1 Chronicles 27:14 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:14 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:14 records that Benaiah, a man from Pirathon in the tribe of Ephraim, was the eleventh captain in charge of the army for the eleventh month, and that his division consisted of twenty-four thousand men. This verse is part of a list detailing the leaders and divisions of King David’s military organization.

The writer is listing the monthly commanders who led Israel’s standing army under King David. Each captain was responsible for a specific month, and Benaiah’s turn was the eleventh month. The verse highlights the organized structure of David’s army, showing how leadership was shared among different tribes and regions.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:14

• בְּנָיָה (Benaiah): This name means "Yahweh has built" or "Yahweh builds," and it was a common name in Israel, often associated with notable warriors or leaders.
• פִּרְעָתוֹנִי (Pirathonite): This identifies Benaiah as coming from Pirathon, a town in Ephraim, emphasizing the tribal and regional diversity among David’s officers.
• אֶפְרַיִם (Ephraim): Naming Benaiah as one of the "children of Ephraim" ties him to one of Israel’s most prominent tribes, underlining the importance of Ephraim’s contribution to the nation’s defense.
• מַחֲלָקָה (course, transliterated as machalakah): This word refers to a division or rotation, showing that the army was organized into groups that served in turns, not all at once.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:14 matters

• This verse helps clarify how King David’s army was not a permanent standing force but was divided into rotating units, each serving for one month per year, which was an efficient way to maintain readiness without overburdening the population.
• By naming the captain, his hometown, and his tribe, the verse shows the inclusiveness and representation of different regions and families in national leadership.
• The verse fits into a larger chapter that demonstrates David’s administrative skill and the structured nature of Israel’s government during his reign.