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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 23:20 And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/23-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/10_2Sa_23_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 23:20 - David's Mighty Men" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/23-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/23-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/23-19.htm" title="2 Samuel 23:19">◄</a> 2 Samuel 23:20 <a href="/2_samuel/23-21.htm" title="2 Samuel 23:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_samuel/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/23.htm">New International Version</a> Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab&#8217s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions of Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two ariels of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/23.htm">King James Bible</a> And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/23.htm">New King James Version</a> Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done great deeds, killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the middle of a pit on a snowy day. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the middle of a pit on a snowy day. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the middle of a pit on a snowy day. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, mighty in deeds, struck down the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many notable acts, killed two [famous] warriors of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the middle of a pit on a snowy day. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Benaiah son of Jehoiada was the son of a brave man from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. Benaiah killed two sons of Ariel of Moab, and he went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Benaiah son of Jehoiada was the son of a brave man from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. Benaiah killed two sons of Ariel of Moab, and he went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, he slew the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a brave man from Kabzeel who did some amazing things. He killed two of Moab's best fighters, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, he slew the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was from Kabzeel and was a brave man who did many things. He killed two distinguished soldiers from Moab. He also went into a pit and killed a lion on the day it snowed. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> Benaiah son of Jehoiada from Kabzeel was another famous soldier; he did many brave deeds, including killing two great Moabite warriors. He once went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> Jehoiada's son Benaiah, who was a valiant man, accomplished great things. He was from Kabzeel. He killed two men named Ariel from Moab and then he also went down into a pit and struck down a lion during a snow storm one day. <a href="/net/2_samuel/23.htm">NET Bible</a> Benaiah son of Jehoida was a brave warrior from Kabzeel who performed great exploits. He struck down the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in a cistern on a snowy day. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, who performed great deeds. He killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lion-like men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/2_samuel/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. <a href="/web/2_samuel/23.htm">World English Bible</a> Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the middle of a pit in a time of snow. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Benaiah son of Jehoiada (son of a man of valor, great in deeds from Kabzeel), has struck two lion-like men of Moab, and he has gone down and struck the lion in the midst of the pit in a day of snow. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Benaiah son of Jehoiada (son of a man of valour, great in deeds from Kabzeel), he hath smitten two lion-like men of Moab, and he hath gone down and smitten the lion in the midst of the pit in a day of snow. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Benaiah son of Jehoida, son of a living man great of works, from Kabzeel, he struck two lions of god of Moab: and he went down and struck a lion in the midst of a well in the day of snow.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Banaias the son of Joiada a most valiant man, of great deeds, of Cabseel: he slew the two lions of Moab, and he went down, and slew a lion in the midst of a pit, in the time of snow. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, a very strong man of great deeds, was from Kabzeel. He slew the two lions of Moab, and he descended and slew a lion in the middle of a den, in the days of snow. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/23.htm">New American Bible</a> Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, a valiant man of mighty deeds, from Kabzeel, killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. Also, he went down and killed the lion in the cistern on a snowy day. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant warrior from Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds; he struck down two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a mighty man of Kabzeel who had performed good acts; he slew two mighty men of Moab and went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a forest in time of snow; <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Benaiya, son of Yuyada, the Warrior and mighty man of the army from Qabtsayel, whose works were beautiful deeds and he killed two mighty men of the Moabites and he went down and he killed a lion inside the forest on a day of snow<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, he smote the two altar-hearths of Moab; he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow; <a href="/sep/2_samuel/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Banaeas the son of Jodae, he was abundant in mighty deeds, from Cabeseel, and he smote the two sons of Ariel of Moab: and he went down and smote a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/23-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=7286" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/23.htm">David's Mighty Men</a> …19Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three. 