2 Samuel 23 22

2 Samuel 23:22 kjv

These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.

2 Samuel 23:22 nkjv

These things Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did, and won a name among three mighty men.

2 Samuel 23:22 niv

Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty warriors.

2 Samuel 23:22 esv

These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and won a name beside the three mighty men.

2 Samuel 23:22 nlt

Deeds like these made Benaiah as famous as the Three mightiest warriors.

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 22 Meaning

2 Samuel 23:22 signifies that Benaiah the son of Jehoiada performed such exceptional deeds that he gained a distinguished reputation among David's most elite warriors. His actions and valor earned him renown, placing him in a class of extraordinary individuals who served the king with unwavering loyalty and might. Though he was not among the very top "three" in numerical classification, his deeds were so impactful that his "name" (reputation) was regarded with the same high honor as those select champions.

2 Samuel 23 22 Context

2 Samuel 23 opens with "The last words of David" (v. 1-7), presenting his final reflections on righteous rule and God's covenant with him. Following this prophetic and personal soliloquy, the chapter transitions to a listing of David's most elite warriors, often called "David's Mighty Men" (v. 8-39). This section serves as a "roll of honor," enumerating the courageous and loyal individuals who enabled David's military victories and established his kingdom. It highlights human instruments used by God. Verse 23:22 focuses specifically on Benaiah after describing some of his impressive feats in the preceding verses (23:20-21), positioning him as a highly distinguished individual among these chosen fighters. This record not only commemorates their bravery but also illustrates the crucial human loyalty and dedication that underpinned David's reign, all within the framework of God's overarching plan for Israel's leadership.

Word Analysis

• These things did: The Hebrew, אֵלֶּה עָשָׂה ('elleh 'asah), translates to "these he did" or "these he accomplished." It directly links Benaiah's esteemed reputation to specific, tangible acts of courage and skill detailed just before this verse (2 Samuel 23:20-21). It is a declaration of completed actions that merit honor.
• Benaiah the son of Jehoiada:
  • Benaiah (בְּנָיָהוּ, Bənâyâhû): Means "Yah has built" or "Yahweh builds." This theophoric name, common in Israel, reflects a belief that God is the source of growth, establishment, and strength. Even a mighty warrior's name acknowledges God's ultimate power.
  • son of Jehoiada (בֶּן־יְהוֹיָדָע, ben-Yəhôyâda‘): Jehoiada means "Yahweh knows." Benaiah is identified not only by his personal achievements but also by his lineage, signifying his honorable family background, as Jehoiada himself was a valiant and wise man, and eventually, the father-in-law of Solomon (through another Benaiah who married Solomon's daughter, or a descendant who became a high priest). Benaiah is specifically noted in 1 Chronicles 11:22 as "the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel."
• and had the name: The Hebrew, וְלוֹ שֵׁם (vəlô shêm), means "and for him a name" or "and he had a name/fame." In ancient Near Eastern culture and biblical usage, one's "name" (shem) carried immense significance. It was not merely an identifier but encapsulated one's reputation, character, honor, and lasting legacy. To "have a name" meant to be renowned, esteemed, and celebrated for one's accomplishments, often in a lasting way. It denotes public recognition and standing.
• among three mighty men: The Hebrew, בַּשְּׁלשָׁה הַגִּבּוֹרִים (bash-shəloshah hag-gibbôrîm), literally "among the three mighty ones/heroes." This phrase has generated significant scholarly discussion. It is crucial to note that verse 23:23 states Benaiah was "honorable among the thirty, but he attained not to the first three." The "first three" mentioned earlier in the chapter (Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah, vv. 8-12) formed the undisputed top tier. Benaiah was the chief of "the thirty" (David's larger elite force, often translated "bodyguard"), but his personal exploits were so extraordinary that he acquired a reputation equal to or comparable with the renown of even the top three, though he wasn't technically one of them in ranking. It indicates a superlative standing of fame and recognition due to his exceptional deeds, distinguishing him as supremely honorable, even among the most elite. He transcended the fame of most, achieving a place akin to the legendary few.

2 Samuel 23 22 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:22 is a concise commendation of Benaiah, whose extraordinary courage and military prowess set him apart within King David's elite corps of warriors. The verse acts as a capstone to his list of impressive feats, primarily highlighting how his decisive actions against various formidable adversaries (e.g., the two lion-like men, the lion in a pit, and the Egyptian giant) cemented his legacy. "Having the name among three mighty men" does not place him within the select "Top Three" warriors listed (Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar, Shammah) but rather signifies that his fame, valor, and preeminence were so remarkable that his reputation reached a similar legendary status. He was, in essence, as famous and highly regarded for his personal deeds as the greatest heroes, even while formally holding the position as chief of "the thirty" (David's broader band of distinguished soldiers). Benaiah embodies loyalty and exceptional ability directed toward supporting God's anointed king, proving instrumental not only on the battlefield but later as a key figure in ensuring Solomon's peaceful succession to the throne by eliminating threats, becoming commander of the entire army. His life serves as a testament to the fact that faithfulness, combined with God-given ability, earns a lasting and honorable "name."

Bonus Section

• Parallel in 1 Chronicles: The account of Benaiah is also prominently featured in 1 Chronicles 11:22-25. While slightly different in phrasing regarding his specific rank, the Chronicler also highly exalts his deeds, explicitly stating in 1 Chronicles 11:24, "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, chief of the three, was over the thirty," which can be understood as chief among the thirty. This parallelism across books emphasizes his significant role in the historical record of David's kingdom.
• Beyond the Battlefield: Benaiah's importance extended far beyond his valor as a warrior. After David's reign, Benaiah played a critical role in Solomon's consolidation of power. He remained fiercely loyal to David's chosen successor, Solomon, carrying out his commands to execute Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei (1 Kings 2). This demonstrates not just physical strength but immense loyalty, decisiveness, and authority crucial for the peaceful transition of power. Ultimately, Solomon appointed Benaiah as the commander over the entire army in Joab's place (1 Kings 2:35), signifying the highest military command in Israel, a direct result of his proven track record of loyalty and efficacy.
• Hierarchy of Valor: The chapter details distinct tiers among David's elite: the "first three" (vv. 8-12), followed by Benaiah (vv. 20-23), who is distinguished as "honourable among the thirty" and "over the guard" or "chief of the bodyguards" (v. 23), and then the general "thirty" (vv. 24-39). This structured enumeration highlights the importance of individual merit and loyalty in ancient military organizations. Benaiah’s exceptional status is underscored by his special mention, highlighting that he achieved unique personal honor that distinguished him even among the distinguished.