2 Samuel 23 8

2 Samuel 23:8 kjv

These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.

2 Samuel 23:8 nkjv

These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time.

2 Samuel 23:8 niv

These are the names of David's mighty warriors: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.

2 Samuel 23:8 esv

These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite; he was chief of the three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred whom he killed at one time.

2 Samuel 23:8 nlt

These are the names of David's mightiest warriors. The first was Jashobeam the Hacmonite, who was leader of the Three ? the three mightiest warriors among David's men. He once used his spear to kill 800 enemy warriors in a single battle.

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 8 Meaning

This verse introduces Josheb-Basshebeth, a prominent warrior and the head of David's three mightiest men, also known as "The Three." It describes his extraordinary prowess, specifically his feat of wielding his spear to slay eight hundred men in a single engagement or on one occasion, highlighting his exceptional skill and lethal effectiveness on the battlefield. This brief but impactful description serves to establish the caliber of warriors King David surrounded himself with, emphasizing their loyalty and remarkable strength, reflective of God's blessing on David's kingdom.

2 Samuel 23 8 Context

This verse initiates the final poetic and historical reflections on King David's reign, immediately following his "last words" (2 Sam 23:1-7). It marks the beginning of a crucial appendix listing David's "Mighty Men," serving as a testament to the strength, loyalty, and divine favor that characterized David's kingdom. Coming after a theological reflection on righteous rule, this list concretizes the tangible effects of God's covenant with David – providing extraordinary individuals who helped establish and defend his realm. Historically, lists of elite warriors were common in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, often serving as a record of achievement and a source of pride for the king, reinforcing his legitimacy and power through the prowess of his most dedicated subjects. The description of these men’s deeds reflects the ongoing conflict with the Philistines and other enemies, providing a glimpse into the constant need for strong defense in a turbulent region.

2 Samuel 23 8 Word analysis

• These are the names: Establishes the beginning of a formal listing, signaling a significant roster of individuals whose deeds warrant remembrance and record. It underscores the historical and biographical nature of this section.
• of the mighty men: From Hebrew gibborim (גִּבֹּרִים), meaning "heroes," "warriors," "strong ones." This term often denotes more than just physical strength; it implies moral fortitude, courage, and often divine favor, especially in the Old Testament, for individuals performing great feats for God's purposes (e.g., Noah in Gen 6:4).
• whom David had: Signifies possession, loyalty, and allegiance. These men were under David's direct command and served him. It also speaks to David's leadership quality, as he was able to attract and inspire such extraordinary individuals.
• Josheb-Basshebeth: A challenging name for translators. In Hebrew, יֹשֵׁב בַּשֶּׁבֶת (Yoshev Bašševeth), possibly meaning "he who sits in the seat" or "dwelling of the seat," which could denote authority. However, the parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 11:11 gives his name as Jashobeam (יַשָׁבְעָם), a more common Semitic name, meaning "the people return" or "one who dwells among the people." Most scholars view the name here in 2 Samuel as a scribal error or an epithet given his position, possibly corrupted from the more straightforward Jashobeam.
• a Tahchemonite: From Hebrew תַּחְכְּמֹנִי (Taḥk'moni). This designates his origin, perhaps a clan or family, potentially related to "wisdom" (חָכָם, chakham). In 1 Chronicles 11:11, he is called "the Hachmonite" (חַכְמֹנִי), which aligns better with the idea of a family lineage known for wisdom or skill. The discrepancy here with "Tahchemonite" is likely a scribal variant.
• he was chief: Hebrew רֹאשׁ (ro'sh), literally "head." Denotes his leadership position, paramount authority, and supreme skill.
• of the three: This refers to the innermost circle of David's mighty warriors, an elite group within the broader company of "The Thirty" (which itself included the "Three"). These three were distinguished by the most spectacular deeds, showcasing unparalleled bravery and strength.
• He wielded his spear: Hebrew עֹרֵר אֶת־חֲנִיתוֹ ('orer 'et-ḥanito). 'Orer means "to rouse," "to stir up," or "to wield decisively." His weapon, a spear (ḥanit), was a common and effective tool for a front-line warrior, signifying direct engagement and close-quarters combat. The action emphasizes his direct, active participation and deadly force.
• against eight hundred whom he killed: Hebrew שְׁמֹנֶה מֵאוֹת חָלָל (sh'moneh me'ot ḥalal), "eight hundred slain" or "eight hundred corpses." This number is highly debated. The parallel in 1 Chronicles 11:11 says "three hundred." This numerical discrepancy leads to various interpretations: a scribal error, different engagements, or perhaps "800" representing an extreme rhetorical figure (hyperbole) emphasizing the devastating impact he had on the enemy. Some suggest the 800 may refer to those routed or made chalal (rendered profane/powerless), not necessarily all individual kills. The biblical text often uses large numbers to denote a decisive, overwhelming victory or superhuman prowess, indicating divine favor.
• at one time: Hebrew בְּפַעַם אֶחָת (b'fa'am 'eḥat). Implies a single, continuous engagement or a distinct event. This phrase further emphasizes the exceptional nature of the feat, suggesting a sustained effort and unwavering effectiveness in combat rather than an accumulated kill count over time.

