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1 Chronicles 12:2

1 Chronicles 12:2 in Multiple Translations

they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin):

They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.

They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.

They were armed with bows, and were able to send stones, and arrows from the bow, with right hand or left: they were Saul's brothers, of Benjamin.

They were all skilled archers, and could shoot arrows or slingshots with their right or their left hands. They were relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin.

They were weaponed with bowes, and could vse the right and the left hand with stones and with arrowes and with bowes, and were of Sauls brethren, euen of Beniamin.

armed with bow, right and left handed, with stones, and with arrows, with bows, of the brethren of Saul, of Benjamin.

They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow. They were of Saul’s relatives of the tribe of Benjamin.

They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones, and shooting arrows from a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

Bending the bow, and using either hand in hurling stones with slings, and shooting arrows: of the brethren of Saul of Benjamin.

They carried bows and arrows. They were able to shoot arrows and to sling stones. They could use either their right arms or their left arms to do that. They were relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 12:2

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 12:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB נֹ֣שְׁקֵי קֶ֗שֶׁת מַיְמִינִ֤ים וּ/מַשְׂמִאלִים֙ בָּֽ/אֲבָנִ֔ים וּ/בַ/חִצִּ֖ים בַּ/קָּ֑שֶׁת מֵ/אֲחֵ֥י שָׁא֖וּל מִ/בִּנְיָמִֽן
נֹ֣שְׁקֵי nâshaq H5401 to kiss V-Qal
קֶ֗שֶׁת qesheth H7198 bow N-fs
מַיְמִינִ֤ים yâman H3231 to go right V-Hiphil
וּ/מַשְׂמִאלִים֙ sâmaʼl H8041 to go left Conj | V-Hiphil
בָּֽ/אֲבָנִ֔ים ʼeben H68 stone Prep | N-fp
וּ/בַ/חִצִּ֖ים chêts H2671 arrow Conj | Prep | N-mp
בַּ/קָּ֑שֶׁת qesheth H7198 bow Prep | N-fs
מֵ/אֲחֵ֥י ʼâch H251 brother Prep | N-mp
שָׁא֖וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
מִ/בִּנְיָמִֽן Binyâmîyn H1144 Benjamin Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 12:2

נֹ֣שְׁקֵי nâshaq H5401 "to kiss" V-Qal
To kiss or touch, also to equip with weapons, as seen in armed men or rulers. It appears in various forms, including a romantic kiss or a mode of attachment. In the Bible, it is used to describe intimate touch.
Definition: 1) to put together, kiss 1a) (Qal) to kiss 1b) (Piel) to kiss 1c) (Hiphil) to touch gently
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: armed (men), rule, kiss, that touched. See also: Genesis 27:26; 2 Samuel 14:33; Psalms 2:12.
קֶ֗שֶׁת qesheth H7198 "bow" N-fs
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
מַיְמִינִ֤ים yâman H3231 "to go right" V-Hiphil
To go right means to move in a rightward direction or to use the right hand. This term is used in the Bible to describe physical actions, such as turning to the right or using the right hand for a task.
Definition: (Hiphil) to choose the right, go to the right, use the right hand, be right handed Also means: a.man (אָמַן "to turn right" H0541)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: go (turn) to (on, use) the right hand. See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Chronicles 12:2; Ezekiel 21:21.
וּ/מַשְׂמִאלִים֙ sâmaʼl H8041 "to go left" Conj | V-Hiphil
This verb means to go or turn to the left, using the left hand or direction. It appears in various forms, including 'go to the left' and 'turn aside to the left'.
Definition: 1) to take the left, go to the left 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to go to the left 1a2) to turn (aside) to the left (fig) 1a3) to use the left hand
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (go, turn) (on the, to the) left. See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Chronicles 12:2; Isaiah 30:21.
בָּֽ/אֲבָנִ֔ים ʼeben H68 "stone" Prep | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
וּ/בַ/חִצִּ֖ים chêts H2671 "arrow" Conj | Prep | N-mp
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
בַּ/קָּ֑שֶׁת qesheth H7198 "bow" Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
מֵ/אֲחֵ֥י ʼâch H251 "brother" Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
שָׁא֖וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
מִ/בִּנְיָמִֽן Binyâmîyn H1144 "Benjamin" Prep | N-proper
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.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 12:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 3:15 And again they cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. So they sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab.
2 Judges 20:16 Among all these soldiers there were 700 select left-handers, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair without missing.
3 1 Samuel 17:49 Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
4 1 Chronicles 12:29 From Benjamin, the kinsmen of Saul: 3,000, most of whom had remained loyal to the house of Saul up to that time.

