1 Chronicles 11 22

1 Chronicles 11:22 kjv

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.

1 Chronicles 11:22 nkjv

Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day.

1 Chronicles 11:22 niv

Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab's two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.

1 Chronicles 11:22 esv

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two heroes of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen.

1 Chronicles 11:22 nlt

There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions of Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it.

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 22 Meaning

1 Chronicles 11:22 describes Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, a mighty warrior from Kabzeel, whose exceptional valor and deeds are highlighted through two extraordinary accomplishments. Firstly, he courageously struck down two formidable, "lion-like" men from Moab, powerful adversaries. Secondly, displaying immense bravery and strength, he descended into a pit on a snowy day and slew a lion, showcasing his triumph over both fierce human enemies and nature's deadliest predators under perilous conditions. This verse underscores Benaiah's unique prowess, marking him as an elite figure among King David's valiant men.

1 Chronicles 11 22 Context

This verse is part of 1 Chronicles 11, which introduces King David's reign over all Israel, his capture of Jerusalem, and, most notably for this passage, a detailed listing of his mighty men—the elite warriors who formed the core of his military and personal guard. Benaiah is highlighted among the "thirty" and is presented as distinct from, though on par with, the "three." His specific exploits serve to emphasize his exceptional valor and physical prowess. This passage underlines the strength and caliber of men God raised up to serve His chosen king, reflecting the divine enablement behind the establishment of the Davidic kingdom. Historically, David's era was marked by intense conflict with surrounding nations, requiring such formidable warriors. The detailed description of Benaiah's specific feats not only illustrates his personal courage but also exemplifies the character and dedication expected of those serving the King. The mention of Moab places Benaiah's human adversaries within the frequent skirmishes between Israel and its long-standing enemy to the east, while the detail of the "snowy day" underscores an unusual and challenging encounter with a dangerous beast, elevating his status beyond mere combat effectiveness.

1 Chronicles 11 22 Word analysis

• Benaiah (בְּנָיָהוּ, Bənyāhū): "Yahweh has built" or "Yahweh builds." His name subtly points to divine providence or establishment, implying that his strength and accomplishments were, in a deeper sense, built or enabled by God, even when the narrative focuses on his human actions. He eventually became commander of the king's bodyguard and later the chief commander of the army under Solomon.

• son of Jehoiada: Signifies his lineage. Jehoiada was likely a prominent priest, linking Benaiah to a respected, though typically non-military, family, making his warrior distinction even more remarkable.

• valiant man (אִ֣ישׁ חַ֔יִל, ’îsh ḥayil): More than just "brave"; this Hebrew phrase implies a "man of might," "man of strength," or "man of substance/worth." It describes someone of excellent character and capability, encompassing courage, competence, and even wealth or high standing.

• Kabzeel: A town in the southernmost part of Judah (Joshua 15:21), specifying his geographical origin within Israel. This roots him specifically within the tribal land of Judah, King David's tribe.

• who had done many acts (רַב־פְּעָלִ֖ים, rav-pə‘ālîm): Literally "great of deeds" or "rich in exploits." This indicates that his valor was not a one-off event but a consistent, extensive pattern of extraordinary achievements throughout his career, establishing a long-standing reputation before these specific instances are recounted.

• he slew (הִכָּה, hikkâ): "He struck down" or "he killed." This verb is definitive and emphasizes the decisive, conquering nature of his actions.

• two lion-like men of Moab (אֶת־שְׁנֵי֙ אֲרִיאֵ֣ל מוֹאָ֔ב, ’et-shəné ’ari’êl mô’âḇ):

  • lion-like men (’ari’êl): A unique and powerful term. It means "lion of God" or "hero," specifically signifying extremely strong, ferocious, and brave warriors, akin to lions in their ferocity and power. This implies they were not ordinary soldiers but formidable champions, perhaps with a legendary status or reputation for battle.
  • of Moab: Denotes the nationality of his human adversaries. Moabites were consistent enemies of Israel throughout their history, underscoring the political and military context of these acts.

• also he went down (וְה֣וּא יָרַ֗ד, wəhû yārad): Implies descending into a perilous or enclosed space, highlighting his deliberate act of putting himself in greater danger for the encounter.

• slew a lion (wayyak ’et-hā’arî): Confirms he killed a literal, wild beast, differentiating it from the metaphorical "lion-like men." This emphasizes a direct confrontation with one of nature's fiercest predators, proving his exceptional physical strength and bravery.

• in a pit (הַבּ֔וֹר, habbôr): A cistern, deep well, or natural hole. Fighting a lion in an enclosed, constricted space would significantly amplify the danger and reduce maneuvering room, requiring extreme skill and nerve.

• in a snowy day (בְּיוֹם הַשֶּׁלֶג, bəyōm haššeleg): This specific environmental detail adds another layer of challenge and unique circumstance to the feat. It might suggest harsh weather conditions, making the hunt or the confrontation more difficult due to cold, slippery ground, reduced visibility, or a cornered, more aggressive animal. It underscores the extraordinary nature of Benaiah's courage and tenacity, not shrinking from battle even in adverse weather.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts": This introductory phrase meticulously establishes Benaiah's full identity, reputable lineage, geographical origin, and most importantly, his proven track record of widespread valor and notable accomplishments. It builds his prestige before detailing the specific heroic deeds, setting him apart as a distinguished individual.
  • "he slew two lion-like men of Moab": This part highlights Benaiah's martial prowess against formidable human enemies. The designation "lion-like" implies an exceptionally dangerous and noteworthy victory against adversaries considered highly skilled or brutal, adding to his formidable reputation as a warrior.
  • "also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day": This second segment describes a feat that transcends conventional warfare, demonstrating Benaiah's singular courage and strength in overcoming a direct and extreme natural threat under severely challenging conditions. The vivid details of "pit" and "snowy day" amplify the peril and uniqueness of his triumph, elevating his legend and showcasing his willingness to face ultimate danger.

1 Chronicles 11 22 Bonus section

• Benaiah’s distinct role: While listed among David’s "mighty men," the detailed attention given to Benaiah’s feats often elevates him to a class above many of the "thirty," even alongside the "three" most prominent heroes, particularly in 2 Samuel 23. This foreshadows his significant post as commander of David’s personal bodyguard, the Cherethites and Pelethites, indicating absolute trust and reliability.
• Significance of the "pit": Fighting in a pit means confined space, no escape for the lion, and no easy retreat for Benaiah. It’s a battle of pure strength, skill, and will, head-on.
• Symbolism of the lion: Throughout the Bible, the lion is a symbol of great strength, power, and danger (e.g., Satan described as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour in 1 Peter 5:8). Benaiah’s conquest over such a beast aligns him with biblical heroes who display divinely enabled mastery over overwhelming forces, like David against Goliath (who also killed a lion) or Samson.

1 Chronicles 11 22 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:22 paints a vivid portrait of Benaiah, presenting him as a warrior of extraordinary caliber, a prototype of valor within David's elite. His dual feats underscore not only immense physical strength but also a remarkable level of courage, skill, and presence of mind in the face of overwhelming odds. By conquering both powerful human adversaries ("lion-like men of Moab") and a literal, formidable wild beast, under the constraints of a "pit" and the severity of a "snowy day," Benaiah transcends the typical soldier. This account serves multiple purposes: it highlights the high quality of leadership and personnel surrounding David, emphasizing the providential hand of God in providing such men for His chosen king. Benaiah's exceptional character makes him a fitting candidate for the higher command roles he later assumed in David's and Solomon's administrations, illustrating how character forged in peril becomes a foundation for greater responsibility and trustworthiness within God's Kingdom purposes.