2 Samuel 23 20

2 Samuel 23:20 kjv

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:

2 Samuel 23:20 nkjv

Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day.

2 Samuel 23:20 niv

Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab's two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.

2 Samuel 23:20 esv

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two ariels of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen.

2 Samuel 23:20 nlt

There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions of Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it.

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 20 Meaning

Second Samuel 23:20 introduces Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, as a prominent warrior among King David's elite forces. The verse highlights his extraordinary strength and valor by recounting two specific, perilous feats: his defeat of two "lion-like men" (possibly formidable warriors or chieftains) from Moab, and his solo slaying of a lion trapped with him in a pit during a snowy season. These actions underscore his unique physical prowess and unwavering courage, qualifying him as one of the most distinguished "mighty men" in David's army.

2 Samuel 23 20 Context

This verse is found within 2 Samuel chapter 23, which primarily presents David's final words (vv. 1-7) and a list of his elite warriors, known as "David's mighty men" (vv. 8-39). This catalog serves to highlight the unparalleled strength, courage, and loyalty of the men who served King David and helped establish and secure his kingdom under Yahweh's blessing. Benaiah is part of the "Thirty" (the lesser-known mighty men) rather than the "Three" (the most elite). His inclusion details the kind of individual bravery and strength that characterized David's administration. Historically, these accounts confirm David's military prowess and the divine favor that rested upon him and his loyal companions, enabling them to achieve feats seemingly beyond human capacity in a time of constant tribal conflict and national consolidation.

2 Samuel 23 20 Word analysis

• Benaiah (בְּנָיָהוּ, Běnayāhû): Meaning "Yahweh has built" or "Yahweh has founded." This name suggests a divine hand in his very being and strength.
• the son of Jehoiada (יְהוֹיָדָע, Yəhôyādāʿ): Jehoiada means "Yahweh knows." This lineage connects Benaiah to a prominent family, often associated with the priesthood. His father was clearly a man of standing and character.
• the son of a valiant man (בֶּן־אִישׁ־חַיִל, ben-’ish-chayil): "Ish-chayil" denotes a "man of strength," "valor," or "ability." This emphasizes inherited or cultivated robust physical and moral fortitude, highlighting his strong lineage.
• of Kabzeel (קַבְצְאֵל, Qabṣə’ēl): A city in southern Judah, meaning "God has gathered." It indicates his tribal origin within the promised land.
• who had done mighty deeds: This phrase acts as an introductory summary, signaling Benaiah's exceptional character and established record of significant accomplishments as a warrior.
• he slew two lion-like men of Moab:
  • slew (הִכָּה, hikkāh): To strike decisively, to kill.
  • two lion-like men (אֶת־שְׁנֵי אֲרִיאֵל, ’eṯ-šənê ’ărî’ēl): The Hebrew ’arî’el can mean "lion of God" or "hearth/altar." In context, it refers to exceptionally fierce and powerful Moabite warriors, perhaps chieftains or champions, whose ferocity rivaled that of lions.
  • of Moab (מוֹאָב, Mo’ab): A frequent adversary of Israel, thus overcoming their champions was a significant national victory.
• he went down also and slew a lion:
  • went down also: Implies entering a restricted, dangerous space, intensifying the hazard of the encounter.
• in the midst of a pit (בְּתוֹךְ־הַבּוֹר, bəṯôḵ-habbôr): A pit or cistern. This indicates an extremely perilous, confined situation, limiting movement and heightening the danger of facing a wild beast.
• in time of snow (בְּיוֹם הַשֶּׁלֶג, bəyôm haššeleḡ): A cold, harsh season. This adds another layer of difficulty, indicating an unexpected, arduous scenario that underscores Benaiah's resilience and constant readiness.

2 Samuel 23 20 Bonus section

Benaiah's career path extends beyond battlefield valor. He distinguished himself by his unswerving loyalty, not only serving King David faithfully as a captain of the personal guard (2 Sa 23:23) but also remaining steadfast with Solomon during the succession crisis (1 Ki 1:8, 26, 32-38). This loyalty led to his appointment as Solomon's chief executioner, where he swiftly dealt with the king's adversaries, including Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei (1 Ki 2:25, 34, 46). These roles demonstrate that David's "mighty men" were more than just warriors; they were trusted pillars of the kingdom, embodying virtues critical for both establishing and maintaining the monarchy.

2 Samuel 23 20 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:20 masterfully defines Benaiah as a warrior of supreme courage and exceptional strength, whose deeds reflect divine enablement in David's kingdom. His specific acts, like overcoming two formidable "lion-like men" from hostile Moab, signify Israel's ascendancy over its enemies through God-given strength. The solitary encounter with a lion in a confined, snowy pit vividly illustrates Benaiah's personal readiness to confront seemingly impossible odds with unmatched bravery, echoing David's own youthful defiance. These exploits explain his high standing among David's elite and foreshadow his later pivotal role as commander of Solomon's army, a position demanding unwavering loyalty and decisive action for the security of God's anointed king and his throne.