1 Chronicles 11 37

1 Chronicles 11:37 kjv

Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,

1 Chronicles 11:37 nkjv

Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,

1 Chronicles 11:37 niv

Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai son of Ezbai,

1 Chronicles 11:37 esv

Hezro of Carmel, Naarai the son of Ezbai,

1 Chronicles 11:37 nlt

Hezro from Carmel;
Paarai son of Ezbai;

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 37 Meaning

1 Chronicles 11:37 identifies two more individuals among David's elite warriors known as the "mighty men" or "The Thirty." Hezro the Carmelite and Naarai the son of Ezbai are presented as figures of loyalty and valor, contributing to King David's establishment and consolidation of his kingdom. These lists serve to honor their service and record those who supported God's anointed king.

1 Chronicles 11 37 Context

This verse is embedded within a significant list in 1 Chronicles 11, immediately following David's anointing as king over all Israel and his capture of Jerusalem, making it his capital. The chapter highlights the pivotal moment when the entire nation united under David, signaling a divine appointment and the establishment of God's chosen lineage of kingship. The subsequent detailed listing of David's "mighty men" serves to identify the loyal, courageous warriors who fought alongside him, enabling the fulfillment of God's purposes for His people. This particular verse lists two more members of David's elite corps, possibly the "Chiefs of the Thirty," illustrating the broad support and specialized skill David commanded, crucial for national security and the future building of the temple, a major theme in Chronicles. Historically, these lists underscored legitimacy and demonstrated the human instruments through whom divine plans unfolded.

1 Chronicles 11 37 Word analysis

• Hezro (חֶצְרוֹ - Ḥetsro): This is a personal name, not found elsewhere in the Old Testament beyond this verse and its parallel. The exact meaning is uncertain, possibly related to "enclosure" or "court." His inclusion here underscores his specific contribution and remembrance as an individual.
• the Carmelite (הַכַּרְמְלִי - ha-Karm'li): This is a gentilic term, indicating someone from Carmel. Mount Carmel was a significant geographical and historical location, known for its fertility and for events involving figures like Elijah. Identifying Hezro by his place of origin provides context and distinction, much like Naarai is distinguished by his father's name. It grounds the individual in a known geographic identity within Israel.
• Naarai (נַעֲרַי - Na'aray): A proper name, potentially meaning "my youthful one" or "young man." Its presence highlights an individual chosen for valiant service to David.
• the son of (בֶן - ben): A common Hebrew term meaning "son of." This patronymic identifies Naarai by his paternal lineage, providing a clearer distinction and connecting him to a specific family line (Ezbai), a common form of identification in ancient Hebrew culture. It also reflects the importance of family and tribal identity.
• Ezbai (אֶזְבַּי - 'Ezbay): The name of Naarai's father. It is also quite unique, appearing only in this specific lineage connection. The specific mention of a father's name signifies the man's full identity and lineage within the tribal structure of Israel, much like modern surnames.

• "Hezro the Carmelite": This phrase functions as a complete identification of the individual, associating his valor with a specific geographic location. The designation "Carmelite" may denote either a physical origin from the region of Carmel or possibly a family associated with it. The precision of such geographical or ancestral markers emphasizes the specific identities of these individuals serving God's king.
• "Naarai the son of Ezbai": This is another full identification. The patronymic form was critical for distinguishing individuals in a society where many people shared similar first names. It rooted an individual in their family history and tribal heritage, establishing their unique place within the nation of Israel.
• Discrepancy with 2 Samuel 23:35: A critical point in analyzing this verse is its parallel in 2 Samuel 23:35, which reads: "Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite." The significant difference is the name "Naarai the son of Ezbai" in 1 Chronicles 11:37, versus "Paarai the Arbite" in 2 Samuel 23:35. Scholars offer several explanations for this type of textual variation in ancient manuscripts:
  • Scribal Error: A common explanation suggests that errors could occur during the copying process, particularly with unfamiliar or similar-sounding names.
  • Alternative Names: It's possible individuals had more than one name, or a given name might vary in different lists.
  • Tribal/Clan Designations: "Arbite" in Samuel suggests an origin from "Arab," a village in Judah (Josh 15:52). "Carmelite" is also a geographical or tribal marker. These might not be exact personal names but rather identifying descriptors.
  • Variant Readings: Ancient texts sometimes had different traditions of readings for names or places. The Chronicler might have used a variant reading available to him. This discrepancy, while noticeable, does not undermine the overarching theological message of David's mighty men and God's work through them; rather, it highlights the human aspect of biblical transmission under divine inspiration.

1 Chronicles 11 37 Bonus section

The inclusion of these lists, particularly in 1 Chronicles, carries a significant theological message for its original audience (the returning exiles). It connected them to their rich heritage, assuring them that God had historically raised up loyal and capable individuals to fulfill His plans. By naming specific men and their lineage, the text validates their place within Israel's divinely guided history. This careful preservation of names also serves a broader biblical principle: God remembers every individual, their service, and their identity. Unlike polytheistic mythologies that often focused solely on the divine without celebrating human instruments, the biblical narrative elevates the human role within God's sovereign plan. This attention to detail implies a providential ordering where even specific warriors played a part in establishing the kingdom from which the Messiah would eventually come.

1 Chronicles 11 37 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:37, by naming Hezro the Carmelite and Naarai the son of Ezbai, continues the chronicler's meticulous account of David's mighty men. This detail reflects not only the historical reality of David's formidable military, but also the biblical emphasis on every individual's contribution to God's plan. Each name, even when briefly mentioned, signifies a life consecrated to a divine purpose, namely the establishment and defense of God's chosen king and his kingdom. The list portrays a unity of effort and diverse skills working toward a common goal. Their bravery and loyalty secured David's reign, symbolically mirroring the collective faith and dedication required for God's kingdom to advance. The very act of preserving their names in the sacred text ensures their honor and serves as an enduring testimony to their faithfulness. This highlights God's particular attention to individuals and His remembrance of those who serve His purposes with devotion, inspiring subsequent generations to similar commitment.