And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:

1 CHRONICLES 27:33KJV
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1 Chronicles 27:33 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:33 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:33 states that Ahithophel served as the king’s counsellor, while Hushai the Archite was the king’s companion. This verse lists two important roles in King David’s court, highlighting the trusted advisors and close associates who supported the king.

This verse comes near the end of a chapter that details the organization of King David’s officials and leaders. The chronicler is summarizing the key people who held positions of influence and trust around the king. Ahithophel’s role as counsellor (advisor) and Hushai’s role as companion (close friend or confidant) show the different ways people served and supported the king beyond military or administrative duties.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:33

  • מֵעֵץ (me‘ēts, “counsellor”): This word refers to someone who gives advice or guidance, often in a formal or official capacity. Ahithophel’s title emphasizes his influence on the king’s decisions.
  • רֵעַ (rēa‘, “companion”): This word means a friend, associate, or close ally. Hushai’s role as “companion” suggests personal closeness and loyalty to the king, not just an official position.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:33 matters

  • This verse clarifies the different kinds of support a king needed: wise counsel for decision-making and loyal friendship for personal support.
  • It highlights the importance of relationships in leadership, showing that King David valued both strategic advice and personal companionship.
  • The mention of Ahithophel and Hushai connects to other stories in the Bible, where their actions and loyalty (or betrayal) have major impacts on David’s reign.

Where else these words appear

“Archite” Hebrew H757 · used in 6 verses

  • Joshua 16:2 And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,
  • 2 Samuel 15:32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
  • 2 Samuel 17:5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

“Hushai” Hebrew H2365 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 15:32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
  • 2 Samuel 16:18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.
  • 2 Samuel 17:8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

“Ahithophel” Hebrew H302 · used in 17 verses

  • 2 Samuel 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
  • 2 Samuel 16:21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.
  • 2 Samuel 17:14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.

“counsellor” Hebrew H3289 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • 2 Chronicles 25:16 And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.
  • Isaiah 3:3 The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.