These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.

1 CHRONICLES 12:15KJV
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1 Chronicles 12:15 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:15 mean?

1 Chronicles 12:15 describes a group of warriors who crossed the Jordan River during its flood season, when the river had overflowed its banks, and then drove away the people living in the valleys on both the east and west sides. This verse highlights both their bravery and their military success under difficult conditions.

This part of 1 Chronicles is listing the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag, showing their loyalty and strength. The verse specifically points out that these men were able to cross the Jordan at a time when it was especially dangerous, which would have been in the first month (around March-April), during the spring floods. Their ability to defeat enemies on both sides of the river shows their determination and skill, and it sets them apart as exceptional warriors in David’s growing support.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:15

  • "over" (עָבַר, ʿāvar): This word means to cross over or pass through. The text emphasizes that these men did not just approach the river—they actually crossed it, even when it was at its most difficult.
  • "overflown" (מָלֵא, mālē’): This word means to be full or filled up. Here, it describes the Jordan River being swollen with floodwaters, making the crossing even more dangerous and impressive.
  • "banks" (גָּדָה, gādāh and גָּדִישׁ, gādîsh): These two words refer to the edges or sides of the river, highlighting that the river had overflowed its normal boundaries.
  • "flight" (בָּרַח, bāraḥ): This word means to flee or put to flight. The verse uses it to show that the warriors caused their enemies to run away in fear, underlining their effectiveness in battle.

Why 1 Chronicles 12:15 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that these warriors joined David under easy circumstances; it stresses that they overcame real, physical dangers to support him.
  • The detail about the river being flooded shows that their commitment was not just about fighting, but also about overcoming natural obstacles, which would have been seen as a sign of courage and faith.
  • By mentioning victories on both the east and west sides of the Jordan, the verse connects these men’s actions to the larger story of Israel’s history, where crossing the Jordan often marked a significant step in God’s plan for His people.

Where else these words appear

“banks” Hebrew H1415 · used in 4 verses

  • Joshua 3:15 And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water,(for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,)
  • Joshua 4:18 And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before.
  • Isaiah 8:7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

“west” Hebrew H4628 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 7:28 And their possessions and habitations were, Bethel and the towns thereof, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with the towns thereof; Shechem also and the towns thereof, unto Gaza and the towns thereof:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.
  • Psalms 107:3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

“flight” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

“valleys” Hebrew H6010 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Judges 7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
  • Job 39:21 He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men.