2 Samuel 23 18

2 Samuel 23:18 kjv

And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.

2 Samuel 23:18 nkjv

Now Abishai the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of another three. He lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name among these three.

2 Samuel 23:18 niv

Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three.

2 Samuel 23:18 esv

Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the thirty. And he wielded his spear against three hundred men and killed them and won a name beside the three.

2 Samuel 23:18 nlt

Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was the leader of the Thirty. He once used his spear to kill 300 enemy warriors in a single battle. It was by such feats that he became as famous as the Three.

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 18 Meaning

2 Samuel 23:18 introduces Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, as a formidable warrior among King David's elite forces. He is identified as the chief of a specific "three," indicating a highly honored position. The verse details a singular feat of valor: Abishai, using only his spear, engaged and defeated three hundred adversaries, earning significant renown among his peers. While highly distinguished for his strength and courage, the broader context of David's mighty men list (particularly 2 Sam 23:19) clarifies that Abishai did not achieve the ultimate status of the "first three" supreme warriors.

2 Samuel 23 18 Context

The book of 2 Samuel chronicles the reign of King David, from his rise to power to his later years. Chapter 23 focuses on two primary sections: David's "last words" (vv. 1-7), which provide a theological reflection on his kingship and God's covenant with him, and a detailed roster of his most valorous warriors, known as David's "mighty men" (vv. 8-39). This chapter aims to commemorate the heroes who fought alongside David and helped establish and secure his kingdom.

Verse 18 is part of this "mighty men" list, specifically detailing the achievements of Abishai. The list distinguishes between "the first three" (vv. 8-12), who performed singular, almost superhuman feats, and then a larger group of "the thirty" (vv. 24-39). Abishai's placement is critical; he is presented before the formal list of the "thirty" and after the initial introduction to "the three." This structuring emphasizes his exceptionally high standing, particularly given that the subsequent verse (v. 19) explicitly states he "attained not to the first three." The verse should be understood within the ancient Near Eastern context where military prowess, individual heroism, and loyalty to the king were highly esteemed qualities, often seen as indicators of divine favor or empowerment.

2 Samuel 23 18 Word analysis

• And Abishai: וְאֲבִישַׁי (ve-'Avishay). Abishai means "my father is a gift" or "my father is Jesse" (though not direct lineage). He is consistently depicted as a fiercely loyal and impulsive warrior throughout the Davidic narratives. His presence here highlights his pre-eminent position among David's commanders.
• the brother of Joab: Reinforces his identity and significant family ties within David's inner circle. Joab was David's military commander, and both were nephews of David (their mother Zeruiah was David's sister), solidifying their close connection to the royal family.
• the son of Zeruiah: Specifies his maternal lineage, crucial for identifying individuals in ancient Hebrew society and cementing his relation to David. Zeruiah's sons (Joab, Abishai, Asahel) were all prominent warriors and leaders.
• was chief of the three: רֹאשׁ הַשְּׁלֹשָׁה (ro'sh ha-sheloshah). This phrase is distinct from "the three mighty ones" (ha-sheloshah ha-gibborim) mentioned as the top tier. While Abishai led a group called "the three" (potentially a sub-group within the greater thirty, or his own distinguished unit), this detail, especially with verse 19, implies he commanded a rank uniquely close to, but separate from, the supreme trio of Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah. His being "chief of the three" here might also mean he was the most honored among "the thirty."
• and he lifted up: וְהוּא עוֹרֵר (ve-huorer). Implies action, stirring up, or preparing. The term here (a poeticnofef`) suggests a powerful, perhaps swirling, movement of the spear in an attack. It denotes intense, sustained action rather than a singular throw.
• his spear: בַּחֲנִיתוֹ (ba-chanito). Refers specifically to a spear, highlighting the personal weapon used in this extraordinary feat.
• against three hundred: עַל שְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת (al shelosh me'ot). A precise number signifying a formidable accomplishment for a single warrior. Numbers like "three hundred" often carry symbolic weight in biblical narratives, sometimes associated with divine enablement in battles (e.g., Gideon's 300).
• and slew them: וַיַּהַרְגֵם (vayyahar'gem). Direct and powerful, indicating he personally brought about their demise.
• and had the name among three: וְלוֹ שֵׁם בַּשְּׁלֹשָׁה (ve-lo shem ba-sheloshah). More literally, "and he had a name/fame concerning/among the three." This points to his significant renown and honor, either meaning his fame was on par with "the three" (but not technically of them) or he became well-known within his own "three." The sense of name (שֵׁם, shem) signifies reputation, authority, and identity. This verse and the next (v. 19) meticulously categorize David's military hierarchy and honor system.

2 Samuel 23 18 Bonus section

• The Hierarchical Structure of David's Mighty Men: The passage meticulously defines different echelons. "The first three" (Jashobeam, Eleazar, Shammah) are the most esteemed. Abishai, though highly celebrated for a monumental feat, is explicitly stated not to have attained their status. This shows a nuanced system of honor that recognized extraordinary feats but reserved the absolute top tier for a very select few, possibly implying different kinds of valor or specific, epoch-making actions. Abishai is likely seen as the preeminent figure among the larger group known as "the thirty," holding a status directly beneath the paramount three.
• Divine Empowerment: While the text focuses on human bravery and skill, biblical narrative frequently attributes such extraordinary strength and victory to God's hand. Abishai's single-handed triumph over 300 suggests more than human ability, echoing the supernatural victories of figures like Gideon.
• Abishai's Character: Beyond this singular heroic act, Abishai is known for his unwavering, albeit sometimes extreme, loyalty to David. He was quick to anger and action, often suggesting ruthless measures against David's enemies or perceived traitors (e.g., Saul, Shimei), only to be restrained by David himself. This particular feat, however, highlights his positive military virtues without the problematic zeal seen in other narratives.

2 Samuel 23 18 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:18 powerfully depicts Abishai as a warrior of immense strength, valor, and honor, showcasing the individual prowess that defined David's mighty men. His astonishing feat of slaying three hundred adversaries with his spear stands as a testament to extraordinary courage and skill, likely enabled by divine empowerment, a common theme for Israel's military successes. The precise notation of his position as "chief of the three" (while still distinguished from "the first three") underscores the careful stratification within David's elite corps, valuing both individual merit and clear command structure. This verse, therefore, is not merely a record of military prowess but a reflection of the deep loyalty and heroic dedication displayed by those who fought to establish and secure God's chosen king.