1 Chronicles 12:4 kjv
And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,
1 Chronicles 12:4 nkjv
Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite;
1 Chronicles 12:4 niv
and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty warrior among the Thirty, who was a leader of the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad the Gederathite,
1 Chronicles 12:4 esv
Ishmaiah of Gibeon, a mighty man among the thirty and a leader over the thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, Jozabad of Gederah,
1 Chronicles 12:4 nlt
Ishmaiah from Gibeon, a famous warrior and leader among the Thirty;
Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad from Gederah;
1 Chronicles 12 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Chr 12:1-7 | These are the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was still restricted... | Context: David's loyal followers |
| 1 Chr 11:10 | Now these are the chiefs of David’s mighty men... | The general roster of David's elite |
| 2 Sam 23:8 | These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth... the chief of the three. | Parallel account of David's mighty men |
| 1 Chr 11:11 | And this is the list of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam, the son of Hachmoni, the chief of the thirty. | Mention of 'the thirty' as an elite unit |
| 1 Chr 12:8 | From the Gadites there joined David in the stronghold in the wilderness... | Continuation of listing David's military support |
| Judges 5:2 | "That the leaders led in Israel, That the people willingly offered themselves..." | Willingness to join a righteous cause |
| Ex 18:21 | You shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate a bribe, and place such men over them... | Qualifications for leadership among God's people |
| Deut 1:15 | So I took the chiefs of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and appointed them as heads over you, chiefs of thousands, and chiefs of hundreds... | Structured leadership within the community |
| Ps 110:3 | Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day of your power... | Volunteers for God's anointed leader |
| Ps 24:8 | Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. | Divine strength and valor mirrored in His people |
| Jer 32:18 | O great and mighty God, whose name is the LORD of hosts... | Acknowledgment of God's power (related to "mighty man") |
| Josh 9:17 | The sons of Israel journeyed and came to their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon and Chephirah... | Background: Gibeonites |
| 2 Sam 21:1-2 | Now there was a famine in the days of David... "It is for Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death." | Background: Gibeonites and Saul |
| 1 Sam 16:18 | ...Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, and eloquent in speech... | Description of David as "mighty man of valor" |
| 1 Chr 12:17 | David went out to meet them and said to them, "If you have come peaceably to me to help me..." | Seeking true loyalty and purpose |
| Isa 41:10 | Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you... | God empowers His people for service |
| Neh 4:18 | As for the builders, each wore his sword at his side as he built. | Men of might for construction and defense |
| Eph 4:1-3 | I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling... with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit... | Unity and purpose within God's people |
| Phil 2:3-4 | Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves... | Humble service and collaboration |
| Heb 11:32-34 | And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David... who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness... | Examples of valiant men of faith |
| Mk 3:34-35 | And looking about at those who sat around Him, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.” | Loyalty and affiliation based on divine purpose |
| Rom 12:4-5 | For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. | Diverse gifts united in service |
1 Chronicles 12 verses
1 Chronicles 12 4 Meaning
This verse continues the catalog of valiant warriors who joined David during his time in exile and leadership before he became king in Hebron. It specifically identifies Ishmaiah the Gibeonite as a preeminent figure, described as a mighty man who was both "among" the Thirty (David's elite fighting force) and also held authority "over" them. Following Ishmaiah, it lists four additional individuals: Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite, acknowledging their presence and contribution to David's growing strength. The verse emphasizes the quality and loyalty of the men God gathered around His chosen king.
1 Chronicles 12 4 Context
1 Chronicles chapter 12 focuses on the diverse groups of warriors who joined David, highlighting the widespread support he garnered from various tribes during his period of exile, particularly when he was at Ziklag and later when he became king in Hebron. The book of 1 Chronicles itself, written during the post-exilic period, aimed to establish the legitimacy of Davidic lineage, emphasize the importance of proper worship, and trace God's covenant faithfulness through Israel's history. These detailed lists of names serve to demonstrate the providence of God in gathering such a capable and loyal force for David, indicating His anointing on David's reign. Verse 4 is part of the initial list (verses 1-7) detailing kinsmen from Benjamin and Judah, some of whom were archers and slingers. The mention of "the Thirty" situates these men within David's already existing and highly respected military hierarchy, underscoring their exceptional skills and David's growing organized army.
