2 Samuel 20:23
2 Samuel 20:23 in Multiple Translations
Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;
¶ Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:
Now Joab was over all the host of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites;
Now Joab was over all the army; and Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was at the head of the Cherethites and the Pelethites;
Joab commanded the whole army of Israel. Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was in charge of the Cherethites and Pelethites.
Then Ioab was ouer all the hoste of Israel, and Benaiah the sonne of Iehoiada ouer the Cherethites and ouer the Pelethies,
And Joab [is] over all the host of Israel, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada [is] over the Cherethite, and over the Pelethite,
Now Joab was over all the army of Israel, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites,
Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:
So Joab was over all the army of Israel: and Banaias the son of Joiada was over the Cerethites and Phelethites,
Joab was the commander of the entire Israeli army. Jehoiada’s son Benaiah was the commander of David’s bodyguards;
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 20:23
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.
2 Samuel 20:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יוֹאָ֕ב
אֶ֥ל
כָּל
הַ/צָּבָ֖א
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וּ/בְנָיָה֙
בֶּן
יְה֣וֹיָדָ֔ע
עַל
ה/כרי
הַ/כְּרֵתִ֖י
וְ/עַל
הַ/פְּלֵתִֽי
וְ/יוֹאָ֕ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
Conj | N-proper
אֶ֥ל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/צָּבָ֖א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
Art | N-cs
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וּ/בְנָיָה֙
Bᵉnâyâh
H1141
Benaiah
Conj | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
יְה֣וֹיָדָ֔ע
Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ
H3077
Jehoiada
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
ה/כרי
kârîy
H3746
Carite
Art | Ngmsa
הַ/כְּרֵתִ֖י
Kᵉrêthîy
H3774
Cherethite
Art | Ngmsa
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
הַ/פְּלֵתִֽי
Pᵉlêthîy
H6432
Pelethite
Art | Ngmsa
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 20:23
וְ/יוֹאָ֕ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
"Joab"
Conj | 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.
אֶ֥ל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
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.
הַ/צָּבָ֖א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
Art | 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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וּ/בְנָיָה֙
Bᵉnâyâh
H1141
"Benaiah"
Conj | N-proper
Benaiah was a strong warrior and leader in the Bible, serving under King David and Solomon. His name means Jehovah has built, indicating God's strength.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezk.11.1; father of: Pelatiah (H6410J) § Benaiah = "Jehovah has built" or "Yahweh has built up" 1) one of David's mighty warriors, son of Jehoiada the chief priest, a Levite, set by David over his bodyguard, later having remained faithful to Solomon during Adonijah's attempt on the crown, was raised into the place of Joab as commander-in-chief of the army 2) the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite, one of David's thirty mighty warriors, and the captain of the eleventh monthly course 3) a Simeonite, a prince of the families of Simeon 4) a Levite in the time of David who played with a psaltery on Alamoth 5) a priest in the time of David, appointed to blow the trumpet before the ark 6) a Levite of the sons of Asaph 7) a Levite in the time of Hezekiah 8) Four Israelites in the time of Ezra who had taken strange wives 9) the father of Pelatiah
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Benaiah. See also: 2 Samuel 8:18; 1 Chronicles 11:22; Ezekiel 11:13.
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.
יְה֣וֹיָדָ֔ע
Yᵉhôwyâdâʻ
H3077
"Jehoiada"
N-proper
Jehoiada means Jehovah knows, and was the name of three Israelites, including a high priest who helped King David and hid Joash from Athaliah. He is mentioned in Jeremiah 29:26.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.29.26 § Jehoiada = "Jehovah knows" 1) father of Benaiah, David's mighty warrior 2) leader of the priests who joined David at Hebron 3) high priest at the time of Athaliah's usurpation of the throne of Judah; hid Joash, the king's son, for six years and eventually replaced him on the throne of Judah 4) second priest, or sagan, to Seraiah the high priest
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Jehoiada. Compare H3111 (יוֹיָדָע). See also: 2 Samuel 8:18; 1 Chronicles 11:24; Jeremiah 29:26.
עַל
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.
ה/כרי
kârîy
H3746
"Carite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Carite was a special bodyguard for King David, made up of foreign soldiers. They are first mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:18 and also served as executioners. The term is sometimes translated as 'captains' or 'Cherethites'.
Definition: A group, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.18; also called Carite at 2Ki.11.4,19; Group of ke.re.ti (כְּרֵתִי "Cherethite" H3774H) a group of foreign mercenary soldiers serving as a bodyguard for king David; also executioners
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: captains, Cherethites (from the margin). See also: 2 Samuel 20:23; 2 Kings 11:4; 2 Kings 11:19.
הַ/כְּרֵתִ֖י
Kᵉrêthîy
H3774
"Cherethite"
Art | Ngmsa
The Cherethites were a group of foreign soldiers who served as bodyguards for King David. They are also known as executioners and may have originated from Crete or Philistia.
