And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.

1 CHRONICLES 12:34KJV
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1 Chronicles 12:34 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:34 mean?

1 Chronicles 12:34 reports that from the tribe of Naphtali, there were a thousand captains and thirty-seven thousand men equipped with shields and spears who joined David. This verse highlights the significant military support David received from Naphtali as he was gathering forces to become king.

This verse is part of a list describing the different tribes of Israel and the numbers of warriors each sent to support David at Hebron. The focus is on the size and readiness of Naphtali’s contingent, emphasizing their organization (with captains) and their preparedness for battle (with shields and spears).

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:34

  • נַפְתָּלִי (Naphtali, Naphtali): This is the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob’s son Naphtali. The verse singles out this tribe’s contribution to David’s cause.
  • שָׁלִשִׁים וְשִׁבְעָה אֶלֶף (sheloshim v’shiv’ah elef, thirty and seven thousand): The Hebrew phrase for “thirty and seven thousand” underlines the large number of troops, showing the tribe’s strong support.
  • שָׁלִשִׁים (sheloshim, thirty) and שִׁבְעָה (shiv’ah, seven): These numbers are combined to form “thirty-seven,” giving a precise count rather than a rounded estimate.
  • צִנָּה (tsinnah, shield) and חֲנִית (chanit, spear): These words specify the weapons the men carried, indicating they were well-armed and ready for combat.

Why 1 Chronicles 12:34 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s support came from all over Israel, not just a few tribes, showing the broad base of his leadership.
  • The detailed numbers and mention of weapons emphasize the seriousness and organization of David’s supporters, not just their enthusiasm.
  • In the wider context, this list demonstrates the unity and strength of Israel as David transitions to kingship, setting the stage for his reign.

Where else these words appear

“shield” Hebrew H6793 · used in 20 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:12 And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.
  • Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

“spear” Hebrew H2595 · used in 40 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:
  • 1 Samuel 26:8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:20 And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.

“Naphtali” Hebrew H5321 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 30:8 And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.