Menu

1 Chronicles 11:25

1 Chronicles 11:25 in Multiple Translations

He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard.

Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.

Behold, he was more honorable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.

He was honoured over the thirty, but he was not equal to the first three: and David put him over his servants.

He was the most highly regarded of the Thirty, though he was not one of the Three. David put him in charge of his personal bodyguard.

Behold, he was honourable among thirtie, but he attained not vnto the first three. And Dauid made him of his counsell.

Of the thirty, lo, he [is] honoured, and unto the [first] three he hath not come, and David setteth him over his guard.

Behold, he was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn’t attain to the three; and David set him over his guard.

Behold, he was honorable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.

And the first among the thirty, but yet to the three he attained not: and David made him of his council.

He was more honored than the other members of the group of thirty most mighty warriors, but he did not become a member of the group of three most outstanding warriors. David appointed him to be the leader of his bodyguards.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 11:25

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 11:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB מִן הַ/שְּׁלוֹשִׁ֗ים הִנּ֤/וֹ נִכְבָּד֙ ה֔וּא וְ/אֶל הַ/שְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה לֹא בָ֑א וַ/יְשִׂימֵ֥/הוּ דָוִ֖יד עַל מִשְׁמַעְתּֽ/וֹ
מִן min H4480 from Prep
הַ/שְּׁלוֹשִׁ֗ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 thirty Art | Adj
הִנּ֤/וֹ hên H2005 look! Part | Suff
נִכְבָּד֙ kâbad H3513 to honor V-Niphal
ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep
הַ/שְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה shâlôwsh H7969 three Art | Adj
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
בָ֑א bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יְשִׂימֵ֥/הוּ sûwm H7760 to set Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
דָוִ֖יד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
מִשְׁמַעְתּֽ/וֹ mishmaʻath H4928 guard N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 11:25

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/שְּׁלוֹשִׁ֗ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 "thirty" Art | Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
הִנּ֤/וֹ hên H2005 "look!" Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
נִכְבָּד֙ 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.
ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
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.
לֹא 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.
בָ֑א 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.
וַ/יְשִׂימֵ֥/הוּ sûwm H7760 "to set" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
דָוִ֖יד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
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.
מִשְׁמַעְתּֽ/וֹ mishmaʻath H4928 "guard" N-fs | Suff
This word means to obey or be a subject to a ruler. It can also refer to a royal court or bodyguard that listens and obeys.
Definition: 1) subjects, body of subjects, bodyguard, listeners, obedient ones 1a) bodyguard 1b) subjects
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bidding, guard, obey. See also: 1 Samuel 22:14; 1 Chronicles 11:25; Isaiah 11:14.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 11:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 20:23 Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;

1 Chronicles 11:25 Summary

This verse is talking about a man named Benaiah who was a great warrior and very brave, as seen in 1 Chronicles 11:23-24. He was highly respected among his peers, but he didn't become one of the most elite warriors, known as the Three. Even so, King David still trusted him and appointed him to be in charge of his guard, which is a big deal. This shows that God can use us in big ways, even if we're not always recognized or appointed to the most prominent positions, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Benaiah was most honored among the Thirty?

It means that Benaiah was highly respected and accomplished among a group of thirty elite warriors, as seen in 1 Chronicles 11:25, but the specific details of his accomplishments are not fully outlined in this verse, although his bravery is highlighted in 1 Chronicles 11:23-24.

Why did Benaiah not become one of the Three?

The Bible does not explicitly state why Benaiah did not become one of the Three, but it is clear that he was still a highly valued and trusted warrior, as David appointed him over his guard, as stated in 1 Chronicles 11:25.

What is the significance of David appointing Benaiah over his guard?

This appointment signifies the high level of trust David had in Benaiah, recognizing his bravery and skill, similar to how David was chosen by God to be a leader in 1 Samuel 16:13, and it highlights Benaiah's important role in protecting the king and the kingdom.

How can we apply the concept of honor and appointment in our own lives?

We can apply this concept by seeking to honor God with our actions and decisions, and trusting in His sovereignty to appoint us to our roles and responsibilities, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Ephesians 2:10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate bravery and trustworthiness in my own life, like Benaiah did?
  2. How can I cultivate a sense of humility and contentment, even when I am not recognized or appointed to a position of prominence?
  3. What are some ways I can show respect and honor to those in authority over me, like Benaiah did with David?
  4. How can I trust in God's sovereignty to guide my life and appoint me to my roles and responsibilities?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 11:25

[See comments on 1 Chronicles 11:1]

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 11:25

Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:25

Heb. his hearing, or obedience, i.e. those that were always ready to hear and obey or execute his commands, to wit, the guards of his body.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:25

1 Chronicles 11:25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the [first] three: and David set him over his guard.Ver. 25. Behold, he was honourable among the thirty.] Yea, and above them too. And David set him over his guard.] Heb., Over his hearing; that is, over those praetorian soldiers that were ever within his hearing and at his hand, viz., the Cherethites and the Pelethites, who stuck to him in all his troubles, and were now his bodyguard. 1 Chronicles 11:26

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:25

(25) Behold, he was honourable among the thirty.—Rather, above the thirty behold he was honoured.But attained not to the first three.—For he was a member of the second triad of heroes. The third member is omitted here, as in the case of the first triad. Over his guard.—Literally, over his obedience; an abstract for concrete, as in Isaiah 11:14 (= vassals). The Cherethites and Pelethites, a small corps probably of foreigners, who constituted David’s body-guard, and were under his direct orders, appear to be meant here. (See 2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 20:23.) The word has this precise sense only in this place and its parallel.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:25

Verse 25. David set him over his guard] "Made him chief ruler over his disciples." - T. FOR other particulars, see the notes on the parallel places, where the subject is farther considered.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 11:25

25. he was honourable among the thirty] R.V. (cp. 1 Chronicles 11:21), he was more honourable than the thirty. The verse probably comes from some poem written in praise of Benaiah. Cp. 1 Chronicles 27:6. but attained not to the first three] Cp. note on 1 Chronicles 11:21. guard] The same Heb. word, mishma‘ath, is translated “council” in 1 Samuel 22:14. The literal meaning of the word is “obedience”; it seems both here and in Sam. (l.c.) to designate those who executed the king’s commands, i.e. his ministers. (Minister = “servant”.)

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate