And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:

2 SAMUEL 23:20KJV
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2 Samuel 23:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:20 mean?

2 Samuel 23:20 describes Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, as a heroic figure who performed remarkable deeds, including killing two strong men from Moab and a lion in a pit during snowy weather. The verse highlights Benaiah’s bravery and unusual accomplishments as part of a list of King David’s mighty warriors.

This verse appears in a section where the writer is recounting the exploits of David’s most trusted and valiant men. The details—such as Benaiah coming from Kabzeel and facing both human and animal threats in difficult conditions—emphasize his courage and skill. The mention of snow and a pit adds to the sense of danger and difficulty, showing that Benaiah’s actions were not just bold but also took place under harsh circumstances.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:20

  • The word for “valiant” is חַיִל (chayil), which often means strength, ability, or valor. Here, it underscores that Benaiah’s family background was one of notable bravery or capability.
  • The term for “lionlike men” is אֲרִיאֵל (’ari’el), which literally means “lion of God” or “lionlike.” This suggests that the two men from Moab were not ordinary opponents but were known for their strength or fierceness, making Benaiah’s victory even more impressive.
  • The word for “pit” is בּוֹר (bor), meaning a cistern or hole in the ground. The detail that the lion was in a pit “in time of snow” (בְּיוֹם הַשֶּׁלֶג, b’yom ha-sheleg) highlights the danger and difficulty of the situation, as snow would make the ground slippery and the conditions harsh.

Why 2 Samuel 23:20 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Benaiah’s reputation was built not just on battlefield victories but on extraordinary acts of courage in dangerous and unusual situations.
  • The mention of “lionlike men” and a literal lion connects Benaiah’s story to broader biblical themes of facing overwhelming odds and triumphing through courage.
  • In the context of 2 Samuel 23, this verse shows why Benaiah was highly regarded among David’s mighty men and later entrusted with significant responsibilities in the kingdom.

Where else these words appear

“men” Hebrew H739 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 11:22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.

“Kabzeel” Hebrew H6909 · used in 3 verses

  • Joshua 15:21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
  • 1 Chronicles 11:22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.

“man” Hebrew H381 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Samuel 31:12 All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.
  • 2 Samuel 24:9 And Joab gave up the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.
  • 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.

“snow” Hebrew H7950 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 4:6 And the LORD said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
  • Job 24:19 Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so doth the grave those which have sinned.
  • Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.