2 Samuel 23:19
2 Samuel 23:19 in Multiple Translations
Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.
Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.
Was he not most honorable of the three? therefore he was made their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.
Was he not the noblest of the thirty? so he was made their captain: but he was not equal to the first three.
He was the most highly regarded of the Three and was their commander, though he was not one of the first Three.
For he was most excellent of the three, and was their captaine, but he attained not vnto the first three.
Of the three is he not the honoured? and he becometh their head; and unto the [first] three he hath not come.
Wasn’t he most honorable of the three? Therefore he was made their captain. However he wasn’t included as one of the three.
Was he not most honorable of three? therefore he was their captain: yet he attained not to the first three.
And the noblest of three, and was their chief, but to the three first he attained not.
He was the most famous of the thirty greatest warriors, and he became their leader/commander, but he was not one of the three greatest warriors.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 23:19
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 23:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִן
הַ/שְּׁלֹשָׁה֙
הֲ/כִ֣י
נִכְבָּ֔ד
וַ/יְהִ֥י
לָ/הֶ֖ם
לְ/שָׂ֑ר
וְ/עַד
הַ/שְּׁלֹשָׁ֖ה
לֹא
בָֽא
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/שְּׁלֹשָׁה֙
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Art | Adj
הֲ/כִ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Part | Conj
נִכְבָּ֔ד
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Niphal
וַ/יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
לְ/שָׂ֑ר
sar
H8269
ruler
Prep | N-ms
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
הַ/שְּׁלֹשָׁ֖ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Art | Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בָֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 23:19
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/שְּׁלֹשָׁה֙
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
הֲ/כִ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Part | 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.
נִכְבָּ֔ד
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Niphal
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
וַ/יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/שָׂ֑ר
sar
H8269
"ruler"
Prep | N-ms
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.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/שְּׁלֹשָׁ֖ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
לֹא
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.
בָֽא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 23:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 23:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:19
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:19
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:19
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:19
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:19
Context — David’s Mighty Men
17saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.
18Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.
19Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.
20And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. 21He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 13:8 | Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold. |
| 2 | Matthew 13:23 | But the seed sown on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and produces a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold.” |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 15:41 | The sun has one degree of splendor, the moon another, and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 23:9 | Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 11:25 | He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 23:16 | So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 23:13 | At harvest time, three of the thirty chief men went down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. |
2 Samuel 23:19 Summary
This verse is talking about a man named Abishai, who was a great warrior and became the leader of a group of brave fighters known as the Three. Even though he wasn't originally part of the group, he became their commander because of his bravery and leadership skills, similar to how David became king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). This shows us that God can use anyone to do great things, no matter what their background or circumstances are, as seen in Romans 11:29. It also reminds us that true leadership is about serving others and trusting in God, rather than seeking power or recognition, as Jesus taught in Matthew 20:26-28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is being referred to in 2 Samuel 23:19 as being more honored than the Three?
The verse is referring to Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, who was a great warrior and became the commander of the Three, as seen in 2 Samuel 23:18. This is significant because it shows Abishai's bravery and leadership abilities, similar to those described in Exodus 18:21, where leaders are chosen for their wisdom and integrity.
What does it mean that Abishai became their commander even though he was not included among the Three?
This means that Abishai was given a position of leadership over the Three, even though he was not initially part of their group, similar to how David was chosen to be king over Israel in 1 Samuel 16:13, despite not being the obvious choice. This shows that God can elevate anyone to a position of leadership, regardless of their background or circumstances, as seen in Romans 11:29.
How does Abishai's story relate to the broader theme of 2 Samuel?
Abishai's story is part of the larger narrative of David's reign and the exploits of his mighty men, as seen in 2 Samuel 23:8-39. It highlights the bravery and loyalty of those who fought alongside David, and demonstrates God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him, as expressed in Psalm 20:7-8.
What can we learn from Abishai's example about leadership and humility?
Abishai's example teaches us that true leadership is not about seeking power or recognition, but about serving others and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28. It also shows that humility and a willingness to serve are essential qualities for leaders, as demonstrated by Jesus in John 13:1-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate bravery and leadership in my own life, like Abishai did?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with challenging circumstances, like David and his mighty men did?
- What are some areas where I need to humble myself and trust in God's leadership, rather than trying to take control myself?
- How can I cultivate a heart of loyalty and dedication to God and to those around me, like the mighty men had for David?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:19
Was he not most honourable of three?.... He was; who, besides the exploit here mentioned, did many other things; he went down with David into Saul's camp, and took away his spear and cruse, which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:19
Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three. The fist three.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:19
He fell short of them in strength and valour.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:19
2 Samuel 23:19 Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the [first] three.Ver. 19. He attained not to the first three,] viz., In degree and dignity. Men may have their praise, though they be not among the first, Honestum est ei qui in primis non potest, in secundis tertiisve consistere, saith the orator. Every man cannot excel, who yet may be useful. Cicero.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:19
8–39. David’s Heroes and their exploits = 1 Chronicles 11:11-41 This section is placed in Chronicles after the account of David’s election as King of Israel and his capture of Zion, and is prefaced by the heading: “These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who shewed themselves strong with him in his kingdom with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel.” The list therefore belongs, at any rate in substance, to the earlier part of David’s reign.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:19
i. e., “Was he not the most honorable of the three of the second order, howbeit, he attained not to the three,” the triad, namely, which consisted of Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Gospel Message by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as the gospel. He quotes from 1 Corinthians 15 and explains that the gospel |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 125 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher introduces Charlie, a young revivalist from Georgia, who has a powerful testimony of being saved from a life of drugs. The preacher encourages the audi |
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Why Some Are More Spiritual Than Others by John Hames | John Hames preaches on the parable of the sower, emphasizing the importance of having a willing and responsive heart like good soil that produces varying amounts of fruit. He delve |
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What Is Your Soil Condition? by Duane Troyer | Duane Troyer preaches about the importance of having a heart that is receptive to the Word of God, using the parable of the sower to illustrate the different conditions of the hear |
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6. the Priority of the Word by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Word of God in preaching, advocating for a systematic approach to teaching the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. He |
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Reproduction Is Fruitfulness by G.W. North | G.W. North emphasizes the biblical principle of fruitfulness, illustrating how Jesus, as the Vine, desires His followers to bear fruit in abundance. He draws parallels between the |
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Epistle 314 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith, equipped with the spiritual armor provided by Christ. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitmen |