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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://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=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Pelethites</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/p/pelethites.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><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><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="/topical/vmenus/2_samuel/8-18.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="//biblehu.com/bmcde/p/pelethites.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="/topical/">Topical</a> > Pelethites</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></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/p/pelethite.htm" title="Pelethite">◄</a> Pelethites <a href="/topical/p/pel'ethites.htm" title="Pel'ethites">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#amt" title="American Tract Society Bible Dictionary">ATS</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The Pelethites are a group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the historical narratives concerning King David's reign. They are often referenced alongside the Cherethites, forming a distinct unit within David's military forces. The exact nature and origin of the Pelethites are subjects of scholarly discussion, but they are generally understood to be part of David's elite guard.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>The primary references to the Pelethites are found in the books of Samuel and Chronicles. In <a href="/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18</a>, the text states, "Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests." This passage highlights the leadership structure within David's administration, with Benaiah, a trusted warrior, overseeing these groups.<br><br>Similarly, <a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">2 Samuel 20:23</a> notes, "Now Joab was over all the army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites." This indicates the continued importance of the Pelethites in the military hierarchy during David's reign.<br><br>In <a href="/1_chronicles/18-17.htm">1 Chronicles 18:17</a>, the chronicler reiterates, "Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side." This repetition underscores the significance of the Pelethites as part of the king's personal guard and their role in maintaining the stability of David's rule.<br><br><b>Role and Function:</b><br><br>The Pelethites, along with the Cherethites, are often considered to be mercenaries or foreign troops who were loyal to David. Their inclusion in the royal guard suggests they were highly trusted and skilled warriors. The exact ethnic or geographical origins of the Pelethites are not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, leading to various interpretations. Some scholars propose that they may have been Philistines or from a related group, given the similar mention of the Cherethites, who are often associated with the Philistines.<br><br>The role of the Pelethites as part of David's elite forces is indicative of the king's strategy to consolidate power by surrounding himself with loyal and capable soldiers. This practice of employing foreign or mercenary troops was not uncommon in the ancient Near East and served to bolster the king's security against internal and external threats.<br><br><b>Theological Significance:</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Pelethites in the biblical narrative highlights the diverse composition of David's kingdom and the unifying power of his leadership. Despite their likely foreign origin, the Pelethites' loyalty to David reflects the broader theme of God's providence in establishing and maintaining the Davidic dynasty. Their presence in the biblical account serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to David, ensuring the stability and expansion of his kingdom.<br><br>The Pelethites, therefore, are more than just a military unit; they symbolize the inclusivity and strength of David's reign, which foreshadows the ultimate unity and peace anticipated in the messianic kingdom.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Pelethites</span><p>judges; destroyers<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Pelethites</span><p>(<i>couriers</i>). [<a href="../c/cherethites.htm">CHERETHITES</a>]<a name="amt" id="amt"></a><div class="vheading2">ATS Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Pelethites</span><p>Are always mentioned together with the Cherethites, as constituting the king's bodyguard, <a href="/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18</a> 22:23. The word, if not the name of a Jewish or a Philistine family, is supposed to signify runners; and thus they would seem to have been the royal messengers; just as the Cherethites, from a Hebrew word signifying to cut off, were the king's executioners. See CHERETHITES. </p><a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>Mentioned always along with the Cherethites, and only in the time of David. The word probably means "runners" or "couriers," and may denote that while forming part of David's bodyguard, they were also sometimes employed as couriers (<a href="/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/20-7.htm">20:7</a>, 23;<a href="/1_kings/1-38.htm">1 Kings 1:38</a>, 44; <a href="/1_chronicles/18-17.htm">1 Chronicles 18:17</a>). Some, however, think that these are the names simply of two Philistine tribes from which David selected his body-guard. They are mentioned along with the Gittites (<a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">2 Samuel 15:18</a>), another body of foreign troops whom David gathered round him. <a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">PELETHITES</span><p>pel'-e-thits, pe'-leth-its (pelethi): A company of David's bodyguard, like the CHERETHITES (which see) (<a href="/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">2 Samuel 15:18</a>); probably a corrupt form of "Philistines."<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/6432.htm"><span class="l">6432. Pelethi -- some of David's soldiers</span></a><br><b>...</b> 6431, 6432. Pelethi. 6433 . some of David's soldiers. Transliteration: Pelethi<br> Phonetic Spelling: (pel-ay-thee') Short Definition: <b>Pelethites</b>. <b>...</b> <b>Pelethites</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6432.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_f/david_appointing_solomon.htm"><span class="l">David Appointing Solomon</span></a> <br><b>...</b> So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and<br> the Cherethites, and the <b>Pelethites</b>, went down, and caused Solomon to ride <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm</font><p><a href="/library/edersheim/sketches_of_jewish_social_life/appendix_2_extracts_from_the.htm"><span class="l">Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And so it is said (2 Samuel 20:23), And Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was over the<br> Cherethites, and over the <b>Pelethites</b>.' And why was their name called <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 2 extracts from the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_f/a_loyal_vow.htm"><span class="l">A Loyal Vow</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Mostly foreigners, I say, for these hard words 'Cherethites and <b>Pelethites</b>' most<br> probably mean inhabitants of the island of Crete, and Philistines. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a loyal vow.htm</font><p><a href="/library/pink/the_redeemers_return/4_the_fact_of_the.htm"><span class="l">The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Typified in the Lives of <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> At the time of his coronation, Solomon was followed by an army of soldiers (the<br> "Cherethites and the <b>Pelethites</b>") (1 Kings 1:38), just as our returning King <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 the fact of the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/pink/the_divine_inspiration_of_the_bible/chapter_six_the_typical_significance.htm"><span class="l">The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Cherethites and <b>Pelethites</b> were soldiers, so that Solomon was followed by an<br> army at the time of his coronation (I Kings 1:33; cp. Rev.19:11). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/p/pelethites.htm"><span class="l"><b>Pelethites</b> (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> him. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>PELETHITES</b>. pel'-e <b>...</b> Philistines.".<br> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Pelethites</b> (7 Occurrences). 2 Samuel <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pelethites.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pelethite.htm"><span class="l">Pelethite (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Pelethite (7 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over<br> the Cherethites and the <b>Pelethites</b>; and David's sons were chief ministers. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pelethite.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pel'ethites.htm"><span class="l">Pel'ethites (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Pel'ethites. <b>Pelethites</b>, Pel'ethites. Pelias . Multi-Version Concordance<br> Pel'ethites (7 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pel'ethites.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/cherethites.htm"><span class="l">Cherethites (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Philistine clan. In conjunction with the <b>Pelethites</b> they are frequently named<br> as forming the guard of David (2 Samuel 8:18, etc.). It <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/cherethites.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kerethites.htm"><span class="l">Kerethites (9 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the<br><b>Pelethites</b>; and David's sons were chief ministers. (See NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kerethites.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/cher'ethites.htm"><span class="l">Cher'ethites (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the<br><b>Pelethites</b>; and David's sons were chief ministers. (See RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/cher'ethites.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/cherethite.htm"><span class="l">Cherethite (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites<br> and the <b>Pelethites</b>; and David's sons were chief ministers. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/cherethite.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jehoi'ada.htm"><span class="l">Jehoi'ada (50 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Jehoi'ada (50 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over<br> the Cherethites and the <b>Pelethites</b>; and David's sons were chief ministers. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jehoi'ada.htm - 21k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/benai'ah.htm"><span class="l">Benai'ah (43 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Benai'ah (43 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:18 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over<br> the Cherethites and the <b>Pelethites</b>; and David's sons were chief ministers. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/benai'ah.htm - 18k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/benaiah.htm"><span class="l">Benaiah (44 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (1.) The son of Jehoiada, chief priest (1 Chronicles 27:5). He was set by David<br> over his body-guard of Cherethites and <b>Pelethites</b> (2 Samuel 8:18; 1 Kings 1:32 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/benaiah.htm - 26k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Benaiah-in-the-Bible.html">Who was Benaiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Pelethites (7 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_samuel/8-18.htm">2 Samuel 8:18</a></span><br />and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the <span class="boldtext">Pelethites</span>; and David's sons were chief ministers. <br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_samuel/15-18.htm">2 Samuel 15:18</a></span><br />All his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the <span class="boldtext">Pelethites</span>, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-7.htm">2 Samuel 20:7</a></span><br />There went out after him Joab's men, and the Cherethites and the <span class="boldtext">Pelethites</span>, and all the mighty men; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_samuel/20-23.htm">2 Samuel 20:23</a></span><br />Now Joab was over all the army of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the <span class="boldtext">Pelethites</span>; <br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_kings/1-38.htm">1 Kings 1:38</a></span><br />So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the <span class="boldtext">Pelethites</span>, went down, and caused Solomon to ride on king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_kings/1-44.htm">1 Kings 1:44</a></span><br />The king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the <span class="boldtext">Pelethites</span>; and they have caused him to ride on the king's mule.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_chronicles/18-17.htm">1 Chronicles 18:17</a></span><br />and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the <span class="boldtext">Pelethites</span>; and the sons of David were chief about the king. <br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/pelethites.htm">Pelethites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/pelethites--a_part_of_david's_bodyguard.htm">Pelethites: A Part of David's Bodyguard</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/p/pelethites--absalom's_escort.htm">Pelethites: Absalom's Escort</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pelethites.htm">Pelethites (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pelias.htm">Pelias</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/p/pelethite.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Pelethite"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Pelethite" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/p/pel'ethites.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Pel'ethites"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Pel'ethites" /></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="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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