1 Chronicles 11 42

1 Chronicles 11:42 kjv

Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,

1 Chronicles 11:42 nkjv

Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite (a chief of the Reubenites) and thirty with him,

1 Chronicles 11:42 niv

Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,

1 Chronicles 11:42 esv

Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a leader of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,

1 Chronicles 11:42 nlt

Adina son of Shiza, the Reubenite leader who had thirty men with him;

1 Chronicles 11 verses

1 Chronicles 11 42 Meaning

1 Chronicles 11:42 introduces specific, high-ranking military leaders who served King David. It primarily identifies Adina, a chief from the tribe of Reuben, who commanded a unit of "thirty" warriors, signifying his prominent position within David's elite forces. The verse then adds Joel and Jeshibiah, the son of Asaiah, suggesting additional notable warriors who were either superior to Adina's unit, members of an even higher tier of leadership, or further distinguished individuals within this mighty company. This verse is part of a larger catalog emphasizing the unified tribal support and military prowess that contributed to David's powerful reign and the establishment of his kingdom.

1 Chronicles 11 42 Context

This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 11, which records King David's rise to power, the capture of Jerusalem, and, most notably for this verse, a comprehensive roster of David's most elite warriors, known as his "mighty men." Following a narrative of the initial stages of David's reign, the Chronicler dedicates a significant portion to these valiant individuals (1 Chr 11:10-47), demonstrating the powerful human network that supported David's divinely appointed kingship.

Historically, this period marks a critical phase in Israel's development from a loose tribal confederation into a consolidated monarchy. David's success depended not only on divine favor but also on the strength and loyalty of his military. The meticulous listing of these men, including their tribal affiliations (like Reubenite in this verse), serves to validate David's legitimacy and the broad national support he garnered from across the tribes. The original audience, primarily the returning exiles, would find encouragement and a reminder of God's covenant with David, as these lists emphasized the strong foundations and unified strength of the Davidic kingdom of old. This enumeration highlighted service to God's chosen king, reinforcing principles of loyalty and effective leadership.

1 Chronicles 11 42 Word analysis

• Adina (עֲדִינָא, ‘Ădînā’): Meaning "adorned" or "effeminate." Despite the possible secondary meaning of "effeminate," this Adina is clearly presented as a chief and a warrior, highlighting that his character, not his name's literal meaning, defined his standing. His inclusion here emphasizes his recognized valor and leadership.
• the son of Shiza: A common Hebrew genealogical marker, establishing lineage and identity. Shiza is otherwise unknown, making Adina's own deeds the primary focus.
• the Reubenite (הָרֻאוּבֵנִי, hā-Rū’ûḇēnî): Identifies Adina as belonging to the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. Historically, Reuben lost his birthright, and his tribe often struggled for prominence or suffered for their lack of unified action (cf. Judg 5:15-16). However, the mention of a Reubenite chief among David's elite underscores that valuable warriors arose from all tribes, affirming David's unifying rule and perhaps showing the tribe's ongoing, albeit sometimes inconsistent, contribution to national strength.
• a chief (שָׂר, śār): Hebrew term for a prince, commander, or head. This title indicates a significant leadership position, not merely a common soldier. He held authority within his tribe or a specific military unit.
• of the Reubenites: Re-emphasizes his prominent leadership within his tribe, highlighting his representative role within the larger framework of David's kingdom.
• and thirty with him (וְשָׁלֹשִׁים עִמּוֹ, wəšālōšîm ‘immō): This phrase refers to the number of men directly under his command or associated with his specific company. In contexts of David's mighty men, "the Thirty" often signifies an elite core unit or the general term for captains of such units. Adina was thus a leader of a recognized and probably distinct contingent of elite warriors, further affirming his high rank and capacity for military command.
• and above him (וַעֲלֵיהֶם, wa-‘ăleyhem): Literally "and over them" or "and upon them." This is a significant and debated phrase. It can imply a supervisory role, meaning Joel had a higher rank or oversight over Adina and his thirty, perhaps indicating an even more senior echelon within David's army. Alternatively, it could simply mean "and in addition to them," listing further noteworthy individuals who held significant positions comparable to Adina, but not necessarily above him in direct command, or that he was another head of a larger unit of thirty/thirty. Scholarly consensus often leans toward Joel being a leader of a similar or greater stature, perhaps of a division comprising units like Adina's.
• Joel (יוֹאֵל, Yô’ēl): "Yahweh is God." A common Israelite name, here belonging to another key figure among David's forces. His mention implies his own distinct significance.
• and Jeshibiah (וִישִׁבְיָה, wîšîḇyāh): "Yahweh causes to dwell." Another specific individual listed as notable.
• the son of Asaiah: Establishes Jeshibiah's lineage, connecting him to a family or clan and possibly a specific region within Israel, thereby underscoring his known background.

1 Chronicles 11 42 Bonus section

The chronicler's extensive list of mighty men in 1 Chronicles serves not merely as a military register but as a theological statement. By detailing the names and achievements of these warriors, particularly their tribal origins, the Chronicler implicitly highlights:

• Divine Empowerment: These men were instruments whom God used to establish and protect His chosen king. Their strength ultimately derived from God (Ps 18:32).
• United Monarchy: The diverse tribal representation in this elite force (including the often-less-prominent Reuben) demonstrates the unity under David, symbolizing God's faithfulness in bringing together His people.
• Role of Human Fidelity: While God orchestrates, human faithfulness and courage (as shown by these mighty men) are essential for fulfilling His purposes. Their readiness to serve David became their service to God's anointed.
• Foundation for the Kingdom: These valiant warriors formed the military backbone that secured Jerusalem and ensured the stability required for the future construction of the Temple, central to the Chronicler's theme.
• Messianic Foreshadowing: Just as these mighty men served King David, the "Son of David," there will be those who faithfully serve the true Messiah, Jesus Christ, in His spiritual kingdom (Eph 6:10-18; 2 Tim 2:3).

1 Chronicles 11 42 Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:42 provides a glimpse into the diverse and formidable composition of David's elite fighting force. The inclusion of Adina, a chief from the tribe of Reuben, illustrates the national scope of support David enjoyed, with valorous individuals emerging from all tribes, not just Judah. His leadership over "thirty" men points to a structured military hierarchy where captains commanded specific, potent units, indicative of an organized and formidable army. This organized structure reflects a disciplined force capable of securing and expanding David's kingdom.

The somewhat ambiguous phrase "and above him Joel" could imply a layering of command within David's army, suggesting individuals like Joel held even more significant oversight or honor than leaders like Adina who commanded specific "thirties." This highlights that while Adina commanded a highly skilled unit, there were even higher echelons of authority or prowess that God had established within David's sphere of influence. The very act of cataloging these individuals, their tribal affiliations, and their unique designations emphasizes their vital role in God's plan for David's reign. These mighty men were not merely skilled warriors; they were instruments in God's hand, embodying the strength and loyalty that undergirded the divinely ordained kingdom. For the post-exilic community, such a list would inspire faith in God's ability to raise up capable leaders and unite His people for His purposes.