Definition: A group, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.18; also called Carite at 2Ki.11.4,19; Also named: ka.ri (כָּרִי "Carite" H3746) § Cherethites = "executioners" 1) a group of foreign mercenary soldiers serving as a bodyguard for king David; also executioners 2) either Cretans or proto-Philistines (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Cherethims, Cherethites. See also: 1 Samuel 30:14; 1 Kings 1:38; Zephaniah 2:5.
וְ/עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | 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/פְּלֵתִֽי
Pᵉlêthîy
H6432
"Pelethite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Pelethite was a messenger or courier in King David's time, possibly a descendant of Pelath or a Philistine mercenary. They are mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:18 as part of David's guard. The Pelethites played a key role in David's kingdom.
Definition: Someone descended from Pelath(?), first mentioned at 2Sa.8.18 § Pelethites = "couriers" 1) a collective name for the guardsmen of David 1a) probably descendants of an unknown person, perhaps Philistine mercenaries
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Pelethites. See also: 2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 20:23; 1 Chronicles 18:17.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 20:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 20:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:23
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:23
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:23
Context — Sheba’s Rebellion
21That is not the case. But a man named Sheba son of Bichri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Deliver him alone, and I will depart from the city.” “Look,” the woman replied, “his head will be thrown to you over the wall.”
22Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem.
23Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;
24Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 25Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 8:16–18 | Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 18:15–17 | Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was the scribe; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 4:3–6 | Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests; Azariah son of Nathan was in charge of the governors; Zabud son of Nathan was a priest and adviser to the king; Ahishar was in charge of the palace; and Adoniram son of Abda was in charge of the forced labor. |
2 Samuel 20:23 Summary
This verse describes the leadership structure of the army of Israel, with Joab as the overall commander and Benaiah leading the Cherethites and Pelethites. It shows how God ordains leaders and assigns them specific roles, as seen in Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-14. Just like Joab and Benaiah, we each have our own unique roles and responsibilities, and we can trust that God has placed us where we are for a purpose, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and Ephesians 4:11-13. By understanding and embracing our roles, we can work together to achieve great things for God's kingdom, as seen in Matthew 20:25-28 and John 13:12-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Joab and what was his role in the kingdom of Israel?
Joab was a prominent military leader in Israel, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:23, where he is described as being over the whole army of Israel, similar to his role in 1 Chronicles 11:6 and 1 Chronicles 18:15.
What were the Cherethites and Pelethites, and why were they significant?
The Cherethites and Pelethites were elite military units, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:18 and 1 Kings 1:38, and they played a crucial role in the kingdom's defense and security, with Benaiah son of Jehoiada as their leader, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:23.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter, especially the story of Sheba son of Bichri?
This verse serves as a conclusion to the story of Sheba son of Bichri, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:21-22, where Joab's army is involved in the conflict, and it highlights the military leadership structure in Israel, with Joab and Benaiah holding key positions, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:23.
What can we learn about leadership and organization from this verse?
This verse shows the importance of having a clear leadership structure, as seen in 2 Samuel 20:23, with Joab and Benaiah having distinct roles, and it highlights the value of division of labor and delegation of authority, as also seen in Exodus 18:13-27 and 1 Corinthians 12:28-30.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's design for human leadership and organization, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- How do the roles of Joab and Benaiah in this verse illustrate the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving a common goal, as also seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11?
- What can I learn from the way Joab and Benaiah are described in this verse, in terms of their character and qualifications for leadership, and how can I develop these qualities in my own life, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in times of conflict and uncertainty, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:23
Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel,.... Established in the post in which he formerly was; either having been never displaced, which though David thought to do, he was not able to effect it,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 20:23
Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites: Now Joab was over all the host.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:23
Joab was over all the host of Israel: the good success of this and of the former expedition, under the conduct of Joab, had so fixed his interest in the army, and others of David’ s fastest friends, that the king could not without danger to the public weal displace him.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:23
2 Samuel 20:23 Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:Ver. 23. Now Joab was over all the host.] He would be so; neither was it in David’ s power to put him by; so great a sway bare he in the army, who were all for General Joab. Neither, indeed, could David well spare him, so necessary was his service.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:23
Verse 23. Joab was over all the host] He had murdered Amasa, and seized on the supreme command: and such was his power at present, and the service which he had rendered to the state by quelling the rebellion of Sheba, that David was obliged to continue him; and dared not to call him to account for his murders without endangering the safety of the state by a civil war. Benaiah - over the Cherethites] Benaiah was over the archers and slingers. 2 Samuel 8:18.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:23
23–26. The officers of David’s court A similar list has already been given in ch. 2 Samuel 8:16-18. There the account of the general administration of the kingdom appropriately follows the summary record of the wars by which that kingdom was established; and the repetition of it here, after David’s restoration to the throne, is equally appropriate. Some differences between the lists are explained by their belonging to different periods.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:23
Now Joab ... - This is by no means an unmeaning repetition. Joab had been dismissed to make room for Amasa, and was now, as the result of his successful expedition against Sheba, and the death of Amasa, reinstated in his command.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:23
DAVID’S , 2 Samuel 20:23-26.This list differs from that given in 2 Samuel 8:16-18, only in the addition of the names of Adoram and Ira the Jairite, and belongs to a later period of David’s reign.