Question 1

What does 1 Chronicles 11:46 mean?

Accepted Answer

1 Chronicles 11:46 lists several men—Eliel the Mahavite, Jeribai, Joshaviah (sons of Elnaam), and Ithmah the Moabite—who were among King David’s mighty warriors. This verse is part of a longer section that records the names of those who played important roles in David’s rise to power. This list is being presented by the author of Chronicles to the people of Israel, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of David’s supporters. The mention of Ithmah the Moabite shows that not all of David’s mighty men were Israelites by birth, underlining the broad appeal and reach of David’s leadership.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 11:46

Accepted Answer

מָחֲוִי (Mahavite, maḥăwî): This word identifies Eliel’s origin or clan, though the exact location or group is not well known. Its inclusion shows the chronicler’s attention to detail about each warrior’s background. בְּנֵי (sons, bənê): Used here to indicate that Jeribai and Joshaviah are sons of Elnaam, clarifying family relationships among the warriors. מוֹאָבִי (Moabite, mō’ābî): This term marks Ithmah as someone from Moab, a nation often seen as an outsider to Israel. His presence in the list highlights the inclusion of foreigners among David’s closest fighters.

Question 3

Why 1 Chronicles 11:46 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse reminds readers that David’s supporters came from a variety of backgrounds, including foreigners, which was unusual for Israel’s military elite. The careful listing of names and origins emphasizes the chronicler’s respect for each individual’s contribution, no matter how obscure their background. By connecting these names to the larger list of David’s mighty men, the verse helps modern readers see the broad coalition that supported David’s kingship and the unity it brought to Israel.

1 Chronicles 11:46 (KJV)