1 Chronicles 11:27 — Word Study
WLCשַׁמּוֹת֙ הַהֲרוֹרִ֔י חֶ֖לֶץ הַפְּלוֹנִֽי׃ ס
BSAShammothShammôwth△ [a brave warrior] the HaroriteHărôwrîy△ [a mountaineer, from the mountain region] HelezChelets [he has strength, a mighty warrior] the PelonitePᵉlôwnîy [from Palon, a certain one]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| שַׁמּוֹת֙ | Shammoth | Noun proper masculine |
| הַהֲרוֹרִ֔י | the Harorite | Particle, noun gentilic masculine singular absolute |
| חֶ֖לֶץ | Helez | Noun proper masculine |
| הַפְּלוֹנִֽי׃ ס | the Pelonite | Particle, noun gentilic masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, |
| KJV | Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, |
| ASV | Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, |
| YLT | Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, |
| WEB | Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, |
| BBE | Shammoth the Harodite, Helez the Pelonite, |
The translations agree on the names and their significance, with no variations noted.
The verse consists of a simple list of names, emphasizing the identities of David's mighty warriors.


3 commentators on this verse
Jamieson, Ellicott, Cambridge & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
2 of 4 occur nowhere else in the Old Testament — words chosen on purpose.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 1 Chronicles 11:27
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Mighty Men of Davidgenerated
1 Chronicles 11:27 lists Shammoth the Harorite and Helez the Pelonite among the mighty men of King David. This passage highlights the valor and diverse origins of David's warriors, emphasizing their roles in his reign. The context shows the strength of David's army, as it includes men from various regions and backgrounds, contributing to the unity and might of his forces.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 27:8 | The fifth, for the fifth month, was the commander Shamhuth the Izrahite. There were 24,000 men in his division. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 25:25 | |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 23:26 | Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שַׁמּוֹת, sha.mOtgenerated
The name שַׁמּוֹת (sha.mOt) is a proper noun referring to a specific individual, Shammoth, who was a brave warrior in King David's army. It is derived from the root meaning 'ruins' or 'desolations', suggesting a connection to strength in overcoming adversity.
As a proper noun, it indicates a singular identity, distinct from the plural meaning of its root. Shammoth is noted for his courage and is mentioned in other biblical texts, showcasing his significance among David's mighty men.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the name is rendered as Shammoth, which is consistent across translations like the KJV and ASV.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse is straightforward, listing names in a noun phrase format. The main subject is the series of proper nouns identifying David's warriors: שַׁמּוֹת, הַהֲרוֹרִ֔י, חֶ֖לֶץ, and הַפְּלוֹנִֽי.
This construction emphasizes the identities of these warriors, presenting them as significant figures in David's narrative.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates שַׁמּוֹת as σαμμωθ, maintaining the proper noun form. This choice reflects the translators' intent to preserve the identity of Shammoth as a notable figure.
The consistency in translation indicates that the name was well-known and recognized in both Hebrew and Greek contexts.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
1 Chronicles 11:27 lists Shammoth the Harorite and Helez the Pelonite as two of King David's mighty warriors. Shammoth is noted for his bravery, and Helez is recognized for his strength. These names highlight the diverse backgrounds of David's warriors.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Shammoth and Helez were two of David's mighty warriors, known for their bravery and strength.
The name Shammoth is associated with bravery and strength, indicating a warrior's character.
A Harorite refers to someone from the mountain region, indicating a connection to a specific geographical area.
The term Pelonite refers to someone from a place called Palon, highlighting the diverse origins of David's warriors.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What qualities do I admire in leaders or warriors like Shammoth and Helez?
- How can I apply the bravery shown by these warriors in my own life?
- What does it mean to come from a diverse background in a community or team?
- In what ways can I support and uplift those around me, similar to how David's warriors supported him?
Commentators on this verse — 3 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 1 Chronicles 11:27 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryShammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, Shammoth. Between this name and Hebez, that of Elikah has evidently fallen out, as we may see, 2 Samuel 23:25 (Bertheau, 'Commentary,' in loco; also Kennicott, 'Dissertation,' p.
Read Robert Jamieson on 1 Chronicles 11 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(27) Shammoth the Harorite.—Samuel has “Shammah (of which Shammoth is plural) the Harodite.” A place called Harod occurs in Judges 7:1. (Comp. also 1 Chronicles 27:8, Note.) 2 Samuel 23:26 adds another Harodite, Elika (? Elikam), omitted here by accident. Helez the Pelonite.—Samuel, “the Paltite,” perhaps more correctly. The Syriac and Arabic read “of Palton” and “Faltûna.” Bethpelet was a town of Judah (Nehemiah 11:26), but 1 Chronicles 27:10 calls Helez “the Pelonite of the sons of Ephraim.” The Heb. peloni (Authorised Version, Pelonite), means so-and-so, and may be a scribe’s substitute for an illegible name.
Read Charles John Ellicott on 1 Chronicles 11 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges27. the Harorite] Read, the Herodite (so Sam.). Cp. Judges 6:23; Judges 7:1, whence it appears that Harod was in (or near) the valley of Jezreel. Cp. also 1 Chronicles 27:8 (“Shamhuth the Izrahite”), where the same person seems to be meant. “Elika the Harodite” (Sam.) is not found in Chron. Helez the Pelonite] Cp. 1 Chronicles 27:10, where he is described as a captain of the children of Ephraim. In 2 Samuel 23:26 however it is Helez the Paltite, i.e. (apparently) “the inhabitant of Beth-pelet” in the south of Judah (Joshua 15:27).
