Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.

1 CHRONICLES 11:22KJV
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1 Chronicles 11:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 11:22 mean?

1 Chronicles 11:22 describes the bravery and remarkable deeds of Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, highlighting that he killed two strong men from Moab and also killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day. The verse emphasizes Benaiah’s courage and skill as a warrior, setting him apart among King David’s mighty men.

This verse is part of a larger section listing the heroic acts of David’s key warriors. The writer is recounting these stories to show why certain men were honored in David’s reign. The mention of Benaiah’s actions, especially the unusual detail about killing a lion in a pit during snowy weather, underlines both the danger he faced and his determination.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 11:22

  • חַיִל (chayil, “valiant”): This word means strength, ability, or valor. Calling Benaiah’s father a “valiant man” signals a family reputation for bravery and capability.
  • אַרְיֵה (aryeh, “lion”): The specific mention of a lion, a symbol of danger and strength, highlights the extraordinary nature of Benaiah’s feat.
  • בּוֹר (bor, “pit”): The word for “pit” shows that Benaiah’s fight with the lion happened in a confined, dangerous space, not out in the open, making his victory even more impressive.
  • שָׁלַג (shaleg, “snowy”): The reference to a snowy day adds another layer of difficulty, suggesting harsh, slippery, and cold conditions during the event.

Why 1 Chronicles 11:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Benaiah’s reputation was not just based on military rank but on specific, daring acts that set him apart from others.
  • The details about the lion and the snowy pit show that the Bible sometimes highlights the gritty, real-life challenges faced by its heroes, not just their victories.
  • By including Benaiah’s story in the list of David’s mighty men, the writer connects individual courage to the strength and success of David’s kingdom as a whole.

Where else these words appear

“men” Hebrew H739 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Samuel 23:20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:

“Kabzeel” Hebrew H6909 · used in 3 verses

  • Joshua 15:21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
  • 2 Samuel 23:20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:

“snowy” Hebrew H7950 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 4:6 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
  • Job 24:19 Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so doth the grave those which have sinned.
  • Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

“acts” Hebrew H6467 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.
  • Psalms 44:1 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
  • Proverbs 24:12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?