1 Chronicles 11:21
1 Chronicles 11:21 in Multiple Translations
He was doubly honored above the Three, and he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.
Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.
Of the three, he was more honorable than the two, and was made their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.
Of the thirty, he was the noblest, and was made their captain, but he was not equal to the first three.
He was the most highly regarded of the Three and was their commander, though he was not one of the first Three.
Among the three he was more honourable then the two, and he was their captaine: but he attained not vnto the first three.
Of the three by the two he is honoured, and becometh their head; and unto the [first] three he hath not come.
Of the three, he was more honorable than the two, and was made their captain; however he wasn’t included in the three.
Of the three, he was more honorable than the two; for he was their captain: but he attained not to the first three.
And illustrious among the second three, and their captain: but yet he attained not to the first three.
So he became as famous as those three most outstanding warriors. He became their commander, even though he was not one of those three men.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 11:21
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.
1 Chronicles 11:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִן
הַ/שְּׁלוֹשָׁ֤ה
בַ/שְּׁנַ֨יִם֙
נִכְבָּ֔ד
וַ/יְהִ֥י
לָ/הֶ֖ם
לְ/שָׂ֑ר
וְ/עַד
הַ/שְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה
לֹֽא
בָֽא
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ/שְּׁלוֹשָׁ֤ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Art | Adj
בַ/שְּׁנַ֨יִם֙
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Prep | Adj
נִכְבָּ֔ד
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Niphal
וַ/יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
לְ/שָׂ֑ר
sar
H8269
ruler
Prep | N-ms
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
הַ/שְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Art | Adj
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בָֽא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 11:21
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/שְּׁלוֹשָׁ֤ה
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.
בַ/שְּׁנַ֨יִם֙
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
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.
וַ/יְהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
לְ/שָׂ֑ר
sar
H8269
"ruler"
Prep | N-ms
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/שְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה
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.
לֹֽא
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.
בָֽא
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.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 11:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 11:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 11:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 11:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 11:21
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 11:21
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 wielded 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.
22And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. 23He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 15:41 | The sun has one degree of splendor, the moon another, and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. |
| 2 | Matthew 13:8 | Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold. |
1 Chronicles 11:21 Summary
This verse tells us that Abishai, the brother of Joab, was a very brave and honored warrior in King David's army. He was even more honored than the other top warriors, known as the Three, and became their commander, similar to how Moses was leader over the Israelites in Exodus 18:13-27 or how Jesus is the commander of our faith in Hebrews 12:2. This shows us that God values bravery, faithfulness, and leadership, and that He can use anyone who is willing to serve Him, no matter what their background or position may be, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 or Ephesians 4:11-13. By looking at Abishai's example, we can learn to trust God and use our own unique gifts and talents to serve Him and others, like in 1 Peter 4:10-11 or Romans 12:1-2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Abishai to be 'doubly honored above the Three' in 1 Chronicles 11:21?
This phrase indicates that Abishai received twice the honor of the other members of the Three, a group of elite warriors in King David's army, as seen in 1 Chronicles 11:20. This honor was likely due to his exceptional bravery and military prowess, similar to the exploits of David himself in 1 Samuel 23:14-17.
Why was Abishai not included among the Three, despite being their commander?
The Bible does not provide a clear reason for this, but it may be that Abishai's role as commander was a separate position from being one of the Three, similar to how David was the king but not always directly involved in the battles of his warriors, as seen in 2 Samuel 18:3-4. Alternatively, it could be that Abishai was not one of the original Three, but rather earned his position as commander through his actions, much like Joab in 1 Chronicles 11:6.
What can we learn from Abishai's example about leadership and honor?
Abishai's example teaches us that true leadership is not just about position or title, but about character and actions, as seen in Proverbs 27:18. His doubly honored status above the Three shows that God rewards those who demonstrate exceptional faithfulness and bravery, such as in Matthew 25:14-30 or 1 Corinthians 4:2.