20<a href="/hebrew/1141.htm" title="1141: ū·ḇə·nā·yā·hū (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Or Bnayahuw; from banah and Yahh; Jah has built; Benajah, the name of twelve Israelites.">And Benaiah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇen- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/3077.htm" title="3077: yə·hō·w·yā·ḏā‘ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD knows, the name of several Isr. From Yhovah and yada'; Jehovah-known; Jehojada, the name of three Israelites.">of Jehoiada</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">was a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay (N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">of valor</a> <a href="/hebrew/6909.htm" title="6909: miq·qaḇ·ṣə·’êl (Prep-m:: N-proper-fs) -- God gathers, a city in S. Judah. From qabats and 'el; God has gathered; Kabtseel, a place in Palestine.">from Kabzeel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: raḇ- (Adj-msc) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">a man of many</a> <a href="/hebrew/6467.htm" title="6467: pə·‘ā·lîm (N-mp) -- Doing, deed, work. From pa'al; an act or work.">exploits.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">He</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: hik·kāh (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">struck down</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nê (Number-mdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">two</a> <a href="/hebrew/739.htm" title="739: ’ă·ri·’êl (N-msc) -- Lioness of El, an Isr. name, also a man of Moab. Or">champions</a> <a href="/hebrew/4124.htm" title="4124: mō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-fs) -- A son of Lot, also his desc. and the territory where they settled. ">of Moab,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7950.htm" title="7950: haš·šā·leḡ (Art:: N-ms) -- Snow. From shalag; snow.">and on a snowy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bə·yō·wm (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: yā·raḏ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">went down</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: bə·ṯō·wḵ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/953.htm" title="953: hab·bōr (Art:: N-ms) -- A pit, cistern, well. From buwr; a pit hole.">a pit</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: wə·hik·kāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and killed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/738.htm" title="738: hå̄·ʾă·rī·yah (Art:: N-ms) -- A lion. Or earyeh; from 'arah; a lion.">a lion.</a> 21He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-22.htm">1 Chronicles 11:22-25</a> And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. / He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear. / These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who won a name along with the three mighty men. ... <a href="/1_kings/2-34.htm">1 Kings 2:34-35</a> So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness. / And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place. <a href="/judges/14-5.htm">Judges 14:5-6</a> Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, / and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-37</a> David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/17-50.htm">1 Samuel 17:50</a> Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. <a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">1 Samuel 18:5</a> So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well. <a href="/1_samuel/18-14.htm">1 Samuel 18:14</a> and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him. <a href="/1_samuel/23-5.htm">1 Samuel 23:5</a> Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah. <a href="/1_samuel/26-25.htm">1 Samuel 26:25</a> Saul said to him, “May you be blessed, David my son. You will accomplish great things and will surely prevail.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned home. <a href="/2_samuel/8-13.htm">2 Samuel 8:13-14</a> And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. / He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. <a href="/2_samuel/21-15.htm">2 Samuel 21:15-22</a> Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/22-30.htm">2 Samuel 22:30</a> For in You I can charge an army; with my God I can scale a wall. <a href="/1_chronicles/20-4.htm">1 Chronicles 20:4-8</a> Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. / Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. / And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, ... <a href="/psalms/18-29.htm">Psalm 18:29</a> For in You I can charge an army, and with my God I can scale a wall. <a href="/proverbs/28-1.htm">Proverbs 28:1</a> The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lion like men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the middle of a pit in time of snow:Benaiah<a href="/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18</a> And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.<a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">2 Samuel 20:23</a> Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:<a href="/1_kings/1-8.htm">1 Kings 1:8,26,38</a> But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah… Kabzeel<a href="/joshua/15-21.htm">Joshua 15:21</a> And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,who had dome many acts.<a href="/exodus/15-15.htm">Exodus 15:15</a> Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.lion-like men [heb] lions of God<a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm">2 Samuel 1:23</a> Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.<a href="/1_chronicles/11-22.htm">1 Chronicles 11:22-24</a> Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day… <a href="/1_chronicles/12-8.htm">1 Chronicles 12:8</a> And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, and men of war fit for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as the roes upon the mountains;slew a lion<a href="/judges/14-5.htm">Judges 14:5,6</a> Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him… <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-37</a> And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/12-7.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-22.htm">Altar-Hearths</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-7.htm">Ariel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">Benaiah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-39.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">Jehoiada</a> <a href="/joshua/15-21.htm">Kabzeel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-12.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-17.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-12.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-17.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-12.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/numbers/12-10.htm">Snow</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-14.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">Valiant</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/23-22.