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1 Chronicles 12:38

1 Chronicles 12:38 in Multiple Translations

All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king.

All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.

All these, being men of war, that could order the battle array, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.

All these men of war, expert in ordering the fight, came to Hebron with the full purpose of making David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were united in their desire to make David king.

All these men came to Hebron dressed for battle, completely committed to making David king. All of Israel agreed that David should become king.

All these men of warre that coulde leade an armie, came with vpright heart to Hebron to make Dauid King ouer all Israel: and all the rest of Israel was of one accorde to make Dauid King:

All these [are] men of war, keeping rank — with a perfect heart they have come to Hebron, to cause David to reign over all Israel, and also all the rest of Israel [are] of one heart, to cause David to reign,

All these were men of war who could order the battle array, and came with a perfect heart to Hebron to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.

All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.

All these men of war well appointed to fight, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel, were of one heart to make David king.

All those men were soldiers who volunteered to be in David’s army. They came to Hebron wanting very much to enable David to be the king of all of the Israeli people.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 12:38

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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 12:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/מֵ/עֵ֣בֶר לַ֠/יַּרְדֵּן מִן הָ/ראוּבֵנִ֨י וְ/הַ/גָּדִ֜י וַ/חֲצִ֣י שֵׁ֣בֶט מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה בְּ/כֹל֙ כְּלֵי֙ צְבָ֣א מִלְחָמָ֔ה מֵאָ֥ה וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֖ים אָֽלֶף
וּ/מֵ/עֵ֣בֶר ʻêber H5676 side Conj | Prep | N-ms
לַ֠/יַּרְדֵּן Yardên H3383 Jordan Prep | N-proper
מִן min H4480 from Prep
הָ/ראוּבֵנִ֨י Rᵉʼûwbênîy H7206 Reubenite Art | Ngmsa
וְ/הַ/גָּדִ֜י Gâdîy H1425 Gad Conj | Art | Ngmsa
וַ/חֲצִ֣י chêtsîy H2677 half Conj | N-ms
שֵׁ֣בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 tribe N-ms
מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה Mᵉnashsheh H4519 Moses N-proper
בְּ/כֹל֙ kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
כְּלֵי֙ kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil N-mp
צְבָ֣א tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cs
מִלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 battle N-fs
מֵאָ֥ה mêʼâh H3967 hundred Adj
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֖ים ʻesrîym H6242 twenty Conj | Adj
אָֽלֶף ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 12:38

וּ/מֵ/עֵ֣בֶר ʻêber H5676 "side" Conj | Prep | N-ms
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.
לַ֠/יַּרְדֵּן Yardên H3383 "Jordan" Prep | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
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.
הָ/ראוּבֵנִ֨י Rᵉʼûwbênîy H7206 "Reubenite" Art | Ngmsa
A Reubenite is a descendant of Reuben, son of Israel and Leah, first mentioned in Genesis 29:32. Reubenites are part of the tribe of Reuben, living during the time of the Patriarchs. They are named after their ancestor Reuben.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) Group of re.u.ven (רְאוּבֵן "Reuben" H7205) § Reubenite, of Reuben "behold a son" a descendant of Reuben the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: children of Reuben, Reubenites. See also: Numbers 26:7; Joshua 13:8; 1 Chronicles 27:16.
וְ/הַ/גָּדִ֜י Gâdîy H1425 "Gad" Conj | Art | Ngmsa
The term Gad refers to the descendants of Gad, one of the twelve sons of Israel. The Gadites were a tribe that lived during the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned in Genesis 30:11. They were part of the Israelite community.
Definition: Spomeone from the tribe of Gad living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.11; son of: Israel (H3478) and Zilpah (H2153); brother of: Asher (H0836); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Ziphion (H6837), Haggi (H2291), Shuni (H7764), Ezbon (H0675), Eri (H6179), Arod (H0720) and Areli (H0692) Another name of gad (גָּד "Gad" H1410G) § Gadite = "an invader: a troop: fortune" one of the tribe descended from Gad
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Gadites, children of Gad. See also: Numbers 34:14; Joshua 22:1; 1 Chronicles 26:32.
וַ/חֲצִ֣י chêtsîy H2677 "half" Conj | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
שֵׁ֣בֶט shêbeṭ H7626 "tribe" N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה Mᵉnashsheh H4519 "Moses" N-proper
Manasseh was a grandson of Jacob and the ancestor of a large tribe in the Bible, mentioned in Genesis 41:51 and throughout the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) Another name of mo.sheh (מֹשֶׁה "Moses" H4872) § Manasseh = "causing to forget" 1) the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh 1a) the tribe descended from Manasseh 1b) the territory occupied by the tribe of Manasseh 2) son of king Hezekiah of Judah and himself king of Judah; he was the immediate and direct cause for the exile 3) a descendant of Pahath-moab who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Hashum who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Manasseh. See also: Genesis 41:51; Joshua 22:21; Psalms 60:9.
בְּ/כֹל֙ kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כְּלֵי֙ kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
צְבָ֣א tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" N-cs
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
מִלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
מֵאָ֥ה mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֖ים ʻesrîym H6242 "twenty" Conj | Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
אָֽלֶף ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 12:38

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 49:8–10 Judah, your brothers shall praise you. Your hand shall be on the necks of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down to you. Judah is a young lion— my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.
2 1 Kings 8:61 So let your heart be fully devoted to the LORD our God, as it is this day, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments.”
3 Psalms 101:2 I will ponder the way that is blameless— when will You come to me? I will walk in my house with integrity of heart.
4 2 Kings 20:3 “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
5 2 Samuel 5:1–3 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.
6 1 Chronicles 12:33 From Zebulun: 50,000 fit for service, trained for battle with all kinds of weapons of war, who with one purpose were devoted to David.
7 Psalms 110:3 Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth.
8 2 Chronicles 30:12 Moreover, the power of God was on the people in Judah to give them one heart to obey the command of the king and his officials according to the word of the LORD.
9 1 Kings 11:4 For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been.
10 1 Chronicles 12:17–18 And David went out to meet them, saying, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free of violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.” Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.

