2 Samuel 8:16
2 Samuel 8:16 in Multiple Translations
Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
And Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the army; and Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, was keeper of the records;
Joab, son of Zeruiah, was the army commander, and Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, kept the official records.
And Ioab the sonne of Zeruiah was ouer the hoste, and Ioshaphat the sonne of Ahilud was recorder.
and Joab son of Zeruiah [is] over the host, and Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud [is] remembrancer,
Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder,
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
And Joab the son of Sarvia was over the army: and Josaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:
Joab was the army commander; Jehoshaphat, the son of Ahilud, was the man who reported to the people everything that David decided that they should do;
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 8:16
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 8:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/יוֹאָ֥ב
בֶּן
צְרוּיָ֖ה
עַל
הַ/צָּבָ֑א
וִ/יהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט
בֶּן
אֲחִיל֖וּד
מַזְכִּֽיר
וְ/יוֹאָ֥ב
Yôwʼâb
H3097
Joab
Conj | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
צְרוּיָ֖ה
Tsᵉrûwyâh
H6870
Zeruiah
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/צָּבָ֑א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
Art | N-cs
וִ/יהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
Jehoshaphat
Conj | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֲחִיל֖וּד
ʼĂchîylûwd
H286
Ahilud
N-proper
מַזְכִּֽיר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Hiphil
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 8:16
וְ/יוֹאָ֥ב
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.
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.
צְרוּיָ֖ה
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.
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.
הַ/צָּבָ֑א
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.
וִ/יהוֹשָׁפָ֥ט
Yᵉhôwshâphâṭ
H3092
"Jehoshaphat"
Conj | N-proper
Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah who ruled for 25 years and was known for his piety and prosperity. His name means Jehovah has judged, and he is mentioned in 2 Kings 9:2 as the son of King Asa. He was one of the best kings of Judah in the Bible.
Definition: A man of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.9.2; son of: Nimshi (H5250); father of: Jehu (H3058H) § Jehoshaphat = "Jehovah has judged" 1) son of king Asa and himself king of Judah for 25 years; one of the best, most pious, and prosperous kings of Judah 2) son of Nimshi and father of king Jehu of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Ahilud and chronicler under David and Solomon 4) son of Paruah and one of the 12 commissary officers under Solomon 5) a priest and trumpeter in the time of David 6) symbolical name of a valley near Jerusalem which is the place of ultimate judgment; maybe the deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives through which the Kidron flowed
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshaphat. Compare H3146 (יוֹשָׁפָט). See also: 2 Samuel 8:16; 2 Chronicles 17:5; Joel 4:12.
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.
אֲחִיל֖וּד
ʼĂchîylûwd
H286
"Ahilud"
N-proper
Ahilud was an Israelite living during King David's time, and his sons included Jehoshaphat, a recorder, and Baana, an officer of Solomon. His name means child's brother. Ahilud is mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:16.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.16; father of: Jehoshaphat (H3092), Baana (H1195) § Ahilud = "child's brother" 1) father of Jehoshaphat, David's recorder 2) father of Baana, an officer of Solomon
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Ahilud. See also: 2 Samuel 8:16; 1 Kings 4:3; 1 Chronicles 18:15.
מַזְכִּֽיר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Hiphil
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 8:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 8:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 8:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 8:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:16
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 8:16
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 8:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:16
Context — David’s Officers
14He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.
15Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people:
16Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
17Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe; 18Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 4:3 | Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 11:6 | Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 19:13 | And say to Amasa, ‘Aren’t you my flesh and blood? May God punish me, and ever so severely, if from this time you are not the commander of my army in place of Joab!’” |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 20:23–24 | Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; |
2 Samuel 8:16 Summary
In 2 Samuel 8:16, we see that King David had a team of leaders who helped him make decisions and govern Israel. Joab was in charge of the army, and Jehoshaphat kept track of important records. This shows that David was a wise leader who knew how to delegate tasks to capable people. Just like David, we can trust God to guide us and give us wisdom to make good decisions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Joab son of Zeruiah and what was his role in King David's administration?
