Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version David had said, “Whoever leads the attack on the Jebusites will become commander-in-chief.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and so he received the command. New Living Translation David had said to his troops, “Whoever is first to attack the Jebusites will become the commander of my armies!” And Joab, the son of David’s sister Zeruiah, was first to attack, so he became the commander of David’s armies. English Standard Version David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. Berean Standard Bible Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief. Berean Literal Bible And David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusite first shall be head and chief.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became head. King James Bible And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief. New King James Version Now David said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and became chief. New American Standard Bible Now David had said, “Whoever is first to kill a Jebusite shall be chief and commander.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. NASB 1995 Now David had said, “Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. NASB 1977 Now David had said, “Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. Legacy Standard Bible And David said, “Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. Amplified Bible Now David said, “Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander.” Joab the son of Zeruiah [David’s half sister] went up first, and so he was made chief. Berean Annotated Bible Now David (beloved) had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite (Jerusalemite) will become chief commander. And Joab (YHWH is father) son of Zeruiah (balsam) went up first, and he became the chief. Christian Standard Bible David said, “Whoever is the first to kill a Jebusite will become chief commander.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became the chief. Holman Christian Standard Bible David said, “Whoever is the first to kill a Jebusite will become chief commander.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became the chief. American Standard Version And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief. Contemporary English Version David had told his troops, "The first soldier to kill a Jebusite will become my army commander." And since Joab son of Zeruiah attacked first, he became commander. English Revised Version And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief. GOD'S WORD® Translation Now, David said, "Whoever is the first to kill a Jebusite will be made a general and a prince." Zeruiah's son Joab was the first to go [into Jerusalem], so he became the general. Good News Translation David said, "The first man to kill a Jebusite will be commander of the army!" Joab, whose mother was Zeruiah, led the attack and became commander. International Standard Version David had announced, "Whoever first attacks the Jebusites will be appointed chief and commander." When Zeruiah's son Joab went up first, he became chief. NET Bible David said, "Whoever attacks the Jebusites first will become commanding general!" So Joab son of Zeruiah attacked first and became commander. New Heart English Bible David said, "Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain." Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief. Webster's Bible Translation And David said, Whoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was chief. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief. World English Bible David had said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd David says, “Whoever strikes the Jebusite first becomes head and prince”; and Joab son of Zeruiah goes up first and becomes head. Berean Literal Bible And David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusite first shall be head and chief.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became head. Young's Literal Translation And David saith, 'Whoever smiteth the Jebusite first doth become head and prince;' and go up first doth Joab son of Zeruiah and becometh head. Smith's Literal Translation And David will say, Every one striking the Jebusites the first shall be for head and for chief. And Joab son of Zeruiah, will go up at first, and he will be for head. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said: Whosoever shall first strike the Jebusites, shall be the head and chief captain. And Joab the son of Sarvia went up first, and was made the general. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said, “Whoever shall strike the Jebusites first, shall be ruler and commander.” And so Joab, the son of Zeruiah, ascended first, and he was made the leader. New American Bible David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be made chief and captain.” Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was the first to attack; and so he became chief. New Revised Standard Version David had said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David said, Whoever smites a Jebusite person first shall be chief and commander of the army. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and King David appointed him chief and commander of the army. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Then David said: “Anyone who will first kill a Yebusite man, he will be Chief and General of the army!” And Yuab, son of Tsuria, came up first, and King David presented him as Chief and General of the army. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David said: 'Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.' And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief. Brenton Septuagint Translation And David said, Whoever first smites the Jebusite, even he shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Saruia went up first, and became chief. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David Conquers Jerusalem…5The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). 6Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief. 7So David took up residence in the fortress; that is why it was called the City of David.