say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead as well.’” |
| 5 | 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. |
1 Chronicles 21:6 Summary
[This verse, 1 Chronicles 21:6, tells us that Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the count because the king's command was detestable to him, which means he strongly disagreed with it. This shows that Joab was willing to stand up for what he believed in, even if it meant going against the king. As Christians, we can learn from Joab's example to trust in God's guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and to stand up for what is right, even if it is difficult. By doing so, we can avoid going against God's will, like King David did in this chapter, and instead follow God's command to trust in Him with all our heart.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joab not include Levi and Benjamin in the count?
Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the count because the king's command was detestable to him, indicating that Joab disagreed with King David's decision to conduct a census, as seen in 1 Chronicles 21:6, and this action was also considered evil in the sight of God, according to 1 Chronicles 21:7.
What was detestable about the king's command?
The king's command was detestable because it went against God's will, as seen in the consequences that followed in 1 Chronicles 21:7, and it is likely that Joab understood the spiritual implications of such a command, similar to the warnings given in Exodus 30:12 and Numbers 1:49.
How did Joab's actions reflect his character?
Joab's actions in not including Levi and Benjamin in the count reflect his character as someone who was willing to stand up for what he believed in, even if it meant disobeying a direct command from the king, demonstrating a level of moral courage, as seen in other biblical leaders like Daniel in Daniel 1:8.
What can we learn from Joab's decision?
We can learn from Joab's decision that it is essential to stand up for what is right, even if it is difficult or unpopular, and to trust in God's guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to stand up for what is right, even if it is difficult or unpopular?
- How can I develop the moral courage to disobey commands or pressures that go against God's will, like Joab did in this verse?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's guidance, like Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages, in my daily life and decision-making?
- How can I balance obedience to authority with obedience to God, as seen in Joab's actions in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 21:6
See Gill "1 Chronicles 21:1".
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 21:6
But Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them: for the king's word was abominable to Joab. Levi and Benjamin counted he not.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:6
Levi and Benjamin counted he not among them; partly for the following reason, and principally by God’ s special and gracious providence to these two tribes; to Levi, because they were devoted to his service; and to Benjamin, because they were the least of all the tribes, having been almost extinct, Jude 21, and because God foresaw that they would be faithful to the house of David in the division of the tribes, and therefore he would not have them diminished. And Joab presumed to leave these two tribes unnumbered, because he had specious pretences for it; for Levi, because they were no warriors, and the king’ s command reached only to those that drew sword, as appears from ; and for Benjamin, because they, being so small a tribe, and bordering upon Jerusalem their chief city, might easily be numbered afterward.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:6
(6) But Levi . . .—This verse is wanting in Samuel, but it probably existed in the original source. There is nothing in the style to suggest a later hand; while the word “counted” (pâqad), which has not been used before in this chapter, occurs twice in the parallel passage (2 Samuel 24:2; 2 Samuel 24:4). It is noticeable also that the chronicler writes “the king” (not “David”) here, as in Samuel. As regards the fact stated, we may observe that the sacerdotal tribe of Levi would naturally be exempted from a census taken for military or political purposes. (Comp. Numbers 1:47; Numbers 1:49.) And 1 Chronicles 27:24 expressly asserts that the census was not completed; a result with which Joab’s disapprobation of the scheme may have had much to do. The order in which the tribes were numbered (2 Samuel 24:4-8; see 1 Chronicles 21:4) makes it likely that Judah and Benjamin were to have been taken last, and that, after numbering Judah, Joab repaired to the capital, where he was ordered by the king to desist from the undertaking. Josephus (Antiq. vii. 13, 1) speaks as if Joab had not had time to include Benjamin in the census. He may have feared to give offence to the tribe of Saul.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:6
Verse 6. Levi and Benjamin counted he not] The rabbins give the following reason for this: Joab, seeing that this would bring down destruction upon the people, purposed to save two tribes. Should David ask, Why have you not numbered the Levites? Joab purposed to say, Because the Levites are not reckoned among the children of Israel. Should he ask, Why have you not numbered Benjamin? he would answer, Benjamin has been already sufficiently punished, on account of the treatment of the woman at Gibeah: if, therefore, this tribe were to be again punished, who would remain?
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 21:6
6. Levi] In Numbers 1:49 it is ordained that Levi is not to be numbered among the children of Israel, i.e. treated as liable to military service. The Levites were, however, numbered separately; Numbers 3:15; Numbers 26:57. in 2 Sam. there is nothing to correspond with this verse.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 21:6
To omit the Levites would be to follow the precedent recorded in Numbers 1:47-49.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 21:6
6. Levi and Benjamin counted he not — The Levites were not numbered by Moses in obedience to the command which was given at Sinai, “Thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 21:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Kind Inquiry by James Smith | James Smith preaches on the deceitful nature of kind words from cruel hearts, using the treacherous act of Joab towards Amasa as an example. He emphasizes the importance of spiritu |
|
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 |