This is that Benaiah, who was mighty among the thirty, and above the thirty: and in his course was Ammizabad his son.

1 CHRONICLES 27:6KJV
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1 Chronicles 27:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 27:6 mean?

1 Chronicles 27:6 highlights Benaiah as an especially distinguished warrior among King David’s elite group known as "the thirty," stating that he stood out even above them. The verse also notes that Benaiah’s son, Ammizabad, served as a leader in his own division of the army.

This verse is part of a list detailing the leaders of Israel’s military divisions during David’s reign. The writer is recording the organization of the army, emphasizing Benaiah’s exceptional status among the top fighters and noting the family connection with his son’s leadership role. The verse shows both the honor given to Benaiah and the continuation of his legacy through Ammizabad.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 27:6

  • בְּנָיָה (Benaiah, transliteration: Benaiah): This is the personal name of the warrior being honored, meaning "Yahweh has built." His mention here underlines his reputation and importance in David’s forces.
  • גִּבּוֹר (gibbôr, transliteration: mighty): This word is often used for a strong or valiant warrior. Calling Benaiah "mighty" places him among the most respected fighters.
  • הַשְּׁלֹשִׁים (hash-sheloshim, transliteration: the thirty): This refers to the elite group of thirty warriors in David’s army. The repetition ("among the thirty, and above the thirty") stresses that Benaiah was not just a member but stood out even among this select group.
  • מַחְלָקָה (machlākāh, transliteration: course): This word means a division or unit, referring to the military group under Benaiah’s command, in which his son Ammizabad also served as a leader.

Why 1 Chronicles 27:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Benaiah was not just a member of David’s elite warriors but was recognized as superior even within that distinguished group.
  • It shows the importance of family legacy in Israel’s military leadership, with Benaiah’s son Ammizabad also holding a significant position.
  • This detail connects to the broader context of 1 Chronicles 27, which lists the organization and structure of David’s army, highlighting the care taken in leadership and succession.

Where else these words appear

“course” Hebrew H4256 · used in 36 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:5 The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:21 And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.

“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;