1 Chronicles 12:38 Summary

This verse tells us that a large group of men, all prepared for battle, came to Hebron to make David the king of all Israel. They were all in agreement and wanted David to lead them, just like the Israelites had been united in their desire to follow God's commands in Deuteronomy 26:17. This event shows us the importance of unity and following God's plan, just as David did when he trusted in God's promise to make him king, as seen in Psalm 78:70-71. By looking at this verse, we can learn about the value of working together and following God's leaders, just as the Israelites did when they made David their king.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that these men of war were 'fully determined' to make David king?

This phrase indicates a strong commitment and resolve to support David as their leader, similar to the determination of the Israelites to obey God's commands in Deuteronomy 26:17 and to follow His ways in Joshua 24:15.

Why did all the rest of the Israelites agree to make David king?

The Israelites recognized God's hand in David's life and the victories he had achieved, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:14 and 2 Samuel 5:10, and they were united in their desire to have him as their leader.

What is the significance of Hebron in this context?

Hebron was a city in Judah where David had already been anointed king over the tribe of Judah, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 2:4, and now it serves as the location where the rest of Israel comes to acknowledge him as their king as well.

How does this event relate to God's larger plan for Israel?

This event is a fulfillment of God's promise to make David the king over all Israel, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:13 and reiterated in Psalm 78:70-71, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'of one mind' in a community, and how can we strive for unity in our own churches and families?
  2. How can we, like the men of war in this verse, demonstrate our commitment to following God's leaders and plans for our lives?
  3. In what ways can we show support and provision for those around us, just as the relatives and neighbors of the Israelites did for David and his men?
  4. What are some ways we can recognize and respond to God's hand at work in the lives of those around us, just as the Israelites did in recognizing God's work in David's life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 12:38

All these men of war that could keep rank,.... Well disciplined men: came with a perfect heart to Hebron to make David king over Israel; they were all of one mind, and quite hearty and sincere in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 12:38

All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:38

To wit, after the death of Abner and Ish-bosheth.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:38

1 Chronicles 12:38 All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel [were] of one heart to make David king.Ver. 38. Were of one heart to make David king.] So were those primitive Christians, and are now the reformed churches, to set up the Lord Christ.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:38

(38) Conclusion of the list of 1 Chronicles 12:23-37. All these men of war.—Rather, All the above, being men of war, forming line of battle with whole heart, came to Hebron to make David king. The phrase “forming line of battle,” repeats the verb of 1 Chronicles 12:3, and supplies its proper object (‘τdĕ ?rκ ma’drγkhah, aciem struentes). The Hebrew indicates a stop at “line of battle;” it is better to put it after “with whole heart” (comp. 1 Chronicles 12:33). “They formed in line with fearless intrepidity;” literally, corde integro. And all the rest also of Israel, who did not appear personally at Hebron.—” The rest (shηrξth) is a term used here only. The Hebrew says, “the remainder of Israel (was) one heart,” i.e., was unanimous. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:12.) Allowing the average for Issachar, the total of the warriors assembled at Hebron was upwards of 300,000. This will not surprise us if we bear in mind that in those days every able-bodied man was, as a matter of course, trained in the use of arms, and liable to be called out for the king,s wars. Thus “man” and “warrior” were almost convertible terms. The present gathering was not a parade of the entire strength of the nation; coύnp. the 600,000 warriors of the Exodus, and the 1,300,000 of David’s census. The main difficulty—that of the relative proportions of the various tribal contingents—has been considered in the preceding Notes. The suggestions there made are, of course, uncertain, the fact being that we really do not know enough of the condition of the tribes at that epoch to justify us in pronouncing upon the relative probability of the numbers here assigned to them. That being so, it is a hasty and uncritical exaggeration to say that “it is absolutely inconceivable that the tribes near the place of meeting, notably that of Judah, should have furnised so small a contingent, while the figures are raised in direct proportion to the distance to be traversed” (Reuss).

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 12:38

38. men of war, that could keep rank] R.V. being men of war, that could order the battle array. with a perfect heart] i.e. with whole, undivided heart.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 12:38

38. The rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king — That is, they made no opposition, and raised no remonstrance.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 12:38

SermonDescription
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - 1 Chronicles by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer reflects on the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, emphasizing the significance of each name as a testament to God's love and purpose for humanity. He warns that while our liv
F.B. Meyer All These Men of War, That Could Keep Rank, Came by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of unity in the Church, drawing parallels from the unification of Israel under King David. He argues that true unity is achieved not through or
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 49:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17, which refers to a star. The preacher connects this prophecy to the coming of Christ, who is describ
Ian Paisley The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Ian Paisley In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unity of the Bible, stating that it is one book despite being composed of many individual books. The sermon explores the theme of death
Michael Flowers The Woman, the Dragon & the Male Child - Christmas Eve 2017 by Michael Flowers In this sermon, the preacher explores the unseen story behind the rebellion against God and the cosmic realities surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation is hi
Ian Paisley The Must of All Musts by Ian Paisley In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unity of the Bible, despite it being a collection of 66 books. He highlights the deaths and death bed scenes of various individuals in t
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 1 Kings 5-8 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dedication of the temple by Solomon. The ark of the covenant is brought into the temple, and the glory of the Lord fills the temple, just

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