1 Chronicles 12 4 Word analysis
- and Ishmaiah (וְיִשְׁמַעְיָה֙ - v'yishmayah): The conjunction "and" links him to the preceding list of those who came to David. Ishmaiah means "Yahweh hears" or "God hears." This theophoric name subtly reminds the reader of God's attentiveness and involvement in raising up these men for David.
- the Gibeonite (הַגִּבְעֹנִ֔י - hagiv'oni): Indicates his origin from Gibeon, a city known for its unique historical covenant with Israel (Joshua 9). This connection places Ishmaiah within a people group who, though not ethnically Israelite, had a long-standing association and sometimes conflicted relationship with the Israelites, highlighting the diverse origins of David's loyalists.
- a mighty man (גִּבּ֥וֹר - gibbor): This Hebrew term signifies a "hero," "valiant warrior," or "champion." It denotes exceptional strength, courage, and military prowess, underscoring Ishmaiah's elite status.
- among the thirty (בַּשְּׁלֹשִׁ֖ים - basha-sh'loshim): The phrase literally means "in/among the thirty." "The thirty" refers to David's distinguished military unit, a renowned group of elite warriors often mentioned in parallel passages (2 Samuel 23, 1 Chronicles 11). Being "among" them signified being a member of this highly regarded corps.
- and over the thirty (וְעַל־הַשְּׁלֹשִׁ֑ים - v'al-hash'loshim): The Hebrew preposition 'al (עַל) here implies authority, supervision, or leadership. This is a crucial distinction. Not only was Ishmaiah a part of the elite, but he also held a commanding role, possibly as a captain or chief, over this elite unit, or a specific division within it. This signifies a higher rank and greater responsibility than merely being "among" them.
- and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Jozabad (וְיִרְמְיָ֛ה וְיַחֲזִיאֵ֥ל וְיוֹחָנָ֖ן וְיוֹזָבָ֥ד): These are additional names listed without further specific descriptions like Ishmaiah's, but their inclusion indicates they were also part of this significant group who joined David.
- Jahaziel (יַחֲזִיאֵל - yachazi'el) means "God sees" or "God has seen," another name bearing a divine element, pointing to God's watchful care.
- the Gederathite (הַגְּדֵרָתִֽי - hagederathi): Indicates Jozabad's origin from Gederah, another town likely in the territory of Judah or Benjamin. Like "Gibeonite," this simply identifies their geographical background.
1 Chronicles 12 4 Bonus section
The Chronicler’s meticulous listing of names and places throughout 1 Chronicles, including in this verse, serves several important theological and historical purposes. It underlines the unity of all Israel around the Davidic throne, demonstrating that support came from various tribes and even different origins like Gibeon, solidifying David’s rightful claim as God's chosen king over all the tribes. These lists provided encouragement and historical continuity for the post-exilic community, reminding them of God's faithfulness in raising up a strong leadership, even from a scattered populace, when the people dedicated themselves to His purposes. The detailed ranks and affiliations also indicate an already established military structure around David even before he officially ascended to the throne in Jerusalem, showing a progressive development of God’s kingdom on earth.
1 Chronicles 12 4 Commentary
1 Chronicles 12:4 specifically highlights Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, distinguishing him not just as a member but also as a leader within David's elite "Thirty" – a pivotal group of mighty men. This unique designation ("over the thirty") underscores his significant authority and skill, showcasing the high caliber of individuals drawn to David during his challenging rise to kingship. The subsequent naming of Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad further rounds out the list of dedicated warriors, reflecting God's provision of capable and loyal individuals to support His anointed. The Chronicler emphasizes that David's leadership was not built on personal charisma alone, but on a divinely orchestrated assembly of diverse and mighty followers, cementing the legitimacy and strength of his nascent kingdom. This gathering of loyal, skilled men demonstrates God's active hand in preparing David for his reign, establishing his base of power and illustrating divine favour.