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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>1 Chronicles 11:20 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_chronicles/11-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/13_1Ch_11_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Chronicles 11:20 - David's Mighty Men" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three." /><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/1_chronicles/11-20.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/1_chronicles/11-20.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="/1_chronicles/">1 Chronicles</a> > <a href="/1_chronicles/11.htm">Chapter 11</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="/1_chronicles/11-19.htm" title="1 Chronicles 11:19">◄</a> 1 Chronicles 11:20 <a href="/1_chronicles/11-21.htm" title="1 Chronicles 11:21">►</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"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Abishai, the brother of Joab, was the leader of the Thirty. He once used his spear to kill 300 enemy warriors in a single battle. It was by such feats that he became as famous as the Three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_chronicles/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the thirty. And he wielded his spear against 300 men and killed them and won a name beside the three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew <i>them</i>, and had a name among the three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_chronicles/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of <i>another</i> three. He had lifted up his spear against three hundred <i>men,</i> killed <i>them,</i> and won a name among <i>these</i> three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_chronicles/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />As for Abshai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the thirty, and he wielded his spear against three hundred and killed them; and he had a name as well as the thirty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />As for Abshai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the thirty, and he swung his spear against three hundred and killed them; and he had a name as well as the thirty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_chronicles/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />As for Abshai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the thirty, and he swung his spear against three hundred and killed them; and he had a name as well as the thirty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_chronicles/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now Abshai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the thirty. And he swung his spear against three hundred <i>who were</i> slain <i>by him</i>; and he had a name as well as the thirty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_chronicles/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the [other] three, and he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and he had a name as well as the three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_chronicles/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abishai, Joab’s brother, was the leader of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men and killed them, gaining a reputation among the Three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_chronicles/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abishai, Joab&#8217s brother, was the leader of the Three. He raised his spear against 300 men and killed them, gaining a reputation among the Three. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_chronicles/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abishai, the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three; for he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_chronicles/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Joab's brother Abishai was the leader of the Thirty Warriors, and in one battle he killed 300 men with his spear. He was just as famous as the Three Warriors <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_chronicles/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abishai, the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_chronicles/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Joab's brother Abishai was the leader of the thirty. He used his spear to kill 300 men, but he was not one of the three,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_chronicles/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Joab's brother Abishai was the leader of "The Famous Thirty." He fought with his spear against three hundred men and killed them, and became famous among "The Thirty." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_chronicles/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Joab's brother Abishai was the lieutenant in charge of the platoons. He used his spear to fight and kill 300 men, gaining a reputation distinct from the Three. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_chronicles/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Abishai the brother of Joab was head of the three elite warriors. He killed three hundred men with his spear and gained fame along with the three elite warriors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_chronicles/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Abishai, the brother of Joab, was leader of the Thirty. And he wielded his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name beside the Three. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_chronicles/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_chronicles/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_chronicles/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the three; for he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_chronicles/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abishai brother of Joab, he has been head of the three: and he is lifting up his spear against three hundred—wounded, and has a name among three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_chronicles/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Abishai brother of Joab, he hath been head of the three: and he is lifting up his spear against three hundred -- wounded, and hath a name among three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_chronicles/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abishai, brother of Joab, he was head of the three: and he lifted up his spear against three hundred; he wounded, and to a name among the three.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_chronicles/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Abisai the brother of Joab, he was chief of three, and he lifted up his spear against three hundred whom he slew, and he was renowned among the three, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_chronicles/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Also, Abishai, the brother of Joab, was the leader of the three, and he lifted up his spear against three hundred, who were wounded. And he was most renown among the three,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_chronicles/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Abishai, the brother of Joab, was the chief of the Thirty; he brandished his spear over three hundred, whom he had slain. He made a name beside the Three,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_chronicles/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Thirty. With his spear he fought against three hundred and killed them, and won a name beside the Three.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_chronicles/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of thirty; for he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and he was highly honored, promoted to be over thirty men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_chronicles/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abishi the brother of Yoab was Chief of thirty, and he drew a lance against three hundred killed, and he had honor over the thirty.