1 Chronicles 12:2 Summary

This verse describes a group of skilled warriors who came to support David, even though they were related to his enemy, Saul. They were able to use both hands to fight, making them very valuable to David's army. This shows how God brought people to David to help him, even from unexpected places, much like how God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4). It's a reminder that God is always working behind the scenes to bring about His plan, and we can trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of warriors were these men who came to David at Ziklag?

These men were skilled archers, able to use both hands to sling stones and shoot arrows, as described in 1 Chronicles 12:2, a valuable asset to David's army, much like the skilled warriors in Judges 20:16.

Why is it significant that these men were Saul's kinsmen from Benjamin?

It shows that even within Saul's own family and tribe, there were those who recognized God's anointing on David and chose to support him, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13, where David is anointed by Samuel.

How does this verse demonstrate God's providence in David's life?

This verse demonstrates God's providence in that He brought skilled warriors to David, even from the tribe of his enemy, Saul, to help him in his battles, similar to how God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 16:4.

What can we learn from the example of these men who came to David?

We can learn the importance of loyalty, courage, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as these men chose to support David despite the risks, much like the apostle Paul's encouragement to trust in God's plan in Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate loyalty and courage in my own life, even when it's difficult?
  2. How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging?
  3. What are some ways I can use my own skills and abilities to serve God and support His work, just like these archers used their skills to support David?
  4. How can I recognize and respond to God's providence in my own life, just as these men recognized God's anointing on David?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 12:2

They were armed with bows,.... Much used in war in those times: and could use both the right hand and the left, in hurling stones, and shooting arrows out of a bow; they were ambidextrous; who could

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 12:2

They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:2

Could use both the right hand and the left, with like nimbleness and certainty. Compare 20:16. Of Saul’ s brethren of Benjamin, i.e. of Saul’ s own tribe; who were moved hereunto by God’ s Spirit, and by the conscience of their duty to David, to whom God had given the crown in reversion; and by their observation of God’ s departure from Saul, and of his special presence with David, and his gracious providence for him.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:2

1 Chronicles 12:2 [They were] armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in [hurling] stones and [shooting] arrows out of a bow, [even] of Saul’ s brethren of Benjamin. Ver. 2. Even of Saul’ s brethren of Benjamin.] Mirum hoc fuit et quasi miraculum. It is God who worketh men’ s hearts, and fashioneth their opinions. Paul had friends in Nero’ s court, and Luther in the Pope’ s.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:2

(2) Armed with bows.—Literally, drawers of the bow (2 Chronicles 17:17). And could use.—They were ambidextrous “with stones, and with arrows on the bow.” The left-handed slingers of Benjamin were famous from of old. (Comp. Judges 20:16, and also 1 Chronicles 3:15.) Of Saul’s brethren—i.e., his fellow-tribesmen. Of Benjamin is added to make it clear that Saul’s immediate kinsmen are not intended. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 12:29.)

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 12:2

2. both the right hand and the left] On the occasion described in Judges 20 the Benjamites are said to have had seven hundred men lefthanded who could sling stones at a hair and not miss (ib. Judges 20:16). Cp. Judges 3:15. even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin] R.V. they were of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin. Brother is used in Heb. and Arabic for fellow-tribesman; cp. 2 Samuel 19:12.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 12:2

The skill of the Benjamites as archers is noted in 1 Chronicles 8:40, and 2 Chronicles 14:8.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:2

2. Could use both the right hand and the left — Hence their skill had been acquired by long and careful practice. See Judges 3:15; Judges 20:16, notes. Even of Saul’s brethren — That is, who were members of his own tribe.

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Bob Jennings Cut Off Goliath's Head by Bob Jennings In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being fully committed to God and pursuing holiness. He encourages the audience to confront and overcome their besetting si
Bakht Singh Five Stones - Part 1 by Bakht Singh In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. He emphasizes that this story is not just a familiar tale, but a love story that is often tol
K.P. Yohannan Have Faith in God by K.P. Yohannan K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that true faith in God is simple and powerful, contrasting it with complex, reasoned faith that leads to confusion and disappointment. He warns against the
K.P. Yohannan Do It God’s Way by K.P. Yohannan K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that faith often appears foolish from a worldly perspective, yet it is essential for trusting God's promises. He illustrates this through the stories of Da

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