2 Samuel 23:23
2 Samuel 23:23 in Multiple Translations
He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard.
He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.
He was more honorable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.
He was honoured over the rest of the thirty, but he was not equal to the first three. And David put him over the fighting men who kept him safe.
He was the most highly regarded of the Thirty, though he was not one of the Three. David put him in charge of his personal bodyguard.
He was honourable among thirtie, but he atteined not to the first three: and Dauid made him of his counsell.
Of the thirty he is honoured, and unto the three he came not; and David setteth him over his guard.
He was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn’t attain to the three. David set him over his guard.
He was more honorable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.
And he was renowned among the three valiant men, who were the most honourable among the thirty: but he attained riot to the first three: and David made him of his privy council.
He was more honored than the other members of the group of thirty great warriors, but not as famous as the three greatest warriors. David appointed him to be the commander of his bodyguards.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 23:23
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 23:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִן
הַ/שְּׁלֹשִׁ֣ים
נִכְבָּ֔ד
וְ/אֶל
הַ/שְּׁלֹשָׁ֖ה
לֹא
בָ֑א
וַ/יְשִׂמֵ֥/הוּ
דָוִ֖ד
אֶל
מִשְׁמַעְתּֽ/וֹ
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/שְּׁלֹשִׁ֣ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Art | Adj
נִכְבָּ֔ד
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Niphal
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הַ/שְּׁלֹשָׁ֖ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Art | Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בָ֑א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יְשִׂמֵ֥/הוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִשְׁמַעְתּֽ/וֹ
mishmaʻath
H4928
guard
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 23:23
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/שְּׁלֹשִׁ֣ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Art | Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
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.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | 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.
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.
בָ֑א
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.
וַ/יְשִׂמֵ֥/הוּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
אֶל
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.
מִשְׁמַעְתּֽ/וֹ
mishmaʻath
H4928
"guard"
N-fs | Suff
This word means to obey or be a subject to a ruler. It can also refer to a royal court or bodyguard that listens and obeys.
Definition: 1) subjects, body of subjects, bodyguard, listeners, obedient ones 1a) bodyguard 1b) subjects
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bidding, guard, obey. See also: 1 Samuel 22:14; 1 Chronicles 11:25; Isaiah 11:14.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 23:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 23:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:23
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:23
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:23
Context — David’s Mighty Men
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.
22These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who won a name along with the three mighty men.
23He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard.
24Now these were members of the Thirty: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 25Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 20:23 | Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 27:6 | This Benaiah was mighty among the Thirty and was over the Thirty, and his son Ammizabad was in charge of his division. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 22:14 | Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard who is honored in your house? |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 8:8 | And from Betah and Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took a large amount of bronze. |
2 Samuel 23:23 Summary
[This verse tells us that Benaiah was a very important and respected member of David's army, known as the Thirty. Even though he was not part of the most elite group, the Three, he was still given a crucial role by David, overseeing his guard. This shows that our value and worth come from our relationship with God, not from our position or status (as seen in Psalm 138:8). Benaiah's story encourages us to trust God and be faithful in the roles He gives us, just like David was faithful to God and was given many victories, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:14.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Benaiah and why was he honored?
Benaiah was a mighty man of David, known for his bravery and strength, as seen in 2 Samuel 23:20-22, and he was honored among the Thirty, a group of elite warriors in David's army, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:23.
What does it mean that Benaiah did not become one of the Three?
The Three were an even more elite group within the Thirty, and although Benaiah was highly honored, he was not part of this inner circle, as stated in 2 Samuel 23:23, but he was still appointed to a position of great trust by David, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:18 and 20:23.
What was the role of the guard that David appointed Benaiah over?
The guard was likely a group of soldiers responsible for protecting the king and his household, similar to the role of the cherethites and pelethites in 2 Samuel 8:18 and 1 Kings 1:38, and Benaiah's appointment to this role reflects his loyalty and trustworthiness in David's eyes.
How does Benaiah's story relate to our lives today?
Benaiah's story reminds us that God uses people in different ways and that our value and worth come from our relationship with Him, not from our position or status, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and Psalm 138:8.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be 'most honored' among our peers, and how can we cultivate humility in the face of recognition or praise?
- How can we, like Benaiah, demonstrate bravery and strength in the face of challenges, and what role does faith play in this?
- What are some ways that we can serve and protect others, as Benaiah did as the head of David's guard, and how can we prioritize their needs above our own?
- In what ways can we trust God's sovereignty and timing, even when we do not understand why we are not being used in a particular way or position, as Benaiah may have felt when he was not part of the Three?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:23
He was more honourable than the thirty,.... Whose names are after recorded: but he attained not to the [first] three; the first triumvirate, Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah; he was not equal to them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:23
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:23
Heb. over (for el is sometimes put for al) the men (which is oft understood, as hath been noted before) of his command. So his guard is called, because they were always at the king’ s hand, ready to hear and receive the king’ s commands, and to put them in execution. Over the Cherethites and Pelethites, as appears by comparing 20:23, who were faithful and obedient to him, when others revolted from him, .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:23
2 Samuel 23:23 He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the [first] three. And David set him over his guard.Ver. 23. But he attained not.] See on 2 Samuel 23:19.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:23
(23) Set him over his guard.—The word translated guard means rather private audience. David either made him a member of, or set him over his council. If in 1 Chronicles 27:34 “Jehoiada son of Benaiah” is an error for “Benaiah son of Jehoiada,” his holding of this office is also mentioned there.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:23
Verse 23. David set him over his guard.] The Vulgate renders this, Fecitque eun sibi David auricularium a secreto, "David made him his privy counsellor;" or, according to the Hebrew, He put him to his ears, i.e., confided his secrets to him. Some think he made him a spy over the rest. It is supposed that the meaning of the fable which attributes to Midas very long ears, is, that this king carried the system of espionage to a great length; that he had a multitude of spies in different places.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:23
23. set him over his guard] Made him a member of his privy council: lit. appointed him to his audience. Cp. 1 Samuel 22:14 (note). If, as seems not improbable, Jehoiada the son of Benaiah in 1 Chronicles 27:34 is a textual error for Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, we have another reference to his tenure of this office, which was distinct from that of commander of the body guard (ch. 2 Samuel 8:18, 2 Samuel 20:23).
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:23
David set him over his guard - “Made him of his privy council,” would be a better rendering. See 1 Samuel 22:14 note.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:23
23. Set him over his guard — Rather, appointed him to his privy council.Such office David once held under Saul. See note on 1 Samuel 22:14.