Joab son of Zeruiah was a prominent military leader in King David's administration, as seen in 2 Samuel 8:16, and he played a crucial role in David's military campaigns, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:6 and 2 Samuel 3:29.
What was the role of the recorder in King David's administration?
The recorder, Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud, was responsible for keeping official records and documents, similar to a modern-day secretary or historian, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:16 and 1 Kings 4:3.
How did King David's administration reflect his trust in God?
King David's administration, as described in 2 Samuel 8:16, reflected his trust in God by establishing a system of governance that was fair and just, as seen in Psalm 119:75, where David acknowledged God's justice and righteousness.
What can we learn from King David's leadership style in 2 Samuel 8:16?
We can learn that effective leadership involves surrounding oneself with capable and trustworthy individuals, as King David did with Joab and Jehoshaphat, and prioritizing justice and righteousness, as seen in Proverbs 21:3 and 2 Samuel 8:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some key qualities of a good leader, and how can I apply them in my own life?
- How can I trust God to guide me in my decisions, just as King David trusted God to make him victorious?
- What are some ways I can prioritize justice and righteousness in my own community, just as King David did in Israel?
- How can I balance the need for strong leadership with the importance of humility and trust in God?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 8:16
And Joab the son of Zeruiah [was] over the host,.... Which was not only owing to his relation to David, being his sister's son, but to his promise that whoever smote the Jebusites first should be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 8:16
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; Joab ... was over the host - by virtue of a special promise (2 Samuel 5:8).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:16
Joab having doubtless declared his repentance for his former crimes, and having done eminent service for his country, and having received the chief command by virtue of David’ s promise and contract, , was still continued in his place. Recorder; either, first, The writer of chronicles. But it is not likely he would have been put among the great officers of state and church. Or, secondly, The treasurer, who examined all the accounts, and kept records of them. Or, thirdly, The king’ s counsellor, as Ahithophel is called, , who was to bring things of moment to the king’ s mind and remembrance, and to admonish him from time to time of things fit to be done. See .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:16
2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah [was] over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud [was] recorder;Ver. 16. Was over the host.] This honour he had purchased by his valour, but forfeited by his blood-guiltiness. And Jehoshaphat … was recorder.] Or, Chancellor of the kingdom, or chief chronicler.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:16
(16) Was recorder.—This was a different office from that of “the scribe” (filled by Seraiah), and appears from 2 Kings 18:18-37; 2 Chronicles 34:8, to have been one of considerable importance. (Comp. also Esther 6:1.) His duty is supposed to have been something like that of the modern “chancellor,” and he not only registered the king’s decrees, but was his adviser. The same person continued to fill the office in the early years of Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 4:3).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:16
Verse 16. Joab - was over the host] General and commander-in-chief over all the army. Ahilud - recorder] מזכיר mazkir, remembrancer; one who kept a strict journal of all the proceedings of the king and operations of his army; a chronicler. See the margin.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 8:16
16. recorder] Or, remembrancer, a state officer of high rank, who seems not only to have kept a record of events, but to have acted as the king’s adviser. His importance is indicated by 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Kings 18:37, where he appears as one of the king’s representatives, and 2 Chronicles 34:8, where he is mentioned as one of the commissioners for restoring the Temple. The traveller Chardin describes a similar officer of the Persian court, whose duty it is to furnish the king and his ministers with an account of all important events that take place in the kingdom, and to keep a record of them, and also to register the royal acts and decrees. Travels, III., p. 328.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 8:16
For a similar account of the officers of Solomon’s kingdom, see 1 Kings 4:1-6, where Jehoshaphat is still the recorder, and Benaiah is advanced to be captain of the host in the room of Joab.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 8:16
DAVID’S , 2 Samuel 8:15-18. 16. Joab — See notes on 2 Samuel 2:13; 2 Samuel 2:18.