2 Samuel 23:35 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:35 mean?

2 Samuel 23:35 lists two men, Hezrai the Carmelite and Paarai the Arbite, as part of David’s group of mighty warriors. This verse is part of a longer section naming the individuals who were recognized for their bravery and loyalty to King David.

This list is found near the end of 2 Samuel, where the author records the names of those who played important roles in David’s reign. The verse simply identifies these two men by their names and the regions they came from, showing the diversity and reach of David’s supporters.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:35

• חֶזְרַי (Hezrai): This is the Hebrew name for Hezrai, one of David’s warriors. The name itself does not carry a widely recognized meaning, but its presence marks the individual’s importance in David’s circle.
• הַכַּרְמְלִי (ha-Karmeli, "the Carmelite"): This term means someone from Carmel, a town in Judah. It helps identify Hezrai’s background and the geographic diversity among David’s mighty men.
• פַּעֲרַי (Paarai): This is the Hebrew name for Paarai, another of David’s warriors. Like Hezrai, the name is mainly significant as a personal identifier.
• הָעַרְבִּי (ha-Arbi, "the Arbite"): This means someone from Arab, a place in Judah. It shows that Paarai came from a different region, again highlighting the varied origins of David’s supporters.

Why 2 Samuel 23:35 matters

• This verse helps readers see that David’s closest warriors came from different towns and backgrounds, not just from one family or tribe.
• By naming these men, the text honors their loyalty and bravery, showing that every individual’s contribution was remembered.
• The verse fits into a larger list that gives a sense of the real people behind the stories of David’s reign, grounding the narrative in historical detail.