2 Samuel 23 8 Bonus section

The discrepancy in the number of slain men (800 in 2 Samuel vs. 300 in 1 Chronicles 11:11) is one of the most noted textual variants in the Hebrew Bible. While modern textual criticism typically leans towards the lectio brevior (shorter reading) or considers the most difficult reading to be original, here the scholarship is divided. Some explain it as:

1. Scribal Error: Miscopying a number. This is plausible due to similarities in Hebrew numbering systems or simple mistakes.
2. Different Accounts: Referring to two distinct events or battles where Josheb-Basshebeth demonstrated his prowess, each with a different number of casualties.
3. Figurative vs. Literal: The "800" could be more hyperbolic, denoting total rout or significant impact, while "300" is a more precise or literal count of dead, perhaps referring to leaders. The larger number in 2 Samuel may serve to immediately convey his supremacy over the others listed.
4. Literary Intent: Both numbers depict an incredible feat far beyond ordinary human ability, serving to demonstrate divine strength empowering the warrior, making the exact figure secondary to the grand display of might.

The existence of David's "Mighty Men" (Gibborim) and their specific hierarchical structure (The Three, The Thirty) indicates a sophisticated military organization under David, far beyond simple tribal militias. These lists underscore David's enduring legacy not just as a king but as a military genius who could attract and command exceptional warriors.

2 Samuel 23 8 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:8 serves as the monumental introduction to David's most elite warriors, highlighting Josheb-Basshebeth (or Jashobeam) as the pinnacle of military might and valor. This verse establishes a heroic tone, celebrating extraordinary human feats achieved through courage and skill, often implicitly linked to divine empowerment. The mention of "chief of the three" immediately places him at the very apex of David's loyal and formidable fighting force, demonstrating David's exceptional leadership in cultivating such devoted and capable men. The remarkable detail of slaying "eight hundred men at one time" solidifies his legendary status, whether understood literally as an astounding, divinely aided achievement, or rhetorically as epic hyperbole intended to impress upon the reader the unparalleled destructive force of this warrior. This singular act, akin to the later described feats of Eleazar and Shammah, set the standard for what it meant to be a truly mighty man in David's service. It also speaks to the intense and often brutal reality of warfare in ancient Israel, where the actions of a few elite individuals could decisively impact the outcome of battles. These accounts reinforce the narrative of David's kingdom being established not merely by his own anointing but also through the strength and loyalty of those God had gathered to him.

• Practical Usage Example:
  • Leadership: A leader who surrounds themselves with skilled, loyal, and capable individuals empowers the entire organization. David's success was not solitary; it relied on men like Josheb-Basshebeth.
  • Divine Empowerment: Even human excellence in the Bible is often presented as a result of God's favor or training. We can ask God for strength and wisdom in our own challenges, understanding that our ultimate ability comes from Him.