And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.

2 SAMUEL 23:18KJV
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2 Samuel 23:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:18 mean?

2 Samuel 23:18 describes Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, as the chief among a group of three warriors. The verse highlights that Abishai lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and became well-known among these three mighty men.

This verse is part of a list recounting King David’s most notable warriors. The writer is describing Abishai’s bravery and leadership, showing that he stood out for his courage and achievements in battle. The passage emphasizes Abishai’s reputation and his special place among David’s elite fighters.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:18

  • רֹאשׁ (rosh, H7218): This word means "chief" or "head." Here, it shows that Abishai was the leader among the three, not just another member.
  • חֲנִית (ḥanit, H2595): This word means "spear." The verse points out that Abishai’s weapon and his skill with it were central to his heroic act.
  • שְׁלֹשָׁה (sheloshah, H7969) and שְׁלֹשִׁים (sheloshim, H7969): Both relate to the number "three," but in this context, it refers to a select group of three warriors, highlighting the special status of Abishai among them.
  • שֵׁם (shem, H8034): This word means "name" or "reputation." The verse is emphasizing that Abishai earned a distinguished reputation among the three.

Why 2 Samuel 23:18 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the structure of David’s elite warriors, showing there were different groups and ranks among his mighty men.
  • It highlights the importance of personal valor and reputation in the culture of ancient Israel, where heroic deeds brought lasting honor.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that David’s success was supported by remarkable individuals like Abishai, each with their own stories of bravery.

Where else these words appear

“Abishai” Hebrew H52 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 10:10 And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.
  • 2 Samuel 20:6 And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.

“Zeruiah” Hebrew H6870 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 17:25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.
  • 1 Kings 2:22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.

“spear” Hebrew H2595 · used in 40 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:
  • 1 Samuel 26:8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:23 And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

“up” Hebrew H5782 · used in 65 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
  • Psalms 78:38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
  • Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.