2 Samuel 23 23

2 Samuel 23:23 kjv

He was more honorable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.

2 Samuel 23:23 nkjv

He was more honored than the thirty, but he did not attain to the first three. And David appointed him over his guard.

2 Samuel 23:23 niv

He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.

2 Samuel 23:23 esv

He was renowned among the thirty, but he did not attain to the three. And David set him over his bodyguard.

2 Samuel 23:23 nlt

He was more honored than the other members of the Thirty, though he was not one of the Three. And David made him captain of his bodyguard.

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 23 Meaning

The verse signifies that Benaiah son of Jehoiada held an extremely high and respected position among David's valiant warriors, surpassing the esteemed group known as "the Thirty." However, despite his extraordinary achievements and valor, he did not reach the unparalleled eminence of "the Three" chief mighty men, who constituted the absolute pinnacle of David's fighting force. It defines Benaiah's unique and highly honorable status, positioned just below the most elite triumvirate.

2 Samuel 23 23 Context

This verse is situated within a specific literary section of 2 Samuel, known as "David's Last Words" (2 Sam 23:1-7) followed by the enumeration of his "Mighty Men" (2 Sam 23:8-39). Following the poetic "Last Words" that articulate God's eternal covenant with David and his house, the text immediately lists the warriors who actualized and secured David's kingdom on earth.

The entire chapter shifts from divine promise to human instrument, showcasing the faithful, strong, and brave individuals through whom God established David's reign. This specific passage about Benaiah (2 Sam 23:20-23) details his extraordinary acts of valor—killing two lion-like men of Moab, a lion in a pit on a snowy day, and an imposing Egyptian. Verse 23 serves as a summary evaluation of his standing relative to the established military hierarchy of David's court, reinforcing his personal distinction within the larger military force.

Historically and culturally, ancient Near Eastern monarchies like David's relied heavily on a skilled and loyal military force. Elite fighting units were crucial for securing borders, suppressing rebellions, and maintaining control. "The Three" and "the Thirty" represent such hierarchical formations within David's army, distinct by their extraordinary bravery and effectiveness in battle. This hierarchy underscored merit, achievement, and often personal loyalty to the king. Benaiah's rank, specifically being "more honored than the Thirty" but not of "the Three," signifies a well-defined and respected system of military honor and achievement.

2 Samuel 23 23 Word analysis

• He: Refers directly to Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, introduced in 2 Samuel 23:20. Benaiah was a formidable warrior and loyal servant of David, and later, of Solomon, where he rose to become the commander of the army, replacing Joab. His association with Jehoiada, a priestly figure (though not a high priest in all contexts), suggests a background of prominence, possibly indicating a blending of spiritual lineage with military prowess in God's design.

• was more honored: (Hebrew: וְנִכְבָּד מֵֽן֙ - wĕniḵbād min) The root כָּבַד (kābhad) signifies "to be heavy," "to be weighty," which metaphorically translates to "to be honorable," "glorious," or "esteemed." This implies Benaiah's position was one of significant esteem and distinction, recognized by all. It was a status earned through demonstrable and exceptional feats, reflecting the weighty impact of his contributions and valor, distinguishing him as genuinely exceptional among his peers.

• than the Thirty: (Hebrew: הַשְּׁלֹשִׁ֔ים - haššəlōšîm) This refers to the distinct group of David's mighty men, not necessarily exactly thirty individuals, but rather a recognized corps of elite warriors (listed in 2 Samuel 23:24-39 and 1 Chronicles 11:26-47). They represented the second tier of David's most celebrated fighting force, each having achieved significant military distinction. Benaiah's being "more honored" than them elevates him above this well-known and highly respected group.

• but: (Hebrew: וְלֹ֣א - wělō’) This conjunction means "and not" or "but not." It introduces a contrast, setting a boundary or a limitation. It signals that while Benaiah achieved extraordinary distinction, there was a specific, higher threshold he did not cross, highlighting an ultimate ranking that even his immense prowess could not breach.

• he did not attain: (Hebrew: הִגִּיעַ - higîaʿ) Derived from the root נָגַע (nāgaʿ), meaning "to touch," "to reach," or "to arrive at." Here, it specifically means "he did not reach," "he did not arrive at that level." This phrase emphasizes that his achievements, as great as they were, did not measure up to the standard or legacy of the even more exclusive and revered group, "the Three." It implies a clear, unbreachable separation between their respective levels of extraordinary valor and recognition.