… Cross References Now David had said, 2 Samuel 5:6 Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” Joshua 15:63 But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the descendants of Judah. Joshua 18:28 Zelah, Haeleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath-jearim—fourteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite 2 Samuel 5:8 On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” Judges 1:8 Then the men of Judah fought against Jerusalem and captured it. They put the city to the sword and set it on fire. Judges 1:21 The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites living in Jerusalem. So to this day the Jebusites live there among the Benjamites. will become chief commander.” 1 Chronicles 27:34 Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah, then by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the king’s army. 1 Chronicles 18:15 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 2 Samuel 10:7 On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, 2 Samuel 2:13 So Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David marched out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And the two groups took up positions on opposite sides of the pool. 2 Samuel 18:2 He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.” 1 Samuel 14:13 So Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. And the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off. and he became the chief. 2 Samuel 8:16 Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; 2 Samuel 20:23 Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; 1 Kings 2:35 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. 2 Samuel 23:8-39 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. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. … Treasury of Scripture And David said, Whoever smites the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief. Whosoever Joshua 15:16,17 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife… 1 Samuel 17:25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. chief [heb] head 2 Samuel 2:18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. 2 Samuel 3:27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder; Jump to Previous Attack Captain Chief Command Commander David First Head Jebusite Jebusites Jeb'usites Joab Jo'ab Leads Prince Received Smite Smites Smiteth Strikes Zeruiah Zeru'iahJump to Next Attack Captain Chief Command Commander David First Head Jebusite Jebusites Jeb'usites Joab Jo'ab Leads Prince Received Smite Smites Smiteth Strikes Zeruiah Zeru'iah1 Chronicles 11 1. David Becomes King over All Israel4. Jerusalem 10. David's Mighty Men Now David had said This phrase indicates a direct command or challenge from David, the newly anointed king over all Israel. It reflects his leadership style and strategic thinking. David's words often carried significant weight, as he was seen as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). His leadership was crucial in uniting the tribes of Israel and establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center. “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, known for his leadership and heart for God. In this passage, he is establishing his rule over Jerusalem. 2. Joab The son of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him David's nephew. Joab is a prominent military leader in David's army and becomes chief commander by taking initiative in this event. 3. Jebusites The original inhabitants of Jerusalem, a Canaanite tribe that David's forces needed to conquer to establish Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. 4. Jerusalem Also known as Jebus at the time, it becomes the political and spiritual center of Israel under David's rule. 5. Zeruiah David's sister and the mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, all of whom were significant figures in David's military. Teaching Points Leadership and InitiativeDavid's challenge to his men highlights the importance of initiative in leadership. Joab's willingness to act decisively earned him a position of authority. In our lives, taking initiative in service to God can lead to greater responsibilities and opportunities. Faith and Action The conquest of Jerusalem required both faith in God's promises and action to fulfill them. Similarly, believers are called to trust in God's plans and actively participate in His work. God's Sovereignty in Leadership The appointment of leaders, like Joab, demonstrates God's sovereignty in establishing authority. We should pray for and support our leaders, trusting that God is at work through them. The Importance of Jerusalem This event marks the beginning of Jerusalem's central role in Israel's history. Understanding its significance helps us appreciate its place in biblical prophecy and God's redemptive plan. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 11:6?2. How does 1 Chronicles 11:6 demonstrate the importance of leadership and bravery? 3. What qualities made Joab suitable for leadership according to 1 Chronicles 11:6? 4. How can we apply Joab's example of courage in our daily lives? 5. What other biblical figures showed similar bravery as Joab in 1 Chronicles 11:6? 6. How does 1 Chronicles 11:6 encourage us to trust God's plan for leadership? 7. Why did Joab become chief despite David's initial promise in 1 Chronicles 11:6? 8. How does 1 Chronicles 11:6 reflect on leadership and merit in biblical times? 9. What does 1 Chronicles 11:6 reveal about David's military strategy and priorities? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 11? 11. How do we reconcile the role of Joab in 1 Chronicles 11:6 with other biblical narratives that present different leadership structures and timelines? 12. In 1 Chronicles 11:4-5, how credible is the account of David capturing Jerusalem from the Jebusites, given limited archaeological evidence of such a siege? 13. In 1 Chronicles 11:15-19, is it plausible that three men could breach heavily guarded Philistine territory just to draw water for David? 