Read Cambridge on 1 Chronicles 11 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
Tyndale line
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite;
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
Shammoth the Harodite, Helez the Pelonite,
Strictly literal
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
Shammoth the Harorite, Chelez the Pelonite,
Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,
From the Latin
Sammoth an Arorite, Helles a Phalonite,
Simplified
Shammoth the Harorite; Helez the Pelonite;
Shammoth the Harodite, Helez the Pelonite,
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree in their wording for this verse, with all four names matched. This shows a consistent transmission of the text across these ancient witnesses.
שַׁמּוֹת֙ הַהֲרוֹרִ֔י חֶ֖לֶץ הַפְּלוֹנִֽי׃ ס
4 of the 4 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 1 Chronicles 11:27
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
שַׁמָּה (shammoth) is a plural form meaning 'ruins' or 'desolations.' It refers to Shammoth, an Israelite mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:25 and 1 Chronicles 11:27 as one of David's mighty warriors. The word is associated with the name Shammah (שַׁמָּה), which also appears in the context of notable figures in the Old Testament.
שַׁמָּה n.pr.m.
in Edom
third son of Jesse
heroes of David
base
H8054 שַׁמָּה
8054 Shammowth sham-moth'
plural of 8047; ruins; Shammoth, an Israelite:--Shamoth.
see HEBREW for 08047
שַׁמּוֹת (sham.mot) — Shammoth.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.25; also called Shammoth at 1Ch.11.27;
Another name of sham.mah (שַׁמָּה "Shammah" H8048H)
§ Shammoth = "desolations"
the Harodite, one of the 30 of David's mighty warriors
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
הֲרוֹרִי (Harowriy) refers to a Harorite or mountaineer, associated with Shammoth, a warrior in David's guard. It is another form of the word for Harod, which is linked to a specific location in the Old Testament. The entries indicate that this term is primarily used as a gentilic adjective.
הֲרוֹרִי adj.gent. 1 Ch 11:27
ref
H2033 הֲרוֹרִי
2033 Harowriy har-o-ree'
another form for 2043; a Harorite or mountaineer:--Harorite.
see HEBREW for 02043
הֲרוֹרִי (ha.ro.ri) — Harod.
Harorite = "the mountaineer"
the title given to Shammoth, one of the warriors of David's guard
Another spelling of en cha.rod (עֵין חֲרֹד "Harod" H5878)
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ngmsa
ha'-ro-rit.
See HARODITE.
(the same as Harodite) The, the title given to Shammoth, one of the warriors of David’s guard. (1 Chronicles 11:27)
חֶ֫לֶץ (Chelets) refers to a name associated with two individuals in the Old Testament, both named Helez. One was an Ephraimite and a leader among David's mighty warriors, while the other was a man from Judah, son of Azariah. The name is linked to the meaning 'he has saved' and is derived from a root suggesting strength.
חֶ֫לֶץ n.pr.m. (viqour).
one of David’s heroes
man of Judah
base
H2503 חֶ֫לֶץ
2503 Chelets kheh'-lets
or Chelets {khay'-lets; from 2502; perhaps, strength;
Chelets, the name of two Israelites:--Helez.
see HEBREW for 02502
חֶ֫לֶץ (che.lets) — Helez.
A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.26
§ Helez = "he has saved"
1) an Ephraimite, one of the 30 of David's mighty warriors, leader of the 7th monthly course
2) a man of Judah, son of Azariah
חֶ֫לֶץ (che.lets) — Helez.
A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.39;
son of: Azariah (H5838J);
father of: Eleasah (H0501)
§ Helez = "he has saved"
1) an Ephraimite, one of the 30 of David's mighty warriors, leader of the 7th monthly course
2) a man of Judah, son of Azariah
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
he'-lez (chelets "vigor"; Septuagint Selles, Chelles):
(1) 2Sa 23:26; 1Ch 11:27; 27:10. One of David's mighty men; according to 1Ch 27:10, he belonged to the sons of Ephraim and was at the head of the 7th course in David's organization of the kingdom.
(2) Septuagint Chelles, 1Ch 2:39. A man of Judah of the clan of the Jerahmeelites.
Helez
Strong, or loin (?) (1.) One of Judah’s posterity (1 Chr. 2:39).
(2.) One of David’s warriors (2 Sam. 23:26).
(strength). One of "the thirty" of David’s guard, (2 Samuel 23:26; 1 Chronicles 11:27) an Ephraimite, and captain of the seventh monthly course. (1 Chronicles 27:10) (B.C. 1016.) A man of Judah, son of Azariah. (1 Chronicles 2:39)
armed; set free
פְּלֹנִי (Plowniy) refers to a Pelonite, someone from an unknown place, derived from an unused name meaning 'separate.' It appears in the context of 2 Samuel 23:26, where it is associated with a figure also called Paltite. The entries indicate that this term can imply 'a certain one' or an inhabitant of an unspecified location.
פְּלֹנִי, פְּלוֹנִי adj.gent. erron.
base
H6397 פְּלֹנִי, פְּלוֹנִי
6397 Plowniy pel-o-nee'
patronymically from an unused name (from 6395) meaning
separate; a Pelonite or inhabitant of an unknown Palon:--
Pelonite.
see HEBREW for 06395
פְּלוֹנִי (pe.lo.ni) — Pelonite.
Someone descended from Pelon or Palet(?), first mentioned at 2Sa.23.26; also called Paltite at 2Sa.23.26;
Also named: pal.ti (פַּלְטִי "Paltite" H6407)
§ Pelonite = "a certain one"
the inhabitants of a presently unknown place
Art | Ngmsa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ngmsa
falling; secret
