And of the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, which were expressed by name, to come and make David king.

1 CHRONICLES 12:31KJV
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1 Chronicles 12:31 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:31 mean?

1 Chronicles 12:31 reports that eighteen thousand men from the half tribe of Manasseh, each specifically named, came to support David and help make him king. The verse highlights the significant and organized support David received from this group during his rise to leadership.

This verse is part of a larger list describing the tribes of Israel sending warriors to David at Hebron. The chronicler is recording how different groups, including the half tribe of Manasseh, publicly committed themselves to David’s kingship. The mention that these men were “expressed by name” stresses their official and recognized status in this important moment.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:31

  • חֲצִי (ḥăṣî, "half"): This word clarifies that only half of the tribe of Manasseh is being referred to, since the tribe was divided between land east and west of the Jordan River.
  • נָשָׂא (nāśā’, "expressed"): This word is often used for being counted or registered, suggesting these men were officially listed or recorded by name, not just an estimate.
  • שֵׁם (šēm, "name"): The use of “name” emphasizes that these were known individuals, not anonymous supporters, underlining the legitimacy and seriousness of their commitment.

Why 1 Chronicles 12:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s support was not just general enthusiasm but involved specific, named leaders and warriors from Israel’s tribes, showing organized and deliberate backing.
  • The mention of the half tribe of Manasseh connects to the broader context of Israel’s tribal divisions and unity under David, highlighting the gathering of all Israelite factions.
  • The careful record of names and numbers in this chapter underscores the chronicler’s intent to show the legitimacy and widespread acceptance of David’s kingship.

Where else these words appear

“expressed” Hebrew H5344 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 30:28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.
  • 2 Kings 18:21 Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, even upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.
  • Job 41:2 Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn?

“half” Hebrew H2677 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
  • Joshua 13:31 And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:71 Unto the sons of Gershom were given out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:

“eighteen” Hebrew H8083 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 5:4 And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:
  • 1 Kings 7:10 And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.

“Manasseh” Hebrew H4519 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Joshua 17:5 And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
  • 1 Chronicles 3:13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,