2 Samuel 23:29 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:29 mean?

2 Samuel 23:29 lists two of King David’s mighty warriors by name: Heleb, the son of Baanah, who was from Netophah, and Ittai, the son of Ribai, who was from Gibeah in the tribe of Benjamin. This verse is part of a longer record honoring the notable men who served David with distinction.

The writer is recounting the names and backgrounds of David’s elite fighters, known as “the mighty men.” Each name and place mentioned highlights the diversity and loyalty of those who supported David’s rule. The verse is not telling a story but preserving the memory of these individuals and their origins.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:29

• חֵלֶב (Heleb): This is the personal name of one of David’s warriors. The name itself does not carry a special meaning in this context, but its inclusion marks Heleb’s significance among David’s men.
• בַּעֲנָא (Baanah): This is the name of Heleb’s father, showing the importance of family lineage in ancient Israelite records.
• נְטוֹפָתִי (Netophathite): This word identifies Heleb as coming from Netophah, a small town near Bethlehem. Mentioning his hometown connects him to a specific region and community.
• גִּבְעָה (Gibeah): This is the hometown of Ittai, another warrior. Gibeah was a well-known city in the territory of Benjamin, adding geographic detail to Ittai’s background.
• בִּנְיָמִין (Benjamin): This word identifies the tribe from which Ittai’s family came, showing that David’s supporters came from different tribes of Israel.

Why 2 Samuel 23:29 matters

• This verse helps readers see that David’s mighty men were not all from one place or tribe, but represented different regions and families across Israel.
• By recording both personal and family names, the verse emphasizes the value placed on individual identity and heritage in the biblical record.
• The listing of these men in detail connects this verse to the larger theme of loyalty and unity among those who helped establish David’s kingdom.