The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite,

1 CHRONICLES 12:3KJV
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1 Chronicles 12:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:3 mean?

1 Chronicles 12:3 lists some of the leaders and warriors who joined David at Ziklag, naming Ahiezer as chief, then Joash, Jeziel, Pelet, Berachah, and Jehu, along with their family backgrounds. This verse is part of a record showing the specific individuals and families who supported David during his rise to kingship.

The book of 1 Chronicles is recounting the people who came to support David while Saul was still king. The verse specifically names men from the tribe of Benjamin, Saul’s own tribe, highlighting their loyalty to David even before he became king. This list helps the reader see the diversity and commitment of those who rallied to David’s side.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:3

  • "chief" (רֹאשׁ, rosh): This word means "head" or "leader." Naming Ahiezer as the chief shows he was the recognized leader among these warriors.
  • "sons" (בֵּן, ben): Used here to indicate family relationships, it shows the importance of lineage and family ties in identifying these men.
  • "Gibeathite" (הַגִּבְעָתִי, ha-giv‘ati): This term means someone from Gibeah, a town in Benjamin, which roots these men in a specific place and tribe.
  • "Antothite" (הָעַנְתֹּתִי, ha-‘antoti): This means someone from Anathoth, another town in Benjamin, again emphasizing the local and tribal connections of David’s supporters.

Why 1 Chronicles 12:3 matters

  • This verse shows that David’s support came from a variety of families and towns, even from Saul’s own tribe, which would have been politically and personally significant.
  • By naming individuals and their family backgrounds, the verse emphasizes the real people and relationships involved in David’s rise, not just anonymous soldiers.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing the growing momentum behind David, helping the reader understand how his leadership was recognized and supported before he became king.

Where else these words appear

“Pelet” Hebrew H6404 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 2:47 And the sons of Jahdai; Regem, and Jotham, and Geshan, and Pelet, and Ephah, and Shaaph.

“Berachah” Hebrew H1294 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 20:26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.

“Antothite” Hebrew H6069 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 23:27 Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,
  • 1 Chronicles 11:28 Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite,
  • 1 Chronicles 27:12 The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

“Ahiezer” Hebrew H295 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 1:12 Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
  • Numbers 2:25 The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
  • Numbers 7:71 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.