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_chronicles/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Abishai, the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three; for he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_chronicles/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abisa the brother of Joab, he was chief of three: he drew his sword against three hundred slain at one time, and he had a name among the <i>second</i> three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wtNNY-qpWWI?start=3464" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_chronicles/11.htm">David's Mighty Men</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/52.htm" title="52: wə·’aḇ·šay (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- My father is Jesse, an Isr. name. Or Abshay; from 'ab and shay; father of a gift; Abishai, an Israelite.">Now Abishai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ă·ḥî- (N-msc) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">the brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/3097.htm" title="3097: yō·w·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- The LORD is father, three Isr. From Yhovah and 'ab; Jehovah-fathered; Joab, the name of three Israelites.">of Joab,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">chief</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: haš·šə·lō·wō·šāh (Art:: Number-ms) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">of the Three,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">and he</a> <a href="/hebrew/5782.htm" title="5782: ‘ō·w·rêr (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To rouse oneself, awake. A primitive root; to wake.">lifted</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/2595.htm" title="2595: ḥă·nî·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A spear. From chanah; a lance.">his spear</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lōš (Number-fsc) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/3967.htm" title="3967: mê·’ō·wṯ (Number-fp) -- Hundred. Or metyah; properly, a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction.">hundred men,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2491.htm" title="2491: ḥā·lāl (N-ms) -- Pierced, polluted. From chalal; pierced; figuratively, polluted.">killed them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Prep:: 3ms) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and won</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šêm (N-ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">a name</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: baš·šə·lō·wō·šāh (Prep-b, Art:: Number-ms) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">along with the Three.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>He was doubly honored above the Three, and he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm">2 Samuel 23:18-19</a></span><br />Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. / Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-6.htm">1 Chronicles 27:6</a></span><br />This Benaiah was mighty among the Thirty and was over the Thirty, and his son Ammizabad was in charge of his division.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-10.htm">1 Chronicles 11:10</a></span><br />Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-18.htm">1 Chronicles 12:18</a></span><br />Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/19-13.htm">1 Chronicles 19:13</a></span><br />Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/20-4.htm">1 Chronicles 20:4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/21-5.htm">1 Chronicles 21:5</a></span><br />And Joab reported to David the total number of the troops. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/22-13.htm">1 Chronicles 22:13</a></span><br />Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-31.htm">1 Chronicles 26:31</a></span><br />As for the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to the genealogies of his ancestors. In the fortieth year of David’s reign the records were searched, and strong, capable men were found among the Hebronites at Jazer in Gilead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-1.htm">1 Chronicles 28:1</a></span><br />Now David summoned all the leaders of Israel to Jerusalem: the leaders of the tribes, the leaders of the divisions in the king’s service, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and cattle of the king and his sons, along with the court officials and mighty men—every mighty man of valor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">2 Samuel 10:12</a></span><br />Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-17.htm">2 Samuel 21:17</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-8.htm">2 Samuel 23:8</a></span><br />These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/23-39.htm">2 Samuel 23:39</a></span><br />and Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven in all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm">2 Kings 2:12</a></span><br />As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.</p><p class="hdg">Abishai</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/2-16.htm">1 Chronicles 2:16</a></b></br> Whose sisters <i>were</i> Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/26-6.htm">1 Samuel 26:6</a></b></br> Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/2-18.htm">2 Samuel 2:18</a></b></br> And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel <i>was as</i> light of foot as a wild roe.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/2-16.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-16.htm">Abi'shai</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-16.htm">Abshai</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-11.htm">Brandished</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-15.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-11.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-11.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-11.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-8.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-8.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-14.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-11.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-11.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-14.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-11.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm">Swung</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-15.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-19.htm">Three</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-11.htm">Wielded</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-22.htm">Won</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-11.htm">Wounded</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/18-12.htm">Abishai</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/18-12.htm">Abi'shai</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-11.htm">Abshai</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-32.htm">Brandished</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-42.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/13-10.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-21.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/12-14.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-26.htm">Joab</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-26.htm">Jo'ab</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-22.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-2.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-11.htm">Raised</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-22.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-23.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/26-2.htm">Swung</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-21.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-21.htm">Three</a> <a href="/daniel/11-4.htm">Wielded</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-24.htm">Won</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/13-17.htm">Wounded</a><div class="vheading2">1 Chronicles 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-1.htm">David Becomes King over All Israel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-4.htm">Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-10.htm">David's Mighty Men</a></span><br></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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_chronicles/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_chronicles/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now Abishai, the brother of Joab</b><br>Abishai was the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him David's nephew. His brother Joab was the commander of David's army. This familial connection highlights the importance of family loyalty and the role of kinship in David's reign. Abishai's relationship with Joab also suggests a shared military prowess and leadership within the family.<p><b>was chief of the Three</b><br>The "Three" refers to a group of David's mightiest warriors, known for their exceptional bravery and skill in battle. Being the chief of this elite group indicates Abishai's superior leadership and valor. This position underscores the hierarchical structure within David's military, where certain warriors were distinguished for their extraordinary feats.<p><b>and he wielded his spear against three hundred men</b><br>This phrase emphasizes Abishai's remarkable combat skills and strength. The act of wielding a spear against such a large number of enemies demonstrates not only physical prowess but also strategic acumen. This feat is reminiscent of other biblical accounts of great warriors, such as Samson, who also faced overwhelming odds.