Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,

2 SAMUEL 23:28KJV
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2 Samuel 23:28 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:28 mean?

2 Samuel 23:28 lists two of David’s mighty men by name: Zalmon the Ahohite and Maharai the Netophathite. This verse is part of a longer record honoring the distinguished warriors who served King David.

This section of 2 Samuel is a roll call of David’s elite fighters, highlighting their loyalty and valor. The writer is preserving the memory of these men for future generations, showing the importance of each individual’s contribution. The verse does not give details about their deeds here, but their inclusion signals their significance in David’s reign.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:28

  • זַלְמוֹן (Zalmon): This is a personal name, likely meaning “shady” or “dark.” The verse simply identifies him as one of David’s notable warriors.
  • הָאֲחֹחִי (Ahohite): This word means “descendant of Ahoah,” marking Zalmon’s family or clan origin. It helps distinguish him from others with similar names.
  • מַהֲרַי (Maharai): Another personal name, possibly meaning “impetuous” or “swift.” Like Zalmon, Maharai is listed for honor.
  • הַנְּטֹפָתִי (Netophathite): This term means “from Netophah,” a town near Bethlehem. It tells us Maharai’s hometown, giving a sense of his background.

Why 2 Samuel 23:28 matters

  • This verse helps readers see that the Bible values individual people and their backgrounds, not just the famous leaders.
  • The specific mention of family and hometown roots shows the diversity among David’s warriors, connecting the story to real places and families in Israel.
  • Seeing these names in a list reminds us that many people, often unknown to history, played key roles in important events.

Where else these words appear

“Zalmon” Hebrew H6756 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • Psalms 68:14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.

“Maharai” Hebrew H4121 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 11:30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite,
  • 1 Chronicles 27:13 The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zarhites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.

“Ahohite” Hebrew H266 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 23:9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:
  • 1 Chronicles 11:12 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighties.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

“Netophathite” Hebrew H5200 · used in 10 verses

  • 2 Samuel 23:29 Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,
  • 1 Chronicles 9:16 And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.