14. What are Joab's key achievements and lessons in the Bible? What Does 1 Chronicles 11:6 Mean Now David had said- The scene takes place as David establishes Jerusalem for the first time (1 Chronicles 11:4; 2 Samuel 5:6). - His words reveal a decisive, faith-filled leader who trusts God’s promise to give Israel the land (Joshua 1:3; 2 Samuel 5:12). - By publicly stating his plan, David rallies his men and sets a clear objective: remove the Jebusites who had long defied Israel (Judges 1:21). - This moment also underscores David’s conviction that God, not human tradition, determines Israel’s capital and future (Psalm 78:68-70). Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander - David ties promotion to demonstrated courage rather than seniority, reminding us God often advances those who step out in faith (Numbers 13:30; 1 Samuel 17:48-50). - The challenge requires personal risk. It echoes Jonathan’s bold raid on the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:6-14) where trust in the Lord propelled action. - Such an offer cultivates unity: all know the standard and all may respond. It deters hesitation, spurs initiative, and keeps the mission front-and-center (Hebrews 10:24). And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first - Joab, David’s nephew (1 Chronicles 2:16), seizes the moment. His swift obedience demonstrates faith in both God’s promise and David’s leadership (2 Samuel 10:9-12). - Going “up first” suggests climbing Jerusalem’s water shaft or scaling its walls (2 Samuel 5:8), an act of daring that others might fear. - Joab’s response models: • Initiative—acting decisively when opportunity appears (Ecclesiastes 9:10). • Loyalty—standing with God’s anointed king (1 Samuel 26:23). • Confidence—believing God would hand over a fortified city just as He had Jericho (Joshua 6:20). and he became the chief - David honors his word without delay; Joab is confirmed as commander (2 Samuel 8:16; 1 Chronicles 18:15). God values integrity in leaders who keep their promises (Psalm 15:4). - Joab’s new status carries ongoing responsibility: defend the kingdom, lead future battles, and support David’s reign (2 Samuel 11:1; 12:26-29). - The verse showcases a divine pattern—faithful action rewarded with greater stewardship (Matthew 25:21; 1 Timothy 1:12). summary 1 Chronicles 11:6 records David’s faith-motivated challenge, Joab’s courageous response, and the immediate reward of command. The narrative highlights how God uses bold obedience to accomplish His purposes, honors leaders who keep their word, and advances those who trust Him enough to act first. (6) Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first.--The account diverges more and more from the parallel passage. 2Samuel 5:8, reads, "And David said in that day, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusite, let him hurl down the waterfall (Psalm 42:7), both the lame and the blind, the hated of David's soul! Therefore they say, Blind and lame must not enter the house" (i.e., the Temple). Such is the simplest rendering of an obscure, but evidently original record. The chronicler appears to have followed another and clearer account, which made Joab play at the storm of Jebus the part of Othniel at that of Kirjath-sepher (Judges 1:12-13).Chief and captain.--Literally, shall become a head and a captain. Joab the son of Zeruiah is not mentioned at all in the parallel passage. Joab already appears as David's general, while Ishbosheth is yet reigning at Mahanaim (2Samuel 2:13; 2Samuel 3:23). Perhaps the phrase here used means head and governor of Jerusalem. (Comp. 1Chronicles 11:8.) . . . Verse 6. - The name and fresh glory of Joab, as given here, are not given in 2 Samuel 5:3-10; and we could suppose that they were purposely withheld there. It is true that Joab already held high office, probably the first place as captain of David's men, but Bertheau's objection to the statements of this verse on such grounds easily yields to the considerations - first, that there can be no doubt Joab had fallen into disfavour with David and others, upon his slaying of Abner (2 Samuel 3:26-29, 36, 37); and further, that this was a great occasion, exceedingly favourable for evoking any very special ability of younger or unknown men, at present lost under the shadow of larger growths. The advantage which Joab gained now was one that confirmed his position and increased largely his influence; and an indication that he was not slow to avail himself of it is probably to be traced in the eighth verse, where it is said while "David built... even from Millo round about,... Joab repaired the rest of the city."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now Davidדָּוִ֔יד (dā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse had said, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Whoever כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every is the first בָּרִ֣אשׁוֹנָ֔ה (bā·ri·šō·w·nāh) Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank to strike down מַכֵּ֤ה (mak·kêh) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 5221: To strike a Jebusite יְבוּסִי֙ (yə·ḇū·sî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2983: Jebusite -- inhabitant of Jebus will become יִהְיֶ֥ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be chief וּלְשָׂ֑ר (ū·lə·śār) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince commander.” לְרֹ֖אשׁ (lə·rōš) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7218: The head And Joab יוֹאָ֥ב (yō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Zeruiah צְרוּיָ֖ה (ṣə·rū·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6870: Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman went up וַיַּ֧עַל (way·ya·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively first, בָּרִאשׁוֹנָ֛ה (bā·ri·šō·w·nāh) Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank and he became וַיְהִ֥י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be the chief. לְרֹֽאשׁ׃ (lə·rōš) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7218: The head Links 1 Chronicles 11:6 NIV1 Chronicles 11:6 NLT 1 Chronicles 11:6 ESV 1 Chronicles 11:6 NASB 1 Chronicles 11:6 KJV 1 Chronicles 11:6 BibleApps.com 1 Chronicles 11:6 Biblia Paralela 1 Chronicles 11:6 Chinese Bible 1 Chronicles 11:6 French Bible 1 Chronicles 11:6 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Chronicles 11:6 David said Whoever strikes the Jebusites first (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |
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