• to the Three: (Hebrew: הַשְּׁלֹשָׁה - haššəlōšâ) This refers to the top-most tier of David's mighty men, his most elite and famous warriors, identified in 2 Samuel 23:8-12 as Adino the Eznite (or Josheb-basshebeth the Tachmonite), Eleazar son of Dodai, and Shammah son of Agee. Their deeds were so astounding, often attributed to direct divine enablement in the face of overwhelming odds, that they effectively formed a category of their own, embodying the absolute peak of heroism and fidelity to David. These three were seen as legendary figures whose exploits were unique and unparalleled.

Word Group Analysis:

• "He was more honored than the Thirty": This phrase establishes Benaiah's immense personal worth and military prestige. It clearly sets him above a highly esteemed group, signifying his exceptional individual achievements that transcended the general rank of an elite soldier. His actions, like slaying the Egyptian giant and the lion in the pit, demonstrate unique courage and skill.

• "but he did not attain to the Three": This contrasting phrase, marked by "but," sets a definitive ceiling on Benaiah's rank. It signifies that even with his remarkable valor, he fell short of the singular, perhaps divinely ordained, preeminence of the chief "Three." This highlights the truly legendary and unparalleled status of that triumvirate, whose deeds often involved saving Israel or holding lines single-handedly, arguably by divine intervention. The "Three" were set apart by either the sheer impossibility of their feats or their unique historical proximity and unwavering loyalty to David during his early struggles, prior to his kingship. This emphasizes a divinely ordained hierarchy even within human heroism.

2 Samuel 23 23 Bonus section

• Typology of Distinction: The hierarchical structure of David's mighty men, with "the Three" as paramount, followed by "the Thirty," and then other loyal warriors, provides a historical illustration of God establishing order and gifting different individuals with distinct capabilities and roles for His purpose. This echoes the concept of different gifts and functions within the body of Christ (Rom 12; 1 Cor 12).
• Benaiah's Post-Davidic Career: While this verse focuses on his status under David, Benaiah's unwavering loyalty and skill led to even greater responsibility under King Solomon. He was a trusted executor of Solomon's justice (1 Kin 2:25, 29-35, 46) and ultimately succeeded Joab as the commander of Israel's army (1 Kin 2:35). This demonstrates that his distinguished service to David laid the groundwork for his crucial role in establishing Solomon's reign, confirming his consistently high caliber as a leader and warrior.
• Significance of "The Three" vs. "The Thirty": Some scholars propose that "the Three" were distinguished not just by individual feats, but by their unwavering commitment to David during his most challenging fugitive years, prior to his full kingship, enduring significant personal risk. This period of ultimate testing might have solidified their unique bond with David and their almost miraculous feats during his establishment of the kingdom. "The Thirty," while incredibly brave, may have risen to prominence more in David's later reign or in established warfare. Benaiah's excellence thus placed him between these two, recognized for his extraordinary achievements but perhaps lacking the unique foundational history or supernatural element that characterized the legendary "Three."

2 Samuel 23 23 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:23 provides a succinct and powerful evaluation of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, placing him strategically within David's renowned military hierarchy. It confirms Benaiah's exceptional valor and indispensable contribution to David's kingdom, showcasing him as a warrior of extraordinary personal might. His unique feats, described earlier in the chapter (2 Sam 23:20-22), demonstrate a blend of physical prowess, strategic thinking, and unwavering courage. He was capable of individual exploits that far outshone the general accomplishments of even the "Thirty"—a prestigious corps of seasoned veterans.

However, the concluding phrase, "but he did not attain to the Three," introduces a vital qualification. It is not a dismissal of Benaiah's greatness but rather an acknowledgment of the distinct and elevated status of the "Three" chief mighty men. These three—Josheb-basshebeth (or Adino), Eleazar, and Shammah—are presented as figures whose deeds were on another plane entirely, often characterized by solo heroics against overwhelming forces or pivotal moments of national salvation. Their unparalleled status suggests that their contributions might have transcended mere human skill, hinting at a level of divine anointing or intervention that marked them as uniquely integral to God's work through David.

The verse therefore reveals a structured system of honor and distinction in David's court, one that recognized various levels of heroic service and divine enablement. Benaiah represented the apex of personal valor outside the "Three," embodying what was humanly possible and immensely honored. This understanding highlights that while all those in God's service are valued, there can be differing levels of giftedness, authority, and recognition according to His sovereign purpose (1 Cor 12:4-11). It encourages us to faithfully use the gifts we are given, recognizing that all honor ultimately flows from God and serves His divine plan.