2 Samuel 23:37
2 Samuel 23:37 in Multiple Translations
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armorbearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah,
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, who had the care of the arms of Joab, son of Zeruiah,
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab, son of Zeruiah,
Zelek the Ammonite: Naharai the Becrothite, the armour bearer of Ioab the sonne of Zeruiah:
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, bearer of the weapons of Joab son of Zeruiah,
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah,
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor-bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,
Selec of Ammoni, Naharai the Berothite, armourbearer of Joab the son of Sarvia,
Zelek, from the Ammon people-group; Naharai, the man who carried Joab’s weapons, from Beeroth town;
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 23:37
BAB
Word Study
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2 Samuel 23:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
צֶ֖לֶק
הָ/עַמֹּנִ֑י
נַחְרַי֙
הַ/בְּאֵ֣רֹתִ֔י
נשאי
נֹשֵׂ֕א
כְּלֵ֖י
יוֹאָ֥ב
בֶּן
צְרֻיָֽה
צֶ֖לֶק
Tseleq
H6768
Zelek
N-proper
הָ/עַמֹּנִ֑י
ʻAmmôwnîy
H5984
Ammon
Art | Ngmsa
נַחְרַי֙
Nachăray
H5171
Naharai
N-proper
הַ/בְּאֵ֣רֹתִ֔י
Bᵉʼêrôthîy
H886
Beerothite
Art | Ngmsa
נשאי
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal
נֹשֵׂ֕א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal
כְּלֵ֖י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp
יוֹאָ֥ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
צְרֻיָֽה
Tsᵉrûwyâh
H6870
Zeruiah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 23:37
צֶ֖לֶק
Tseleq
H6768
"Zelek"
N-proper
Tselek was an Ammonite warrior who fought for King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:37.
Definition: A man of the Ammonites living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.37 § Zelek = "fissure" an Ammonite and a warrior for David
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Zelek. See also: 2 Samuel 23:37; 1 Chronicles 11:39.
הָ/עַמֹּנִ֑י
ʻAmmôwnîy
H5984
"Ammon"
Art | Ngmsa
An Ammonite is someone from the land of Ammon, descended from Lot. The term is used in the Bible to describe the people and their culture. The Ammonites are mentioned in the books of Judges and Samuel.
Definition: Someone from Ammon, Ammonite, of Ammon "tribal" descendants of Ammon and inhabitants of Ammon Another name of am.mon (עַמּוֹן "Ammon" H5983)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Ammonite(-s). See also: Deuteronomy 2:20; 2 Chronicles 20:1; Nehemiah 13:23.
נַחְרַי֙
Nachăray
H5171
"Naharai"
N-proper
Naharai was a mighty warrior in King David's army and the armor bearer of Joab, one of David's top generals. His name means 'snorter' in Hebrew, possibly due to his fierce or energetic nature. He is mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:37 as one of David's brave fighters.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.37 § Naharai = "snorter" one of David's mighty warriors and the armour bearer of Joab
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Naharai, Nahari. See also: 2 Samuel 23:37; 1 Chronicles 11:39.
הַ/בְּאֵ֣רֹתִ֔י
Bᵉʼêrôthîy
H886
"Beerothite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Beerothite was someone from Beeroth, a town in the tribe of Benjamin, with the name Beeroth meaning 'wells'. The town was named for its wells.
Definition: Group of be.e.rot (בְּאֵרוֹת "Beeroth" H0881) § Beerothite = "wells" an inhabitant of Beeroth (in Benjamin)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Beerothite. See also: 2 Samuel 4:2; 2 Samuel 4:5; 2 Samuel 23:37.
נשאי
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
נֹשֵׂ֕א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
כְּלֵ֖י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
יוֹאָ֥ב
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.
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.
צְרֻיָֽה
Tsᵉrûwyâh
H6870
"Zeruiah"
N-proper
Zeruiah was an Israelite woman, sister of David, and mother of three leading heroes in his army. Her name means balsam and she is first mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6. Zeruiah was the daughter of Jesse and Nahash.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.26.6; daughter of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); sister of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J), Shimeah (H8093) § Zeruiah = "balsam" sister of David and mother of the 3 leading heroes of David's army-Abishai, Joab, and Asahel
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: Zeruiah. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 21:17; 1 Chronicles 27:24.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 23:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David’s Mighty Men
35Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,
36Igal son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,
37Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,
38Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 39and Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven in all.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 11:37 | Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai, |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 11:39 | Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah, |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 4:2 | Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin, |
2 Samuel 23:37 Summary
This verse talks about two men, Zelek and Naharai, who were part of King David's group of strong and brave warriors. Naharai had a special job as the armor-bearer for Joab, which means he carried and took care of Joab's armor. This shows us that even in important roles, there are people working behind the scenes, supporting and helping others, much like how we are all called to support one another in the body of Christ (as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31). Just like these men came from different places to serve under David, we are all called to come together and serve God, no matter where we are from or what our backgrounds are (Romans 12:4-5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Zelek the Ammonite and why is he mentioned in this verse?
Zelek the Ammonite is listed as one of David's mighty men, as seen in 2 Samuel 23:37, and his inclusion highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who served under David, much like the diverse group of disciples Jesus called in the New Testament, as seen in Matthew 10:2-4.
What does it mean that Naharai was the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah?
Being an armor-bearer meant that Naharai was a trusted and skilled warrior who carried and managed the armor of his leader, Joab, similar to how the apostle Paul spoke of bearing the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18 to stand against spiritual enemies.
Why does the Bible list the hometowns or tribes of these men, like the Beerothite or the Ammonite?
The Bible lists their backgrounds to show the wide range of people who were united under David's leadership, much like the vision of Revelation 7:9, where people from every nation and tribe gather to worship God.
How does this list of names relate to the broader story of the Bible?
This list of David's mighty men points to the larger theme of God gathering a people for Himself, as seen in Genesis 12:2 and throughout the Old and New Testaments, culminating in the church, the body of Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:27.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be part of a diverse group of believers, and how can we learn from the examples of Zelek and Naharai?
- How can I, like Naharai, be a support and strength to those in leadership around me, whether in church or in my community?
- What can we learn from the trust and loyalty that Naharai showed to Joab, and how can we apply that to our relationships with others?
- In what ways can I reflect the heart of a 'mighty man' of God, as described in 2 Samuel 23, in my own life and service to God?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:37
Zelek the Ammonite,.... Who was so either by birth, and became a proselyte; so the Targum says, he was of the children of Ammon; or is so called, because he had sojourned some time in their land, or
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:37
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah, Zelek the Ammonite , [ Tseleq (H6768), fissure; Septuagint, Elie].
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:37
(37) The Ammonite.—A foreigner, like “Igal of Zobah” (a Syrian), and “Ittai the Gittite,” and “Uriah the Hittite,” who rose to distinction in David’s service, and all of whom were probably proselytes. Armourbearer.—It appears from 2 Samuel 18:15 that Joab had ten armourbearers. This one was probably their chief.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:37
37. Zelek the Ammonite] Like Igal the Syrian, and Ittai the Philistine, a foreigner who rose to distinction in David’s service. Naharai the Beerothite] Of Beeroth (see note on ch. 2 Samuel 4:2), and therefore perhaps a Gibeonite by race. armourbearer] The Kthîbh has the plural armourbearers, but the singular is supported by the Sept. and Chron., and is probably the correct reading. Joab had ten armourbearers or attendant squires (ch. 2 Samuel 18:15).