1 Chronicles 11:20

Verse

Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.

American Standard Version (1901)

And Abishai, the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three; for he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three.

Bible in Basic English

And Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the thirty, for he put to death three hundred with his spear, but he had not a name among the three.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And Abisai the brother of Joab, he was chief of three, and he lifted up his spear against three hundred whom he slew, and he was renowned among the three,

Free Bible Version

Abishai, Joab's brother, was leader of the second Three. Using his spear, he once killed 300 men, and became famous among the Three.

Geneva Bible 1599

And Abishai the brother of Ioab, he was chiefe of the three, and he lift vp his speare against three hundreth, and slew them, and had the name among the three.

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.

Translation for Translators

Joab’s younger brother Abishai was the leader of the 30 most mighty warriors. One time Abishai fought 300 enemy soldiers with his spear and killed them.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Abishai brother of Joab was captain over the Three. He once used his spear against three hundred and killed them. He is mentioned along with the Three.

Noah Webster Bible

And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting his spear against three hundred, he slew them , and had a name among the three.

World English Bible

Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the three; for he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three.

Young's Literal Translation

And Abishai brother of Joab, he hath been head of the three: and he is lifting up his spear against three hundred — wounded, and hath a name among three.

Context

David’s Mighty Men

¹⁹saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. ²⁰Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.²¹He was doubly honored above the Three, and he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.

Summary

In this verse, Benaiah, one of King David's mighty warriors, demonstrates exceptional bravery by going down into a pit on a snowy day and killing a lion. This act of courage showcases Benaiah's unwavering faith in God's strength and protection, as he trusted in the Lord to give him victory over the fierce predator. Benaiah's fearless actions symbolize the boldness and determination required to face and overcome the challenges and adversaries in life, relying on God's power and guidance. This account serves as an inspiration for believers to confront their fears with faith and to rely on God's help in times of difficulty and danger.

Commentary