1 Chronicles 11:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 11:4 mean?

1 Chronicles 11:4 describes how David, together with all the people of Israel, set out for Jerusalem, which at that time was known as Jebus and inhabited by the Jebusites. The verse notes that Jerusalem was not yet an Israelite city, but was still controlled by its original inhabitants.

This verse is part of a historical account showing David’s rise to kingship and his efforts to establish a central capital for Israel. The Chronicler is narrating to later generations how David and the united tribes of Israel approached Jerusalem, which was then a fortified city held by the Jebusite people. The mention of both names—Jerusalem and Jebus—highlights the transition from its old identity to its future as Israel’s capital.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 11:4

• יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם (Yerushalayim, "Jerusalem"): The verse uses both the ancient name "Jebus" and the later name "Jerusalem," signaling a change in ownership and significance for the city.
• יְבוּסִי (Yevusi, "Jebusites"): This word identifies the specific group living in the city before David’s conquest, emphasizing that Jerusalem was not originally an Israelite city.
• יָשַׁב (yashav, "inhabitants"): The word points to those who were settled there, underlining that the land was occupied and not empty when David arrived.
• אֶרֶץ (erets, "land"): This term refers to the territory or region, reminding the reader that the Jebusites were established residents of this area.

Why 1 Chronicles 11:4 matters

• The verse clarifies that Jerusalem was not always an Israelite city, but was originally inhabited by the Jebusites, which helps explain the significance of David’s conquest.
• By using both "Jebus" and "Jerusalem," the verse marks a turning point in the city’s history, showing its transformation into the central city for Israel.
• This detail sets the stage for the following verses, where David’s capture of Jerusalem becomes a key moment in unifying the tribes and establishing his rule.