And he built the city round about, even from Millo round about: and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

1 CHRONICLES 11:8KJV
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1 Chronicles 11:8 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 11:8 mean?

1 Chronicles 11:8 describes how David built up the city of Jerusalem, starting from a place called Millo and working around the city, while Joab, his military commander, repaired the rest of the city. The verse highlights both David’s leadership in strengthening Jerusalem and Joab’s role in restoring its remaining parts.

This verse comes as David establishes himself as king in Jerusalem. After capturing the city, David focuses on making it secure and livable, showing practical steps in building his new capital. The mention of Millo refers to a specific structure or area within Jerusalem, and Joab’s involvement shows the teamwork between the king and his commander in rebuilding the city.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 11:8

  • "built" (בָּנָה, banah): This word means to construct or rebuild, emphasizing David’s active role in developing Jerusalem’s defenses and infrastructure.
  • "Millo" (הַמִּלּוֹא, ha-millo): Millo likely refers to a specific fortification or earthwork in Jerusalem, possibly a supporting structure or filled-in area that was important for the city’s defense.
  • "repaired" (חָיָה, chayah): This word often means "to restore to life" or "to revive," so Joab’s work was not just fixing walls but bringing the city back to a strong, functioning state.

Why 1 Chronicles 11:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jerusalem’s transformation into a strong capital was a deliberate process involving both leadership and teamwork, not just a single event.
  • The mention of Millo and Joab’s repairs shows the practical challenges of making Jerusalem a secure and central city for Israel.
  • It connects to the wider story of David’s rise and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual heart of Israel, setting the stage for later events in the Bible.

Where else these words appear

“Millo” Hebrew H4407 · used in 9 verses

  • Judges 9:6 And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem.
  • 2 Samuel 5:9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
  • 1 Kings 11:27 And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father.

“rest” Hebrew H7605 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:41 And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever;
  • Nehemiah 11:20 And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.
  • Isaiah 11:16 And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.

“Joab” Hebrew H3097 · used in 124 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 14:21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
  • 2 Samuel 24:3 And Joab said unto the king, Now the LORD thy God add unto the people, how many soever they be, an hundredfold, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it: but why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?