<p><b>killed them</b><br>The act of killing three hundred men highlights the brutal and violent nature of ancient warfare. It reflects the reality of the constant battles that characterized the period of the united monarchy in Israel. This victory would have been seen as a divine endorsement of Abishai's role and abilities, as success in battle was often attributed to God's favor.<p><b>and won a name along with the Three</b><br>Winning a name signifies gaining honor and recognition for his deeds. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a person's name was closely tied to their reputation and legacy. Abishai's inclusion among the Three indicates that his actions were not only notable but also worthy of being remembered alongside the greatest warriors of David's time. This phrase also points to the biblical theme of legacy and the enduring impact of one's actions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abishai.htm">Abishai</a></b><br>The brother of Joab, a prominent warrior in King David's army. Known for his bravery and leadership, he was chief of the Three, a group of elite warriors.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joab.htm">Joab</a></b><br>Abishai's brother, a key military leader under King David, often mentioned in the context of David's military campaigns.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_three.htm">The Three</a></b><br>A group of elite warriors in David's army, known for their extraordinary feats of bravery and skill in battle.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>Abishai's notable act of wielding his spear against three hundred men, which earned him a distinguished reputation among the Three.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_and_leadership.htm">Courage and Leadership</a></b><br>Abishai's actions exemplify the courage and leadership expected of those in positions of influence. His willingness to face overwhelming odds is a testament to his faith and dedication.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reputation_and_legacy.htm">Reputation and Legacy</a></b><br>Abishai's deeds earned him a lasting reputation. This highlights the importance of our actions and how they contribute to our legacy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_service.htm">Loyalty and Service</a></b><br>Abishai's loyalty to David serves as a model for our own loyalty to God and His purposes. Our service should be marked by faithfulness and commitment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_empowerment.htm">God's Empowerment</a></b><br>The extraordinary feats of Abishai and the Three remind us that God empowers His people to accomplish great things for His glory.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_chronicles_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_3_men_breach_philistine_lines_for_water.htm">In 1 Chronicles 11:15-19, is it plausible that three men could breach heavily guarded Philistine territory just to draw water for David?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_joab's_role_fit_other_timelines.htm">How do we reconcile the role of Joab in 1 Chronicles 11:6 with other biblical narratives that present different leadership structures and timelines?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_2_sam_23_8_and_1_chr_11_11_differ.htm">(2 Samuel 23:8 vs 1 Chronicles 11:11) Why do the records conflict on the number of enemies killed (eight hundred vs three hundred)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_abijah's_mother_michaiah_or_maachah.htm">What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_chronicles/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20-25) Feats of Abishai and Benaiah. (Comp. <a href="/context/2_samuel/23-18.htm" title="And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.">2Samuel 23:18-23</a>, of which the present passage is little more than a duplicate.)<p>(20) <span class= "bld">Abishai the brother of Joab.</span>--Heb., Abshai, but in Samuel, Abishai. (Comp. Abram and Abiram.) Samuel adds "son of Zeruiah" after Joab. (Comp. <a href="/1_chronicles/2-16.htm" title="Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.">1Chronicles 2:16</a> and <a href="/1_chronicles/18-12.htm" title="Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew of the Edomites in the valley of salt eighteen thousand.">1Chronicles 18:12</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/19-11.htm" title="And the rest of the people he delivered to the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in array against the children of Ammon.">1Chronicles 19:11</a> ff. for other deeds of Abishai.)<p><span class= "bld">He was chief of the three.</span>--Apparently the second triad, one of whose famous exploits has just been related (<a href="/context/1_chronicles/11-15.htm" title="Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David, into the cave of Adullam; and the host of the Philistines encamped in the valley of Rephaim.">1Chronicles 11:15-19</a>). The Hebrew text of Samuel seems to read "knights," but some MSS., the Hebrew margin, and all the versions, agree with Chronicles. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_chronicles/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Abishai... was chief of the three</span>. It is remarkable that again the name of one of the three is wanting, even if we take Benaiah of ver. 22 for the second. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Now Abishai,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַבְשַׁ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’aḇ·šay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_52.htm">Strong's 52: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the brother</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחִֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Joab,</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹאָ֗ב</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3097.htm">Strong's 3097: </a> </span><span class="str2">Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">chief</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹ֣אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Three,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשְּׁלוֹשָׁ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šə·lō·wō·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three, third, thrice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֤וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lifted</span><br /><span class="heb">עוֹרֵ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·w·rêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5782.htm">Strong's 5782: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rouse oneself, awake</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his spear</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲנִית֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·nî·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2595.htm">Strong's 2595: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lance</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">three</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹ֥שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three, third, thrice</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hundred [men],</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵא֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3967.htm">Strong's 3967: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hundred</span><br /><br /><span class="word">killed [them],</span><br /><span class="heb">חָלָ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·lāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2490.htm">Strong's 2490: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and won</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלוֹ־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lōw-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a name</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(šêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">along with [the] Three.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּשְּׁלוֹשָֽׁה׃</span> <span class="translit">(baš·šə·lō·wō·šāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> </span><span class="str2">Three, third, thrice</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">1 Chronicles 11:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_chronicles/11-20.htm">OT History: 1 Chronicles 11:20 Abishai the brother of Joab he was (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Chronicles 11:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 11:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Chronicles 11:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Chronicles 11:21" /></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>