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2 Samuel 20:26

2 Samuel 20:26 in Multiple Translations

and Ira the Jairite was David’s priest.

And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

and also Ira the Jairite was chief minister unto David.

And in addition, Ira the Jairite was a priest to David.

and Ira the Jairite was David's priest.

And also Ira the Iairite was chiefe about Dauid.

and also, Ira the Jairite hath been minister to David.

and Ira the Jairite was chief minister to David.

And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.

And Ira the Jairite was the priest of David.

and Ira from Jair town was also one of David’s priests.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 20:26

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.

2 Samuel 20:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/גַ֗ם עִירָא֙ הַ/יָּ֣אִרִ֔י הָיָ֥ה כֹהֵ֖ן לְ/דָוִֽד
וְ/גַ֗ם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM
עִירָא֙ ʻÎyrâʼ H5896 Ira N-proper
הַ/יָּ֣אִרִ֔י Yâʼirîy H2972 Jairite Art | Ngmsa
הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כֹהֵ֖ן kôhên H3548 priest N-ms
לְ/דָוִֽד Dâvid H1732 David Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 20:26

וְ/גַ֗ם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
עִירָא֙ ʻÎyrâʼ H5896 "Ira" N-proper
Ira was the name of three different Israelites, including a great officer and a mighty warrior of King David, as listed in 2 Samuel 23:38.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.23.38 § Ira = "watchful of a city" 1) the Jairite, one of David's great officers 2) one of David's mighty warriors 3) a Tekoite, son of Ikkesh, and another of David's mighty warriors
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ira. See also: 2 Samuel 20:26; 1 Chronicles 11:28; 1 Chronicles 27:9.
הַ/יָּ֣אִרִ֔י Yâʼirîy H2972 "Jairite" Art | Ngmsa
A Jairite is a descendant of Jair, a man from the tribe of Judah, first mentioned in Numbers 32:41. Ira the Jairite was a priest to King David. The term refers to someone from Jair's family line.
Definition: Someone descended from Jair who was a man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.32.41; son of: Segub (H7687H) Group of ya.ir (יָאִיר "Jair" H2971) § Jairite = "descendant of Jair" 1) a descendant of Jair 1a) Ira the Jairite was a priest to David
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Jairite. See also: 2 Samuel 20:26.
הָיָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-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.
כֹהֵ֖ן kôhên H3548 "priest" N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
לְ/דָוִֽד Dâvid H1732 "David" Prep | 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.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 20:26

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 23:38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,
2 Exodus 2:14 But the man replied, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you planning to kill me as you killed the Egyptian? ” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “This thing I have done has surely become known.”
3 Genesis 41:45 Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph took charge of all the land of Egypt.
4 Judges 10:4–5 He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys. And they had thirty towns in the land of Gilead, which to this day are called Havvoth-jair. When Jair died, he was buried in Kamon.
5 1 Chronicles 11:40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,
6 Exodus 24:11 But God did not lay His hand on the nobles of Israel; they saw Him, and they ate and drank.
7 Exodus 2:16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock.
8 2 Samuel 8:18 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.
9 Genesis 41:43 He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt.
10 2 Chronicles 35:15 The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their position, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them.

2 Samuel 20:26 Summary

This verse tells us about Ira, who was a priest for King David, showing that David valued spiritual leadership. Just like how Zadok and Abiathar were important priests (2 Samuel 20:25), Ira had a special role, reminding us that everyone has a part to play in serving God and others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. It's a reminder that our roles, no matter how big or small they seem, are important to God and to those around us, just as Jesus teaches about the body of Christ in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). By understanding Ira's role, we can appreciate the diversity of spiritual gifts and leadership in the biblical community and in our own lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ira the Jairite and what role did he play in David's administration?

Ira the Jairite is mentioned in 2 Samuel 20:26 as David's priest, indicating he had a significant spiritual role, similar to Zadok and Abiathar who were also priests (2 Samuel 20:25), and his position can be understood in the context of other biblical priests like Eli in 1 Samuel 1:9.

Why does the Bible mention Ira separately from other priests like Zadok and Abiathar?

The separate mention of Ira the Jairite as David's priest in 2 Samuel 20:26 may indicate a unique role or relationship with David, distinct from the general priestly duties of Zadok and Abiathar, highlighting the diversity of spiritual leadership in David's time, as seen in the various roles of prophets and priests throughout the First Book of Samuel and the Second Book of Samuel.