How does Abishai's story relate to the broader narrative of 1 Chronicles?
Abishai's story is part of the larger account of King David's reign and the establishment of his kingdom, as seen in 1 Chronicles 10-29. It highlights the importance of brave and faithful warriors in securing Israel's victories and establishing David's throne, much like the role of the judges in the book of Judges, such as in Judges 3:10 or Judges 11:29-40.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can demonstrate bravery and faithfulness in my own life, like Abishai did in 1 Chronicles 11:21?
- How can I balance the desire for recognition and honor with the need to humble myself and serve others, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28 or Philippians 2:3-4?
- What are some challenges or 'battles' that I am facing in my life right now, and how can I trust God to give me the strength and courage I need to overcome them, like David did in 1 Samuel 30:6 or Psalm 27:1-3?
- In what ways can I use my talents and abilities to serve and honor God, like Abishai used his military prowess to serve King David, as seen in Romans 12:6-8 or 1 Corinthians 12:4-11?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 11:21
[See comments on 1 Chronicles 11:1]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 11:21
Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three. Howbeit he attained not to the first three - (see the note at 2 Samuel 23:19.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:21
He did not equal them in valiant exploits.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:21
(21) Of the three, he was more honourable than the two.—The Hebrew text here varies from Samuel, which has “Above (or out of) the three, was he not honoured? n The reading of Chronicles seems to be an exegetical alteration of this, and should probably be rendered, “Above the three of the second rank he was honoured,” i.e., he was the most honoured member of the second triad. So the Vulg., et inter tres secun-dos inclitus. The LXX. has ἀπὸτῶντριῶνὑπὲρδύοένδοξος (“Of the three, renowned above the two”). But the Hebrew expression, which means literally, “in the two,” seems plainly to indicate a second group of three. Otherwise, we might translate: “Of the three he was honoured among the two,” that is, above the other two members of his triad. Both here and in 1 Chronicles 11:20 the Syriac reads thirty instead of three: “Above the thirty he was honoured, and he became chief over them and warlike; the thirty he used to make” (1 Chronicles 11:21). The Arabic is more correct: “And he was mightier than the two, and chief over them twain, and he came not to the three.” Howbeit he attained not . . .—Literally, but to the three he came not, i.e., the first triad of warriors (1 Chronicles 11:11-14).
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 11:21
21. Of the three he was more honourable than the two] R.V. mg. “Of the three in the second rank he was the most honourable.” The word, translated “in the second rank,” is however certainly corrupt (cp. 2 Samuel 23:19), and should be corrected. We then translate: He was more honourable than the three. The verse probably comes from a lost poem. What is meant by the three and by the first three cannot be determined owing to the loss of the context.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 11:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Spiritual Body by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the congregation to embrace their helplessness and allow themselves to be taken advantage of. He uses vivid imagery of bulls roaring, unicor |
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Chap Xxi.--Some Portions of the Virtue Have Good In by Alexander of Lycopolis | Alexander of Lycopolis discusses the concept of virtue and its varying degrees of goodness, using the analogy of the sun and moon remaining uncorrupted despite their interaction wi |
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Two Exhortations to Theodore After His Fall - Part 3 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of repentance and the dangers of despair, emphasizing the need to confess sins with true remorse and seek forgiveness through a genuin |
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The Sovereignty of God in Creation by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of God in creation, illustrating how God's will and pleasure govern all aspects of the universe, from the grandest celestial bodies to |
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Your Decisions Determine What You Become by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes that our daily decisions shape our spiritual lives, urging us to follow Jesus' example of denying self-will to fulfill God's will. He illustrates how Jesus co |
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(The Full Gospel) 19. Your Decisions Determine What You Become by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of denying our own will and doing the will of God, just as Jesus did during His time on earth. He emphasizes that spirituality is the result o |
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Homily 2 on Eutropius by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the beauty of the soul and the importance of obedience to God as the true source of grace. He emphasizes that corporeal beauty is fixed by nature, wh |