1 Chronicles 27 33

1 Chronicles 27:33 kjv

And Ahithophel was the king's counselor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:

1 Chronicles 27:33 nkjv

Ahithophel was the king's counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion.

1 Chronicles 27:33 niv

Ahithophel was the king's counselor. Hushai the Arkite was the king's confidant.

1 Chronicles 27:33 esv

Ahithophel was the king's counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king's friend.

1 Chronicles 27:33 nlt

Ahithophel was the royal adviser. Hushai the Arkite was the king's friend.

1 Chronicles 27 verses

1 Chronicles 27 33 Meaning

This verse serves as a succinct record within David's administrative register, highlighting two pivotal figures in his inner circle. It identifies Ahithophel as a formal "counselor" (יְעָצֹו, ye'atsow), a highly respected advisory role known for strategic wisdom. In juxtaposition, Hushai the Archite is described as the "king's friend" (רֵעַ הַמֶּלֶךְ, re'a hammelek), signifying a close, trusted personal confidant whose relationship with the king transcended a mere official duty. The verse thus distinguishes between a professional, functional role and a personal, loyal attachment within the monarch's most intimate administration.

1 Chronicles 27 33 Context

This verse is found within 1 Chronicles chapter 27, which meticulously lists the officials and administrative structure of King David's reign. The chapter details various governmental departments, including military commanders, tribal leaders, and diverse civil and spiritual officers (v. 25-34). Verses 32-34 specifically focus on David's close advisors, emphasizing the vital role of counsel in his well-organized kingdom. From a historical standpoint, this administrative list reflects the sophisticated governance David established. The inclusion of Ahithophel and Hushai directly alludes to the pivotal events of Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15-17). For the Chronicler, writing centuries later, this roster serves not merely as a record but subtly reinforces the theme of divinely ordained order and how even within chaos (like Absalom's revolt), God's providential hand orchestrates events, making "wise" human plans foolish and ensuring the success of those loyal to His anointed king.

1 Chronicles 27 33 Word analysis

• and Ahithophel (וַאֲחִיתֹפֶל - wa'ăḥîṯōpel):

  • wa- (ו): Conjunction "and," connecting him to the preceding list of officials.
  • Ahithophel (אֲחִיתֹפֶל): A proper noun, ironically meaning "Brother of Folly," though he was celebrated for his exceptional wisdom. He was a trusted counselor to David, whose advice was deemed as profound as "consulting the oracle of God" (2 Sam 16:23). His prominent mention here subtly sets the stage for the dramatic irony of his ultimate fate – his counsel, though wise, led to his self-destruction when opposed by God's will. Jewish tradition identifies him as the grandfather of Bathsheba (through Eliam), suggesting a possible motive of personal vengeance for his later rebellion against David.

• was the king's counselor (יְאֵשׁוֹ אֵדֶל - ye’eshō’ ‘ēḏel):

  • While the specific Hebrew phrasing ye’eshō’ ‘ēḏel is unique, the common textual understanding and context derive it from the root ya'ats (יָעַץ), meaning "to advise" or "counsel." Thus, it conveys the clear meaning "his counselor" or "the one who advised him."
  • This phrase designates Ahithophel's high official position, emphasizing his intellectual prowess and strategic importance in David's court, tasked with offering discerning advice on matters of state and war.

• and Hushai (וְחֻשַׁ֥י - wəḥušay):

  • wa- (ו): Conjunction "and," introducing another significant figure.
  • Hushai (חֻשַׁי): A proper noun, perhaps meaning "Hasting" or "Quick." Hushai the Archite stands in stark contrast to Ahithophel. He was known for his unwavering loyalty to King David, proving his devotion when he risked his life to serve as David's spy and counter-intelligence agent during Absalom's rebellion (2 Sam 15:32-37).

• the Archite (הָֽאַרְכִּ֖י - hā’arəkkî):

  • ha- (הַ): Definite article "the."
  • Archite (אַרְכִּי): A territorial designation, identifying Hushai as originating from Ark, a location likely in the region of Bethel. This highlights his identity and specific standing, a known personality within David's entourage.

• was the king's friend (רֵ֥עַ הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ - rēa‘ hammelek):

  • rēa‘ (רֵעַ): Noun meaning "friend," "companion," or "associate." In the context of royalty, "the king's friend" often signifies a formal, highly privileged office rather than mere casual camaraderie. It implied intimate trust, access to royal confidences, and unquestioned loyalty, functioning effectively as an unofficial personal advisor or chief of staff. This description accentuates Hushai's personal bond and allegiance to David, contrasting with Ahithophel's intellectual yet ultimately treacherous counsel.

• "Ahithophel was the king's counselor; and Hushai...was the king's friend": This paired description highlights the two archetypes of wisdom and loyalty present in David's inner circle. Ahithophel represents intellect that, while brilliant, lacked a foundation of enduring loyalty, eventually leading to betrayal and self-destruction. Hushai embodies devoted friendship and shrewdness, which, when guided by providence, proved instrumental in preserving David and his kingdom. The juxtaposition subtly underscores that divine plan and true allegiance ultimately override even the most formidable human ingenuity if it opposes God's purposes.

1 Chronicles 27 33 Bonus section

• Proleptic Irony: The Chronicler, writing from a post-exilic perspective, lists Ahithophel as David's trusted counselor knowing full well the tragedy of his defection and suicide. This imbues the mention with a layer of proleptic irony, subtly hinting at the transient nature of even great human wisdom when divorced from faithfulness.
• The Chronicler's Emphasis on Order: The meticulous detailing of David's officials throughout Chapter 27, including these two advisors, reflects the Chronicler's interest in highlighting the organized, God-ordained structure of the Davidic kingdom. Even the mention of a future traitor serves to complete the record of a fully functional royal administration.
• Divine Overruling of Human Schemes: The narrative involving Ahithophel and Hushai in 2 Samuel is a profound illustration of God's power to manipulate and override human plans, no matter how wise they seem (2 Sam 17:14). This underscores a core biblical truth that God's sovereign will ultimately prevails over human counsel, folly, or malice (Prov 19:21).

1 Chronicles 27 33 Commentary

1 Chronicles 27:33 concisely yet significantly profiles Ahithophel and Hushai, key figures in King David's administration. Ahithophel, the "counselor," possessed unparalleled strategic brilliance, making his advice almost prophetic (2 Sam 16:23). Yet, his inclusion here, in light of his betrayal during Absalom's revolt, underscores the Chronicler's knowledge of the full narrative; his wisdom, while profound, was ultimately detached from true loyalty and self-serving. In stark contrast, Hushai the Archite is termed "the king's friend." This designation denotes a bond of profound personal loyalty and trust that transcended mere official duty. It was Hushai's deceptive, God-inspired counter-counsel that ultimately thwarted Ahithophel's sound but malicious advice (2 Sam 17), thus preserving David's throne and demonstrating God's sovereignty over human plans. This verse, therefore, quietly emphasizes the vital interplay between wise counsel and unwavering loyalty, showcasing how divine providence can turn human wisdom to folly for His purposes.