1 Chronicles 11 29

1 Chronicles 11:29 kjv

Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

1 Chronicles 11:29 nkjv

Sibbechai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

1 Chronicles 11:29 niv

Sibbekai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

1 Chronicles 11:29 esv

Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

1 Chronicles 11:29 nlt

Sibbecai from Hushah;
Zalmon from Ahoah;

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 29 Meaning

1 Chronicles 11:29 names two more of David’s mighty men: Sibbecai the Hushathite and Ilai the Ahohite. This verse, embedded within the Chronicler's list of elite warriors, emphasizes the critical role these faithful individuals played in establishing and securing David's kingdom. It highlights the divine favor upon David, evidenced by the calibre and loyalty of the men drawn to his leadership.

1 Chronicles 11 29 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 11 opens with the tribes anointing David king over all Israel in Hebron, fulfilling God's promise. It then describes David's capture of Jerusalem and his establishment there as king. Following these foundational events, the chapter shifts focus to cataloging David's most courageous and loyal warriors—his "mighty men" or "elite warriors." This list, which begins in verse 11, serves to demonstrate the strength, valor, and divine blessing on David's reign. The inclusion of individuals like Sibbecai and Ilai, who likely came from various parts of Israel and proved their devotion through service, highlights the collective strength that made David's kingdom prosper and expand. The Chronicler emphasizes not just David's greatness but also the fidelity of those who served under him, illustrating the kind of loyal community God gathers around His chosen leaders.

1 Chronicles 11 29 Word analysis

• Sibbecai (סִבְּכַי - Sibbekay): A name of uncertain etymology, possibly meaning "weaver" or "bushy." He is consistently identified as "the Hushathite." He is noted in 2 Samuel 21:18 and 1 Chronicles 20:4 for striking down Sippai (or Saph), a descendant of the Rapha, highlighting his exceptional courage and strength in defeating a giant, similar to David's own feat. His inclusion underscores his recognized status as a valiant warrior.
• the Hushathite (הַחֻשָׁתִי - ha-Chushathiy): Denotes an origin from Hushah, likely a village in Judah (cf. 1 Chron 4:4, "children of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem; of Hushah were Aharhel"). This territorial identifier links him to a specific region and lineage, emphasizing the broad representation among David's elite forces.
• Ilai (עִילַי - ʻIlay): This name, of debated origin, could mean "my ascent" or "my mighty one." Notably, in the parallel list in 2 Samuel 23:28, this same position is occupied by "Zalmon the Ahohite." This presents a textual variant. Some scholars suggest Ilai might be a scribal error or a shortened/alternate name for Zalmon. Both names are rare, reinforcing the specificity of these ancient records.
• the Ahohite (הָאֲחֹחִי - ha-ʼAchōchiy): Designates an individual from Ahoah (also seen as Ahohi), likely an ancestor or place within the tribe of Benjamin (cf. 1 Chron 8:4). This detail ties him to a particular lineage or locality, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of David's loyal support base drawn from different tribes.

Words-group analysis:

• "Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite": This grouping, alongside others in the list, showcases the diversity of David's loyal military, drawing from various tribes and family lines. It emphasizes the concept of a collective body of loyal men, each contributing his unique strength and lineage to the service of God's anointed king. The very act of listing these names signifies an honor roll, memorializing their commitment and courage for future generations. The inclusion highlights that divine blessing upon a king also manifests in the caliber of his loyal subjects.

1 Chronicles 11 29 Bonus section

The Chronicler's particular emphasis on these lists of names and lineages throughout his work (including Ezra-Nehemiah which is often associated) demonstrates a post-exilic desire to reconnect the fragmented community with its glorious past. By carefully recording these faithful individuals, the Chronicler sought to encourage his contemporary audience, emphasizing that their identity and future were rooted in God’s continuous work through faithful leaders and their loyal followers. The precise nature of these lists also likely served administrative purposes in re-establishing communal and religious structures after the return from exile.

1 Chronicles 11 29 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:29 offers two more names to David's famed list of "mighty men," Sibbecai and Ilai. Far from being mere entries in a historical ledger, these individuals represent the backbone of David’s kingdom—men of unwavering loyalty and valor. Sibbecai's notable achievement in defeating a giant, chronicled elsewhere, serves as a testament to the exceptional might and courage within this elite group. The listing of such specific geographical and lineage identifiers ("the Hushathite," "the Ahohite") not only adds authenticity but also underscores the wide-ranging appeal of David's leadership across Israelite tribes. The textual variation of Ilai with Zalmon in 2 Samuel points to the complex nature of ancient records and the care taken by the Chronicler to preserve what he deemed vital. Ultimately, this verse, like others in the list, showcases that God's plan for David's kingdom involved not just the king, but also dedicated individuals empowered by Him for service and sacrifice, whose names were worthy of perpetual remembrance. Their presence symbolizes divine favor, courage, and faithful service foundational to a divinely established monarchy.