And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.

1 CHRONICLES 20:4KJV
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1 Chronicles 20:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 20:4 mean?

1 Chronicles 20:4 describes a battle at Gezer between the Israelites and the Philistines, where Sibbechai the Hushathite killed Sippai, who was one of the descendants of the giant, leading to the Philistines being subdued. This verse highlights a specific victory by an Israelite warrior over a formidable enemy linked to the giants.

The verse is part of a historical account written to record Israel’s military encounters during King David’s reign. It focuses on a moment when Israel faced the Philistines, long-standing enemies, and emphasizes the defeat of a notable Philistine warrior descended from the "giant" (often understood as a group of unusually large or strong people). The mention of Sibbechai by name shows the importance of individual acts of bravery in Israel’s history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 20:4

  • "war" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah): This word means battle or conflict, emphasizing that this was a significant military engagement, not just a minor skirmish.
  • "giant" (רָפָא, rafa): This term is often connected to the Rephaim, a group described in the Old Testament as giants or mighty men. Here, it marks Sippai as a particularly fearsome opponent.
  • "subdued" (כָּנַע, kana): This word means to bring into subjection or to humble. The use here shows that the Philistines were not just defeated but brought under control, highlighting the completeness of Israel’s victory.

Why 1 Chronicles 20:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s victories over the Philistines were not only due to King David but also involved other key warriors, showing a broader team effort.
  • The mention of descendants of the giant connects this battle to earlier stories of giants in the land, such as Goliath, reinforcing the theme of God’s people overcoming seemingly impossible foes.
  • The specific naming of places and people grounds the story in real history, helping readers see these as actual events rather than legends.

Where else these words appear

“Sibbechai” Hebrew H5444 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Samuel 21:18 And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,
  • 1 Chronicles 27:11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

“Hushathite” Hebrew H2843 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 21:18 And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.
  • 2 Samuel 23:27 Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,
  • 1 Chronicles 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

“children” Hebrew H3211 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Genesis 17:27 And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
  • Joshua 15:14 And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

“Gezer” Hebrew H1507 · used in 14 verses

  • Joshua 10:33 Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish; and Joshua smote him and his people, until he had left him none remaining.
  • Joshua 21:21 For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,
  • 1 Kings 9:16 For Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it for a present unto his daughter, Solomon's wife.