2 Samuel 23 30

2 Samuel 23:30 kjv

Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,

2 Samuel 23:30 nkjv

Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai from the brooks of Gaash,

2 Samuel 23:30 niv

Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai from the ravines of Gaash,

2 Samuel 23:30 esv

Benaiah of Pirathon, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,

2 Samuel 23:30 nlt

Benaiah from Pirathon;
Hurai from Nahale-gaash ;

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 30 Meaning

2 Samuel 23:30 names two more valiant warriors among "David's Mighty Men": Benaiah, originating from Pirathon, and Hiddai, who hailed from the brooks of Gaash. This verse is part of a list honoring the loyal and brave individuals who served King David.

2 Samuel 23 30 Context

2 Samuel 23:30 is located within the final chapters of David's story in the Book of Samuel, specifically following "The Last Words of David" (2 Sam 23:1-7). It is part of an esteemed roll of "David's Mighty Men" (2 Sam 23:8-39), a military elite who proved exceptionally loyal and valiant throughout his reign. This list functions as a historical testament, honoring those who played a crucial role in the establishment and defense of David's kingdom. The broader context of David's reign sees him transitioning from a persecuted fugitive to a successful king who unifies Israel and achieves significant military victories. The listing of these warriors by name and origin highlights the diverse support David commanded from various regions and tribes of Israel, reinforcing the stability and scope of his kingdom.

2 Samuel 23 30 Word analysis

• Benaiah (Hebrew: בְּנָיָה, Běnāyāh): A name composed of "בן" (ben, meaning "son" or verb "to build") and "יה" (Yah, a short form of Yahweh). Thus, it means "Yah has built" or "Yah has established." This name was relatively common in ancient Israel; the Benaiah here is distinct from the more famous Benaiah son of Jehoiada, commander of David's personal guard and later Solomon's general (e.g., 2 Sam 8:18).
• the Pirathonite (Hebrew: הַפִּרְעָתוֹנִי, happirʻātônî): This descriptive epithet specifies Benaiah's origin from Pirathon, a town in the hill country of Ephraim (Judg 12:15). The Hebrew definite article "הַ" (ha-) translates as "the," clearly identifying him with this particular locality. Such geographical identifiers were essential for distinguishing individuals, especially when names were shared, and rooted these heroes in specific parts of the Israelite territory.
• Hiddai (Hebrew: חִדַּי, Ḥiddāy): A less common personal name, possibly stemming from a root associated with "joy" or "sharpness." In the parallel list found in 1 Chronicles 11:32, this individual is referred to as "Hurai" (חוּרַי, Ḥūrāy). This variation highlights aspects of textual transmission in ancient manuscripts, where minor differences in spelling or alternative names could occur without impacting the core historical identification or the meaning of the overall text.
• of the brooks of Gaash (Hebrew: מִנַּחֲלֵי גָעַשׁ, minnaḥalê Gā‘ash):
  • "of the brooks of" (מִנַּחֲלֵי, minnaḥalê): The preposition "מִן" (min), meaning "from" or "of," indicates origin. The noun "נַחַל" (naḥal) means "brook," "wadi," or "valley"—a dry streambed that flows seasonally. The plural form "נַחֲלֵי" denotes "brooks of" or "valleys of," referring to a region characterized by such watercourses.
  • "Gaash" (גָעַשׁ, Gā‘ash): Derived from a root meaning "to shake" or "to tremble." Mount Gaash is identified in Judges 2:9 as the burial place of Joshua, making it a recognizable landmark in Israel's early history. This specific geographical association clearly identifies Hiddai's place of origin.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash: This structured pattern of "Name the Originator," often found in ancient heroic lists and genealogies, serves to definitively identify each warrior. It grounds the historical figures within their tribal and geographical contexts within the unified kingdom of Israel, highlighting that David's loyal support came from across the land. The consistent inclusion of specific localities like Pirathon and the brooks of Gaash not only differentiates men with similar names but also implicitly underscores the widespread reach and allegiance to King David's authority.

2 Samuel 23 30 Bonus Section

The meticulously recorded lists of David's Mighty Men, including verses like 2 Samuel 23:30, attest to the ancient Israelite tradition of preserving historical and genealogical information, which was vital for tribal identity and land inheritance. These lists are not exhaustive records of all David's soldiers but highlight the "inner circle" who likely served as officers or highly distinguished personal guards. The presence of variant names between the Books of Samuel and Chronicles (e.g., Hiddai vs. Hurai) illustrates the careful, yet human, process of scribal transmission of biblical texts over centuries. Such variations are typically minor, not affecting theological truth, and provide valuable insights for biblical scholarship into the methods of copying and editing in antiquity. Furthermore, this emphasis on specific, individual faithfulness to the earthly king often foreshadows and exemplifies the faithful service and commitment required of believers to God and His kingdom, a theme echoed throughout both Old and New Testaments.

2 Samuel 23 30 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:30 contributes to the sacred record of David's extraordinary and loyal warriors. It is more than just a roll call; it serves as a testimony to the men who selflessly devoted their strength and skill to God's anointed king. By listing their names alongside their precise geographical origins—Benaiah from Pirathon in Ephraim and Hiddai from the distinctive "brooks of Gaash"—the text underscores the authenticity and personal investment of these individuals in David's reign. This attention to detail reflects an ancient value placed on reputation, heritage, and the faithful service of individuals who contributed significantly to national well-being. Although we are given few details of their personal deeds, their mere inclusion in this revered list is an implicit honor, indicating their courage, fidelity, and the critical role they played in establishing the stability of God's kingdom on earth under David's leadership.