And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the general of the king's army was Joab.

1 CHRONICLES 27:34KJV
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1 Chronicles 27:34 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:34 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:34 lists key leaders who served under King David, naming Jehoiada son of Benaiah and Abiathar after Ahithophel, and stating that Joab was the general of the king’s army. This verse summarizes the top advisors and military commander in David’s administration.

This verse comes at the end of a chapter detailing the organization of King David’s officials and military divisions. The writer is recording for the people of Israel the names of those who held the highest positions of counsel and command during David’s reign, showing the structure and stability of his government.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:34

  • אֲחַר (achar, H310): Often translated "after," this word marks succession or order, showing that Jehoiada and Abiathar followed Ahithophel in rank or role as counselors.
  • שַׂר (sar, H8269): Translated "general," this word means a chief, leader, or prince, emphasizing Joab’s high authority as the head of the king’s army.
  • צָבָא (tsava, H6635): Translated "army," this word refers to organized military forces, highlighting the formal structure of David’s military under Joab.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:34 matters

  • This verse clarifies the leadership structure at the highest level of David’s kingdom, showing both spiritual (priests and counselors) and military leadership.
  • It connects to the wider chapter, which lists other officials, by wrapping up with the most prominent figures, emphasizing the completeness and order of David’s administration.
  • By naming these individuals, the verse helps readers understand the continuity and changes in David’s advisory team, especially after the betrayal of Ahithophel.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“Abiathar” Hebrew H54 · used in 28 verses

  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • 2 Samuel 15:29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
  • 1 Kings 1:42 And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came: and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings.

“Benaiah” Hebrew H1141 · used in 41 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
  • 1 Kings 2:29 And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled unto the tabernacle of the LORD; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;

“Jehoiada” Hebrew H3077 · used in 48 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
  • 1 Kings 4:4 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:
  • 2 Chronicles 23:9 Moreover Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds spears, and bucklers, and shields, that had been king David's, which were in the house of God.