But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him.

1 CHRONICLES 20:7KJV
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1 Chronicles 20:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 20:7 mean?

1 Chronicles 20:7 tells how Jonathan, the son of Shimea (David’s brother), killed a man who had challenged and insulted Israel. This verse highlights a specific moment when someone from David’s extended family defeated an enemy who had openly defied the people of Israel.

The setting is a battle between Israel and the Philistines, where a warrior from the Philistine side “defied” Israel, meaning he openly mocked or challenged them. Jonathan, who is David’s nephew, steps forward and kills this challenger. The verse is part of a section describing the victories of David’s men over formidable Philistine opponents, showing that courage and loyalty to Israel ran in David’s family.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 20:7

  • The word “defied” (חָרַף, ḥāraph) means to taunt, mock, or insult. In this context, it shows that the Philistine warrior was not just fighting, but also publicly shaming Israel, which made his defeat especially significant.
  • “Jonathan” (יוֹנָתָן, Yonatan) is named specifically, emphasizing his identity and connection to David’s family, showing that the courage to defend Israel was shared among David’s relatives.
  • “Slew” (נָכָה, nākhah) means to strike or kill decisively. The use of this word underlines that Jonathan’s action was a clear and complete victory over the enemy.

Why 1 Chronicles 20:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the victories over the Philistines were not only achieved by David himself, but also by his family members, highlighting the broader strength of his household.
  • The mention of the enemy “defying” Israel connects this event to earlier stories, such as Goliath’s challenge, reinforcing a theme of God’s people overcoming those who insult or oppose them.
  • By naming Jonathan and his lineage, the verse roots the story in real family relationships, making the account more personal and showing the ongoing legacy of David’s family in defending Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Shimea” Hebrew H8092 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Samuel 21:21 And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:13 And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third,
  • 1 Chronicles 6:30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.

“defied” Hebrew H2778 · used in 40 verses

  • Leviticus 19:20 And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
  • 2 Kings 19:23 By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
  • Psalms 102:8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.

“Jonathan” Hebrew H3083 · used in 73 verses

  • Judges 18:30 And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land.
  • 1 Samuel 20:28 And Jonathan answered Saul, David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:
  • 2 Samuel 9:3 And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.