1 Chronicles 11 40

1 Chronicles 11:40 kjv

Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,

1 Chronicles 11:40 nkjv

Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,

1 Chronicles 11:40 niv

Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,

1 Chronicles 11:40 esv

Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,

1 Chronicles 11:40 nlt

Ira from Jattir;
Gareb from Jattir;

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 40 Meaning

1 Chronicles 11:40 lists two distinguished warriors, Ira the Ithrite and Gareb the Ithrite, among King David's most elite military leaders, often referred to as his "mighty men." This verse serves to catalogue and honor individuals who displayed extraordinary courage, loyalty, and skill, significantly contributing to the establishment and security of David's kingdom during its formative years. Their inclusion highlights their essential role in David's success and the unity of diverse tribal elements under his reign.

1 Chronicles 11 40 Context

1 Chronicles chapter 11 opens with David's anointing as king over all Israel in Hebron, fulfilling God's promise. Following this, David successfully captures Jerusalem from the Jebusites, establishing it as the political and religious capital of his unified kingdom. The latter part of the chapter, where verse 40 is found, provides an extensive and meticulous listing of David's "mighty men" (Hebrew: gibborim), the elite group of warriors who demonstrated exceptional courage and loyalty in supporting him. This roster serves as a testament to the strength and caliber of David's inner circle of supporters, tracing their service from his early days as a fugitive to his reign as king. For the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, this list reaffirmed the divine legitimacy of the Davidic line and recalled a period of Israel's national strength and unity under a righteous king and his faithful warriors.

1 Chronicles 11 40 Word analysis

• Ira (עִירָא - ʿÎrāʾ): A Hebrew proper name, possibly related to ʿîr meaning "city" or "awake/watchful." Ira is consistently listed in both 1 Chronicles 11 and 2 Samuel 23 as one of David's esteemed thirty mighty men. His inclusion signifies a personal recognition of his military prowess and dedicated service within David's inner circle.

• the Ithrite (הַיִּתְרִי - hayyiṯrî): This is an ethnonym, designating an individual's origin from a specific place or group. The Ithrites are often associated with Jattir, a city in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:48; 21:14). The definite article "the" points to a distinct lineage or inhabitant of this specific area. This designation underscores the diverse geographical and tribal origins of the warriors who comprised David's loyal forces, drawn from various parts of Israel to serve their king.

• Gareb (גָּרֵב - Gārēḇ): A Hebrew proper name, the meaning of which is uncertain, sometimes connected to a word for "scab" or "roughness." Gareb, like Ira, is specifically named as one of David's mighty men in both key biblical lists. His repeated mention alongside Ira, and with the shared designation "the Ithrite," strongly suggests a close association between the two—perhaps they were brothers, close kin, or military companions from the same region who served David together.

• Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite: This phrasing clearly establishes a shared identity and origin for these two mighty men. The double designation of "the Ithrite" not only clarifies their individual identities but also highlights their common regional background or tribal affiliation. This pairing reinforces the notion that loyalty and valor were found across various communities within Israel, all contributing to the strength of David's unified kingdom. Their joint inclusion in the elite roster testifies to their exceptional service, possibly as a formidable pair on the battlefield or in counsel.

1 Chronicles 11 40 Bonus section

The careful preservation of names like Ira and Gareb, even if only for a single verse, within the canonical Scriptures reflects a biblical valuing of individuals' contributions to God's greater purposes. It implicitly affirms that while the great acts of God and His chosen leaders are paramount, the faithful service of those who support and enable these acts is also honored. This meticulous record would have served as an inspiration for the post-exilic community, reminding them that their own faithfulness, however seemingly small, was crucial for the restoration of God's people. Furthermore, the inclusion of individuals like the "Ithrites," whose origins may not be broadly known, indicates the breadth of support for David and the comprehensive nature of the chronicler's record in presenting a united Israel under God's king.

1 Chronicles 11 40 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:40, by listing Ira and Gareb as Ithrites among David's mighty men, encapsulates the essence of the Chronicler's message: the divine legitimation of David's kingship through the collective loyalty and strength of his dedicated followers. These brief mentions are not just historical records but symbolic representations of the steadfast support that allowed David to establish God's kingdom on earth. The individuals in these lists, often obscure elsewhere, are intentionally highlighted to underscore their vital contributions to the nation's spiritual and political foundation. Their presence speaks to the unifying power of David's leadership and the willingness of diverse elements within Israel to rally behind God's anointed, reflecting the importance of individual faithfulness in collective spiritual endeavor.