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-22.htm">Altar-Hearths</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-22.htm">Ariel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-21.htm">Benaiah</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-11.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-22.htm">Jehoiada</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-22.htm">Kabzeel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-21.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-24.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-5.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-22.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-1.htm">Moab</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-14.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-21.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-21.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-27.htm">Snow</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-15.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-9.htm">Valiant</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 23</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/23-1.htm">David, in his last words, professes his faith in God's promises</a> 6. <a href="/2_samuel/23-6.htm">The different state of the wicked</a> 8. <a href="/2_samuel/23-8.htm">A catalogue of David's mighty men</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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His father, Jehoiada, was a priest, indicating Benaiah's noble lineage and possible Levitical connections. This background may have influenced his strong sense of duty and faithfulness, traits highly valued in Israelite society.was a man of valor from Kabzeel Kabzeel was a town in the southern part of Judah, near the border with Edom. It was a region known for its rugged terrain and challenging living conditions, which may have contributed to Benaiah's development as a warrior. Being described as a "man of valor" highlights his courage and skill in battle, qualities that were essential for leaders in ancient Israel.a man of many exploits Benaiah's numerous achievements in battle set him apart as one of David's mighty men. His exploits would have been well-known and celebrated among the Israelites, serving as a testament to his strength and God's favor upon him. This phrase underscores the importance of military prowess in establishing one's reputation and legacy in the biblical narrative.He struck down two champions of Moab The Moabites were frequent adversaries of Israel, and defeating their champions would have been a significant military accomplishment. This act not only demonstrated Benaiah's personal bravery but also contributed to the security and stability of Israel. It reflects the ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbors, a common theme throughout the Old Testament.and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion This remarkable feat highlights Benaiah's fearlessness and resourcefulness. Snowfall in Israel is rare, suggesting that the conditions were particularly challenging. Lions were considered dangerous predators, and killing one would have been seen as an act of divine empowerment. This event can be seen as a type of Christ, who conquers sin and death, often symbolized by a lion in biblical literature. Benaiah's victory over the lion prefigures the ultimate victory of Jesus over evil.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/benaiah.htm">Benaiah</a> A valiant warrior and son of Jehoiada, known for his bravery and significant exploits. He later became a chief officer in King David's army and Solomon's commander. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jehoiada.htm">Jehoiada</a> The father of Benaiah, possibly a priest, indicating a lineage of both spiritual and physical strength. 3. <a href="/topical/k/kabzeel.htm">Kabzeel</a> A town in the southern part of Judah, Benaiah's hometown, suggesting his roots in a region known for its warriors. 4. <a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a> A neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel, representing external threats and challenges. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lion_in_the_pit.htm">The Lion in the Pit</a> Symbolizes a formidable challenge or danger that Benaiah faced and overcame, demonstrating his courage and God's deliverance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_adversity.htm">Courage in Adversity</a> Benaiah's actions teach us the importance of facing our fears and challenges head-on, trusting in God's strength to overcome them. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_small_and_great_tasks.htm">Faithfulness in Small and Great Tasks</a> Whether fighting Moabite champions or a lion, Benaiah's faithfulness in all tasks set before him is a model for believers to be diligent in both small and great responsibilities. <a href="/topical/g/god's_empowerment.htm">God's Empowerment</a> Benaiah's victories remind us that God empowers His people to accomplish what seems impossible, encouraging us to rely on His strength rather than our own. <a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faith_and_valor.htm">Legacy of Faith and Valor</a> Benaiah's account encourages us to leave a legacy of faith and valor, impacting future generations through our actions and character.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 23</a> <a href="/q/what_was_paul's_age_at_death.htm">Who was Benaiah in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_essentialism.htm">Who were the Cherethites in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/are_1_chron._27_commanders_verifiable.htm">Are the named commanders in 1 Chronicles 27 historically verifiable through archaeology or extrabiblical records? </a> <a href="/q/who_is_angel_ariel.htm">Who is Angel Ariel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) Benaiah.--He was the general of the third division of the army (<a href="/context/1_chronicles/27-5.htm" title="The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.">1Chronicles 27:5-6</a>). This probably included the Cherethites and Pelethites, since he was also their commander (<a href="/2_samuel/8-18.htm" title="And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.">2Samuel 8:18</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm" title="Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:">2Samuel 20:23</a>). In consequence of his faithfulness to Solomon in the rebellion of Adonijah, he was finally made commander-in-chief (<a href="/1_kings/1-8.htm" title="But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.">1Kings 1:8</a>; <a href="/1_kings/1-26.htm" title="But me, even me your servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon, has he not called.">1Kings 1:26</a>; <a href="/1_kings/1-32.htm" title="And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king.">1Kings 1:32</a>; <a href="/1_kings/2-25.htm" title="And king Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and he fell on him that he died.">1Kings 2:25</a>; <a href="/context/1_kings/2-29.htm" title="And it was told king Solomon that Joab was fled to the tabernacle of the LORD; and, behold, he is by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall on him.">1Kings 2:29-35</a>; <a href="/1_kings/4-4.htm" title="And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:">1Kings 4:4</a>). His father Jehoiada is called "a chief priest "in <a href="/1_chronicles/27-5.htm" title="The third captain of the host for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.">1Chronicles 27:5</a>, and in <a href="/1_chronicles/12-27.htm" title="And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand and seven hundred;">1Chronicles 12:27</a> mention is made of a "Jehoiada the leader of the Aaronites," who came to David at Hebron, and who may have been the same person. