Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 11:31
Ittai was a powerful warrior in King David's army, known for his bravery and strength. His name means 'with me' and he was a loyal companion to David. He's mentioned in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.29; son of: Ribai (H7380); also called Ithai at 1Ch.11.31; § Ittai or Ithai = "with me" 1) a Gittite commander from Gath in David's army 2) one of David's 30 mighty warriors, a Benjamite
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Ithai, Ittai. See also: 2 Samuel 15:19; 2 Samuel 18:5; 1 Chronicles 11:31.
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.
Ribai was an Israelite who lived during the United Monarchy, and is mentioned in 2 Samuel as the father of Ittai, a Benjamite warrior. His name means 'pleader with Jehovah', indicating his devotion to God.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.29; father of: Ittai (H0863H) § Ribai = "pleader with Jehovah" father of Ittai the Benjamite of Gibeah
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Ribai. See also: 2 Samuel 23:29; 1 Chronicles 11:31.
Gibeah was a city in Palestine, specifically in the region of Benjamin, and was the birthplace of King Saul. The name means hill, and it is mentioned in various KJV translations as Gibeah or the hill.
Definition: § Gibeah = "hill" a city of Benjamin, birthplace of king Saul
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: Gibeah, the hill. See also: Joshua 15:57; Judges 20:36; Isaiah 10:29.
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.
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
Benaiah was a strong warrior and leader in the Bible, serving under King David and Solomon. His name means Jehovah has built, indicating God's strength.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezk.11.1; father of: Pelatiah (H6410J) § Benaiah = "Jehovah has built" or "Yahweh has built up" 1) one of David's mighty warriors, son of Jehoiada the chief priest, a Levite, set by David over his bodyguard, later having remained faithful to Solomon during Adonijah's attempt on the crown, was raised into the place of Joab as commander-in-chief of the army 2) the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite, one of David's thirty mighty warriors, and the captain of the eleventh monthly course 3) a Simeonite, a prince of the families of Simeon 4) a Levite in the time of David who played with a psaltery on Alamoth 5) a priest in the time of David, appointed to blow the trumpet before the ark 6) a Levite of the sons of Asaph 7) a Levite in the time of Hezekiah 8) Four Israelites in the time of Ezra who had taken strange wives 9) the father of Pelatiah
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Benaiah. See also: 2 Samuel 8:18; 1 Chronicles 11:22; Ezekiel 11:13.
A Pirathonite was an inhabitant of Pirathon, a town in Ephraim. The word describes someone who lived in this specific location, which was known for its noble or princely status. The Pirathonites are mentioned in the Bible as a distinct group of people.
Definition: Pirathonite, of Pirathon "princely" an inhabitant of Pirathon Another spelling of pir.a.ton (פִּרְעָתוֹן "Pirathon" H6552)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Pirathonite. See also: Judges 12:13; 2 Samuel 23:30; 1 Chronicles 27:14.
Context — David’s Mighty Men
29Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,
30Maharai the Netophathite, Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite,
31Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites, Benaiah the Pirathonite,
32Hurai from the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,
33Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
2 Samuel 23:29 |
Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites, |
1 Chronicles 11:31 Summary
This verse lists two of David's mighty men, Ithai and Benaiah, who were known for their bravery and loyalty. Just like these men, we can trust in God's power and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:4, and use our unique gifts and abilities to serve Him. By looking at the examples of David's mighty men, we can learn more about what it means to be courageous and faithful, as described in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 and 2 Timothy 1:7. As we read about Ithai and Benaiah, we are reminded that God is our Rock and our salvation, as stated in Psalm 62:2 and 2 Samuel 22:47.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Ithai and Benaiah in the Bible?
Ithai and Benaiah were two of David's mighty men, as listed in 1 Chronicles 11:31, who demonstrated great bravery and loyalty to King David, similar to the examples found in 1 Samuel 23:16 and 2 Samuel 23:20.
What does it mean to be from Gibeah of the Benjamites?
Gibeah of the Benjamites refers to a city in the tribe of Benjamin, as mentioned in Judges 19:12-14 and 1 Samuel 11:4-5, indicating Ithai's ancestral heritage and geographical roots.
What can we learn from the list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11?
The list of mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11, including Ithai and Benaiah in verse 31, teaches us about the importance of courage, loyalty, and faith in God, as seen in the examples of David's men in 1 Samuel 17:45 and 2 Samuel 10:12.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of David's kingdom?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of David's kingdom, as described in 1 Chronicles 10-12, highlighting the gathering of his mighty men and the establishment of his throne, which is also referenced in 2 Samuel 5:1-5 and 1 Chronicles 12:23-40.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be a 'mighty man' of God, and how can I demonstrate bravery and loyalty in my own life?
- How can I, like Ithai and Benaiah, use my unique gifts and abilities to serve God and His kingdom?
- What can I learn from the examples of David's mighty men about trusting in God's power and provision, as seen in Psalm 20:7 and 2 Chronicles 32:8?
- In what ways can I, like the men listed in 1 Chronicles 11, be part of a community of believers who support and encourage one another in our faith journey, as described in Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:24-25?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 11:31
[See comments on 1 Chronicles 11:1]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 11:31
Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that pertained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:31
(31) Ithai.—Samuel, “Ittai,” an older pronunciation. Not to be confused with “Ittai the Gittite” (2 Samuel 15:19). Gibeah . . . of Benjamin was near Ramah. Benaiah the Pirathonite.—1 Chronicles 27:14. Of course different from Benaiah son of Jehoiada. “Pirathon in the land of Ephraim” (Judges 12:15) may be the modern Ferâta, south-west of Shechem.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 11:31
31. Ithai] In 2 Samuel 23:29 “Ittai,” the same name as in 2 Samuel 15:19; 2 Samuel 18:2, but a different person is meant. that pertained to] R.V. of. Benaiah the Pirathonite] So in 1 Chronicles 27:14; 2 Samuel 23:30. Pirathon was a town in Ephraim; Judges 12:15. Probably the place is mentioned also in 1Ma 9:50 (τὴνΘαμνάθαΦαραθών).