What can we learn from Ira's inclusion as a priest alongside more prominent figures like Zadok and Abiathar?

Ira's inclusion teaches us about the importance of recognizing all members of the body of Christ, regardless of their prominence, as each has a vital role to play, similar to the teachings in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 where different parts of the body are valued for their unique contributions.

How does Ira's role reflect the broader biblical theme of priesthood and spiritual leadership?

Ira's role as a priest reflects the biblical theme of spiritual leadership and the importance of priests in the community of faith, as seen in the Book of Exodus 19:6 where the Israelites are called to be a kingdom of priests, and in the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the high priest in the Epistle to the Hebrews 4:14-16, emphasizing the role of spiritual leaders in mediating between God and people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Ira's position as David's priest reveal about David's priorities and values as a leader?
  2. How does the Bible's mention of various priests and spiritual leaders encourage us to think about the diversity of roles within the church?
  3. In what ways can we, like Ira, serve as spiritual leaders or supporters in our own communities, even if our roles are not as visible as those of more prominent figures?
  4. What can we learn from the fact that Ira is mentioned by his clan name, 'the Jairite', and how might this relate to our own identities and sense of community?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 20:26

And Ira also the Jairite,.... Which some take to be the same with Ira the Ithrite, 2 Samuel 23:38; a son of Jether or Ithra the Israelite, 2 Samuel 17:25; though others suppose he was Ira the son of

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:26

The Jairite; so called from his birth or dwelling in the country of Jair in Gilead, . A chief ruler; either the president of the king’ s council; or his chief minister (as the Hebrew word cohen signifies) of state, instead of Ahithophel; or in some other very high place near the king’ s person. Compare , where this title is given to David’ s sons, the chief of which were now cut off. And these things are here repeated with some alteration to show that David was now fully re-established in his former estate.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:26

2 Samuel 20:26 And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David.Ver. 26. Was a chief ruler about David,] Heb., A prince, or a priest: whence some make him president of the council; others, the king’ s chaplain or his almoner; others, his peculiar and familiar friend. Amicus intimus et consiliarius. - Vat.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:26

(26) Ira also the Jairite.—He is not mentioned in the other lists of the king’s officers; Ira, an Ithrite, is found in the list of David’s “thirty and seven” heroes in 2 Samuel 23:38, but there is no ground for identifying the two persons. On the office of “chief ruler,” or cohen, see Note on 2 Samuel 8:18. Earlier in David’s reign the office had been occupied by his own sons, but the murder of the eldest, the rebellion and death of Absalom, and other disorders in his household had led apparently to a change.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:26

Verse 26. Ira - was a chief ruler about David.] The Hebrew is לדויד כהן cohen ledavid, a priest to David; and so the Vulgate, Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic. The Chaldee has רב rab, a prince, or chief. He was probably a sort of domestic chaplain to the king. We know that the kings of Judah had their seers, which is nearly the same: Gad was David's seer, 2 Samuel 24:11, and Jeduthun was the seer of King Josiah, 2 Chronicles 35:16. The conclusion of this chapter is very similar to the conclusion of 2 Samuel 8:16-18, where see the notes.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 20:26

26. a chief ruler about David] Minister to David. The post formerly held by David’s sons. See on ch. 2 Samuel 8:18.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 20:26

Ira the Jairite - Not mentioned before: perhaps the same as “Ira an Ithrite” (marginal reference), i. e., an inhabitant of Jattir in the hill country of Judah Joshua 15:48; 1 Samuel 30:27.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 20:26

26. Ira the Jairite — He either took the place of David’s sons, or was added to their number as a private counsellor. See on chap. 2 Samuel 8:18. Of his personal history we know nothing beyond this single fact.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 20:26

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 41:42-45 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph in the land of Egypt. Joseph is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, revealing that there will be seven years of fa
George Warnock Identifying With His Way by George Warnock George Warnock preaches on the importance of continually identifying with God throughout life to truly know Him, experience His power, and share in His sufferings. He uses the stor
David Wilkerson Enjoy His Company by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of the covenant made between God and Israel in Exodus 24, where the sprinkling of blood symbolized their full access to God and the joy
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 2:16-25 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. He highlights how the Israelites had turned away from God and
Don Courville Desert Survival Series Pt 6- Moses the Man of God by Don Courville In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his 40 years in the desert. The speaker emphasizes the lessons that God wanted to teach Moses during this time. One l

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