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. He was a very important person throughout David's reign, being the commander of the body guard' (<a href="/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18</a>), and general of the third brigade of twenty-four thousand men (<a href="/1_chronicles/27-5.htm">1 Chronicles 27:5</a>). The meaning of the description given of him there is disputed; but probably it should be translated, "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada the priest, as head," that is, of the brigade. He was thus the son of the Jehoiada who was leader of the house of Aaron, and whose coming to Hebron with three thousand seven hundred martial priests did so much to make David king of all Israel (<a href="/1_chronicles/12-27.htm">1 Chronicles 12:27</a>). Subsequently he took the side of Solomon against Adonijah, and was rewarded by being made commander-in-chief, in place of Joab (<a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">1 Kings 2:35</a>). Kabzeel. An unidentified place in the south of Judah, on the Edomite border (<a href="/joshua/15-21.htm">Joshua 15:21</a>), called Jekabzeel in <a href="/nehemiah/11-25.htm">Nehemiah 11:25</a>. Two lionlike men of Moab. The Septuagint reads, "the two sons of Ariel of Moab." which the Revised Version adopts. "Ariel" means "lion of God," and is a name given to Jerusalem in <a href="/isaiah/29-1.htm">Isaiah 29:1, 2</a>. The Syriac supports the Authorized Version in understanding by the term "heroes," or "champions;" but the use of poetical language in a prosaic catalogue is so strange that the Septuagint is probably right. If so, Ariel is the proper name of the King of Moab and the achievement took place in the war recorded in <a href="/2_samuel/8-2.htm">2 Samuel 8:2</a>. A lion. This achievement would be as gratefully remembered as the killing of a man eating tiger by the natives in India. A lion, driven by the cold from the forests, had made its lair in a dry tank near some town, and thence preyed upon the inhabitants as they went in and out of the city. And Benaiah had pity upon them, and came to the rescue, and went down into the pit, and, at the risk of his life, slew the lion. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/23-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And Benaiah וּבְנָיָ֨הוּ (ū·ḇə·nā·yā·hū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1141.htm">Strong's 1141: </a> Benaiah -- 'Yah has built up', the name of several Israelites son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Jehoiada יְהוֹיָדָ֧ע (yə·hō·w·yā·ḏā‘) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3077.htm">Strong's 3077: </a> Jehoiada -- 'the LORD knows', the name of several Israelites [was] a valiant חַ֛יִל (ḥa·yil) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life warrior אִֽישׁ־ (’îš-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person from Kabzeel, מִֽקַּבְצְאֵ֑ל (miq·qaḇ·ṣə·’êl) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6909.htm">Strong's 6909: </a> Kabzeel -- 'God gathers', a city in southern Judah a man of many רַב־ (raḇ-) Adjective - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> Much, many, great exploits. פְּעָלִ֖ים (pə·‘ā·lîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6467.htm">Strong's 6467: </a> Doing, deed, work [He] ה֣וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are struck down הִכָּ֗ה (hik·kāh) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike two שְׁנֵ֤י (šə·nê) Number - mdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) champions אֲרִאֵל֙ (’ă·ri·’êl) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_739.htm">Strong's 739: </a> Ariel -- 'lioness of El', an Israelite name, also a man of Moab of Moab, מוֹאָ֔ב (mō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4124.htm">Strong's 4124: </a> Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled and on a snowy הַשָּֽׁלֶג׃ (haš·šā·leḡ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7950.htm">Strong's 7950: </a> Snow day בְּי֥וֹם (bə·yō·wm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day he וְ֠הוּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are went down יָרַ֞ד (yā·raḏ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> To come or go down, descend into בְּת֥וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> A bisection, the centre a pit הַבֹּ֖אר (hab·bōr) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_953.htm">Strong's 953: </a> A pit, cistern, well and killed וְהִכָּ֧ה (wə·hik·kāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike a lion. הָאֲרִ֛י (hā·’ă·rî) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_738.htm">Strong's 738: </a> A lion <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/23-20.htm">2 Samuel 23:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/23-20.htm">2 Samuel 23:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/23-20.htm">2 Samuel 23:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/23-20.htm">2 Samuel 23:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/23-20.htm">2 Samuel 23:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/23-20.htm">2 Samuel 23:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/23-20.htm">2 Samuel 23:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/23-20.htm">2 Samuel 23:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/23-20.htm">2 Samuel 23:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/23-20.htm">2 Samuel 23:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-20.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 23:20 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada the son (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/23-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 23:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 23:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/23-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 23:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 23:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>