2 Samuel 23 35

2 Samuel 23:35 kjv

Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,

2 Samuel 23:35 nkjv

Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,

2 Samuel 23:35 niv

Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,

2 Samuel 23:35 esv

Hezro of Carmel, Paarai the Arbite,

2 Samuel 23:35 nlt

Hezro from Carmel;
Paarai from Arba;

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 35 Meaning

This verse lists two individuals, Hezrai the Carmelite and Paarai the Arbite, who were among David's thirty mighty men. These individuals represent a foundational group of loyal and valiant warriors who served King David throughout his reign, contributing significantly to the establishment and defense of his kingdom. Their mention by name and origin highlights their individual significance and the diverse regional support for David.

2 Samuel 23 35 Context

This verse is situated in an appendix to the Book of 2 Samuel, specifically within a detailed list known as "David's Mighty Men" (2 Samuel 23:8-39). This section follows "The Last Words of David" (2 Samuel 23:1-7) and precedes a final appendix regarding David's census and the building of an altar. The list of mighty men serves to underscore the martial strength and the devoted core of loyalists who served David throughout his reign, attributing much of his success to these key individuals. Historically, it captures the final roster of his most valorous military leaders as his kingship approached its end, acknowledging the breadth of support that built his kingdom. It highlights not just David's prowess as a king, but also the faithful service of many, often from diverse geographic regions, under divine guidance.

2 Samuel 23 35 Word analysis

• Hezrai (חֶצְרַי - Chet͡sray): This is a personal name, an individual from David's fighting force. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 11:37 lists "Hezro" (חֶצְר֫וֹ - Chet͡srow). This difference likely reflects a common scribal variant, where similar-sounding letters or an ending syllable might be transcribed differently, or it could represent a minor phonetic variation of the same name.
• the Carmelite (הַכַּרְמְלִי - hakCarmeliy): This adjectival form indicates origin or association with "Carmel." There are two significant places named Carmel in biblical geography. One is Mount Carmel in northern Israel, famous for Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal. The other is a town called Carmel in the southern part of Judah, mentioned in connection with Nabal and Abigail (1 Sam 25:2-3). Given the context of David's support base, often drawn from Judah and surrounding areas, the southern Carmel is generally understood to be the likely origin for Hezrai. This designation points to the specific geographical roots of David's loyalists.
• Paarai (פַּעֲרַי - Pa'aray): This is also a personal name. Its exact identity and origin are subject to more textual debate. In the parallel list in 1 Chronicles 11:36, the name "Hepher" (חֶפֶר - Chepher) is found, and the place of origin is given as "the Mecherathite." The significant divergence here—both in name and place—suggests either a considerable scribal error, a very unique name, or possibly different individuals were being referenced in the separate accounts depending on the version being compiled.
• the Arbite (הָאַרְבִּי - hā'Arbiy): This designation points to "Arba." Arba is specifically identified in scripture as the earlier name for Hebron, "Kirjath-arba" (Gen 23:2, Josh 14:15). Hebron was a critical city in Judah and David's first capital before he moved to Jerusalem. This implies Paarai came from a significant city with deep historical ties, underscoring the support David garnered from pivotal centers of Judah.

• Words-group Analysis: The format "Name the [Originator]" is a standard ancient Near Eastern way of identifying individuals, especially in military rosters or genealogies. It provides both personal identity and geographical or familial affiliation. The inclusion of individuals like Hezrai and Paarai, who are not as famous as some others on the list (e.g., the "Three" or "The Thirty" in more prominent acts), highlights the depth and breadth of David's dedicated warriors. These individuals, though perhaps less known to the general reader, were vital to David's success. Their specific origins illustrate that David's military support drew from various regions and settlements within his kingdom, reflecting a broad-based loyalty to his throne.

2 Samuel 23 35 Bonus section

The discrepancy between the names in 2 Samuel 23:35 ("Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite") and 1 Chronicles 11:37 ("Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai") is a common subject in biblical textual criticism. While Hezrai/Hezro is a minor phonetic difference, Paarai the Arbite and Naarai the son of Ezbai are significantly different. Scholars often attribute this to scribal errors over centuries of copying, variations in local traditions about the names, or even different individuals listed in what are essentially "roll calls" that may have had some flexibility depending on the compiler's specific source material. Despite these minor variations, the core identity and the recognition of "David's mighty men" as a collective group remain consistent and celebrated in both accounts, affirming their foundational role in Israel's history under David. Their inclusion serves as a testament to the divine principle that God often uses a diverse body of dedicated individuals, known and unknown, to accomplish His will (1 Cor 12:12-27).

2 Samuel 23 35 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:35 quietly names two more individuals, Hezrai the Carmelite and Paarai the Arbite, belonging to the ranks of David's esteemed mighty men. Though their individual heroic exploits are not detailed here, their very inclusion on this revered list attests to their valor, skill, and unwavering loyalty to King David. The geographical tags—Carmelite and Arbite (from Hebron)—underscore the diverse origins of David's support, signifying that his kingdom was built and maintained by faithful individuals drawn from various corners of the land. The slight variations between this verse and its parallel in 1 Chronicles illustrate the ancient processes of textual transmission and remind us that while minute details may differ, the overarching message of dedicated service and divine favor through many individuals remains consistent. These lesser-known warriors played indispensable roles, highlighting that the work of the Kingdom involves many dedicated individuals, not just the prominently famed. We are called to serve faithfully, understanding that every contribution, whether prominent or quiet, is valuable in God's eyes for His purposes (e.g., Rom 12:4-5, 1 Cor 12:12-27, serving according to our gifts).