1 Chronicles 12:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:5 mean?

1 Chronicles 12:5 lists five men—Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite—who were among those who joined David while he was in exile. This verse is part of a larger section naming the warriors who supported David before he became king.

The book of 1 Chronicles was written to record Israel’s history, and here it highlights the individuals who allied themselves with David during a difficult period. These names are part of a roster showing the loyalty and diversity of David’s supporters, many of whom came from different tribes and backgrounds.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:5

• אֱלוּזַי (Eluzai, transliterated "Eluzai"): This name likely means "God is my strength." It emphasizes the faith or hope placed in God by those who followed David.
• יְרִימוֹת (Jerimoth, transliterated "Jerimoth"): This name can mean "heights" or "he is exalted," suggesting a sense of elevation or honor.
• בְּעַלְיָה (Bealiah, transliterated "Bealiah"): This name means "Yahweh is master" or "Yahweh is Lord," reflecting devotion to God.
• שְׁמַרְיָה (Shemariah, transliterated "Shemariah"): This name means "Yahweh has guarded" or "protected by Yahweh," indicating trust in God’s protection.
• שְׁפַטְיָה הַחָרוּפִי (Shephatiah the Haruphite, transliterated "Shephatiah ha-Haruphite"): "Shephatiah" means "Yahweh has judged." "Haruphite" refers to his clan or family origin, possibly from a group called the Haruphites.

Why 1 Chronicles 12:5 matters

• This verse shows that David’s support came from a wide range of people, not just from his own tribe, highlighting the broad appeal of his leadership.
• The inclusion of specific names and origins underlines the chronicler’s care in preserving the memory of those who stood by David in hard times.
• By listing these men, the passage connects personal loyalty and faithfulness to the larger story of Israel’s history and God’s work through David.