2 Samuel 23 33

2 Samuel 23:33 kjv

Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,

2 Samuel 23:33 nkjv

Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,

2 Samuel 23:33 niv

son of Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite,

2 Samuel 23:33 esv

Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,

2 Samuel 23:33 nlt

son of Shagee from Harar;
Ahiam son of Sharar from Harar;

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 33 Meaning

2 Samuel 23:33 presents two of David's elite warriors, forming part of the extensive list of his "Mighty Men." The verse identifies Shammah, who is designated as "the Hararite," signifying his place of origin or familial connection. Following him is Ahiam, further identified as "the son of Sharar the Ararite," indicating both his father's name and a similar regional or familial designation. This detailed listing highlights the individual valor and unique background of those who served David loyally.

2 Samuel 23 33 Context

2 Samuel chapter 23 recounts two significant components: David's last words (verses 1-7), which function as a spiritual testament to God's covenant with him, and a detailed list of his most formidable warriors, known as his "mighty men" (verses 8-39). Verse 33 falls within this list of mighty men. This catalogue, particularly of "the Thirty" (to which Shammah and Ahiam belonged, even though the number is slightly larger when accounting for various individuals), serves as a testament to the loyal and valiant individuals who formed the backbone of David's kingdom and contributed to his military successes. It underscores that David's powerful reign was not solely due to his own prowess but was significantly supported by devoted and capable men from diverse backgrounds, each individually recognized for their contributions. Historically, such lists were crucial for establishing legitimacy, honoring heroes, and maintaining records within ancient Near Eastern monarchies.

2 Samuel 23 33 Word analysis

• Shammah (שַׁמָּה - Shammah): A personal name, meaning "astonishment" or "desolation." It is a relatively common name in the Old Testament, though this specific Shammah is distinct from Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite, who was one of "the Three" chief mighty men (2 Sam 23:11). This Shammah is listed among "the Thirty," indicating a different individual.
• the Hararite (הָרָרִי - hā·rā·rî): A gentilic (a descriptive term indicating origin or nationality) derived from "Harar," which means "mountain" or "hill country." This designation implies that Shammah originated from a mountainous region, possibly in Judah, such as the hill country near Jerusalem or Bethlehem.
• Ahiam (אֲחִיאָם - ʼăḥîʼām): A personal name, meaning "my brother is a mother" or "brother of the people." This name highlights a familial or communal connection.
• the son of Sharar (בֶן־שָׁרָר - ben Shārār): A patronymic, identifying Ahiam's father as Sharar. This reinforces Ahiam's lineage and familial identity. The name "Sharar" is not commonly attested elsewhere. In the parallel account of 1 Chronicles 11:35, Ahiam's father is called "Sacar" (שָׂכָר - Śākhār), meaning "hire" or "reward." This discrepancy between "Sharar" and "Sacar" is likely a scribal variant.
• the Ararite (אַרָרִי - ʼārārî): A gentilic. This specific designation is notable for its textual variation. While the Masoretic Text (MT) has "Ararite" here, most modern translations (e.g., NIV, ESV) and scholarly consensus prefer to read this as "the Hararite" (hā·rā·rî), aligning it with Shammah's designation and the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 11:35 which identifies Ahiam as "the Hararite." The slight difference in Hebrew lettering (resh vs. he) makes this a common scribal error. Therefore, like Shammah, Ahiam is also understood to be from a "mountain" region.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Shammah the Hararite": This pairing explicitly identifies one individual from the list of David's loyal warriors. The name and a geographical/familial tag are given for distinct recognition. His inclusion among the select few highlights his combat prowess and loyalty.
• "Ahiam the son of Sharar the Ararite": This provides an even more detailed identification, including his father's name, common for ancient genealogies and distinguishing individuals. The textual variation of "Sharar" for his father's name (vs. "Sacar" in 1 Chronicles 11:35) and "Ararite" (likely "Hararite" due to textual similarity and parallelism) indicate challenges in transmitting ancient texts but confirm the identity of a significant warrior known in two different records. Both these individuals are recorded, indicating their importance to the chronicler and David's kingdom.

2 Samuel 23 33 Bonus section

The listing of specific warriors by name, parentage, and place of origin is not merely a historical record; it emphasizes the personal sacrifice and diverse contributions of individuals in God's plan. It demonstrates that God often uses faithful individuals from various backgrounds to achieve His purposes, elevating those who commit to a righteous cause. These seemingly simple lists serve as reminders of loyalty, personal commitment, and the honor bestowed upon those who serve their king—a principle that can be extended metaphorically to faithful service to God and His kingdom today. The inclusion of gentilic forms like "Hararite" shows the importance of geographical identity and hints at the tribal and regional diversity within David's united kingdom.

2 Samuel 23 33 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:33 succinctly names Shammah and Ahiam as members of David's "Thirty" mighty men. This concise entry speaks volumes about their loyalty, courage, and indispensable contribution to David's military campaigns and the stability of his kingdom. Each man on this list, identified often by name, father's name, and origin, received explicit mention, signifying their honor and distinction in Israelite society. Their very presence in this compiled record, adjacent to the most famous heroes, immortalizes their service. The subtle textual variations regarding Ahiam's father's name ("Sharar" vs. "Sacar") and place of origin ("Ararite" vs. "Hararite") serve as important scholarly notes on ancient manuscript transmission, yet do not detract from the essential truth of their existence and service. Their valor reinforces the broader narrative of God empowering David through faithful men to establish His kingdom.