Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Ahiezer their chief and Joash the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Berakah, Jehu the Anathothite, New Living Translation Their leader was Ahiezer son of Shemaah from Gibeah; his brother Joash was second-in-command. These were the other warriors: Jeziel and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu from Anathoth; English Standard Version The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, both sons of Shemaah of Gibeah; also Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah, Jehu of Anathoth, Berean Standard Bible Ahiezer their chief and Joash, who were the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite; Berean Literal Bible The chief was Ahiezer, and Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah; and Jehu the Anathothite; King James Bible The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite, New King James Version The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Berachah, and Jehu the Anathothite; New American Standard Bible The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite, NASB 1995 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah and Jehu the Anathothite, NASB 1977 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah and Jehu the Anathothite, Legacy Standard Bible The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah and Jehu the Anathothite, Amplified Bible The chief was Ahiezer and then Joash, the sons of Shemaah of Gibeah; Jeziel and Pelet the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah, and Jehu of Anathoth, Berean Annotated Bible Ahiezer (my brother is help) their chief and Joash (given by the Lord), who were the sons of Shemaah (the rumour) the Gibeathite (hilliness); Jeziel (the assembly of God) and Pelet (deliverance), the sons of Azmaveth (strong unto death); Beracah (blessing); Jehu (YHWH is He) the Anathothite; Christian Standard Bible Their chief was Ahiezer son of Shemaah the Gibeathite. Then there was his brother Joash; Jeziel and Pelet sons of Azmaveth; Beracah, Jehu the Anathothite; Holman Christian Standard Bible Their chief was Ahiezer son of Shemaah the Gibeathite. Then there was his brother Joash; Jeziel and Pelet sons of Azmaveth; Beracah, Jehu the Anathothite; American Standard Version The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite, English Revised Version The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite; GOD'S WORD® Translation Ahiezer was the leader, then Joash (they were the sons of Shemaah from Gibeah), Azmaveth's sons Jeziel and Pelet, Beracah and Jehu from Anathoth, International Standard Version Their leaders were Shemaah's sons Ahiezer and Joash from Gibeah, Azmaveth's sons Jeziel and Pelet, Beracah, Jehu from Anathoth, NET Bible Ahiezer, the leader, and Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Berachah, Jehu the Anathothite, New Heart English Bible The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite, Webster's Bible Translation The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAhiezer their chief and Joash, who were the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite; World English Bible The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe head [is] Ahiezer, and Joash, sons of Shemaab the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth, and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite, Berean Literal Bible The chief was Ahiezer, and Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah; and Jehu the Anathothite; Young's Literal Translation The head is Ahiezer, and Joash, sons of Shemaab the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth, and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite, Smith's Literal Translation The head, Ahiezer and Joash, sons of Shimeah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth and Berachah; and Jehu the Anathothite, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe chief was Ahiezer, and Joas, the sons of Samaa of Gabaath, and Jaziel, and Phallet the sons of Azmoth, and Beracha, and Jehu an Anathothite. Catholic Public Domain Version the leader was Ahiezer, with Joash, sons of Shemaah from Gibeah, and Jeziel and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth, and Beracah and Jehu, from Anathoth. New American Bible Ahiezer was their chief, along with Joash, both sons of Shemaah of Gibeah; also Jeziel and Pelet, sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu, from Anathoth; New Revised Standard Version The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, both sons of Shemaah of Gibeah; also Jeziel and Pelet sons of Azmaveth; Beracah, Jehu of Anathoth, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThese are the names of the mighty men who were with David: Ahiezer and his son Joash; Joel of Macsite; Shemaiah the Gibeathite; Pelet and Berachiah, the sons of Arboth; and Jehu the Anatothite; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And these are the names of the men of David who were with him: Akhiazar and Yuash his son, and Yoel who is from Maksa, Shemaiah who is from Gebath, Pelet, and Berakya, sons of Arbuth, Yahu who is from Nathoth OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite; Brenton Septuagint Translation the chief was Achiezer, and Joas son of Asma the Gabathite, and Joel and Jophalet, sons of Asmoth, and Berchia, and Jeul of Anathoth, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag…2they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin): 3Ahiezer their chief and Joash, who were the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Beracah; Jehu the Anathothite; 4Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the Thirty and a leader over the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite;… Cross References Ahiezer their chief and Joash, Numbers 1:12 from Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai; Numbers 2:25 On the north side, the divisions of Dan are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Danites is Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, Numbers 7:66 On the tenth day Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, the leader of the Danites, drew near. who were the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; 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. Judges 19:14 So they continued on their journey, and the sun set as they neared Gibeah in Benjamin. 1 Samuel 13:16 Now Saul and Jonathan his son and the troops with them were staying in Geba of Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Michmash. Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; Ezra 2:24 the descendants of Azmaveth, 42; Nehemiah 7:28 the men of Beth-azmaveth, 42; 1 Chronicles 27:25 Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses. Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the fortresses. Beracah; 2 Chronicles 20:26 On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they blessed the LORD. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Beracah to this day. 2 Chronicles 20:27 Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat at their head, returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies. 2 Chronicles 20:30 Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. Jehu the Anathothite; Jeremiah 1:1 These are the words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests in Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. Joshua 21:18 Anathoth, and Almon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. Nehemiah 11:32 in Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, 1 Samuel 9:1-2 Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. / And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. Treasury of Scripture The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite. Shemaah. 1 Samuel 11:4 Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voices, and wept. 2 Samuel 21:6 Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them. Azmaveth 1 Chronicles 11:33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the Antothite 1 Chronicles 11:28 Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Antothite, Jump to Previous Ahiezer Ahi-E'zer An'athoth Anathothite Antothite Azmaveth Az'maveth Beracah Berachah Chief Gib'e-Ah Head Jehu Joash Jo'ash PeletJump to Next Ahiezer Ahi-E'zer An'athoth Anathothite Antothite Azmaveth Az'maveth Beracah Berachah Chief Gib'e-Ah Head Jehu Joash Jo'ash Pelet1 Chronicles 12 1. The companies that came to David at Ziklag23. The armies that came to him at Hebron Ahiezer their chief and Joash Ahiezer and Joash are identified as leaders among the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag. The mention of "chief" indicates a position of authority and respect, suggesting they were experienced warriors or leaders. This reflects the importance of leadership and hierarchy in ancient Israelite military structures. The role of a chief was crucial in organizing and leading troops, especially during the tumultuous period of David's rise to power. who were the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth Beracah Jehu the Anathothite Persons / Places / Events 1. AhiezerIdentified as the chief among the warriors listed, indicating a position of leadership and influence. 2. Joash Brother of Ahiezer, both sons of Shemaah, suggesting a family of notable warriors. 3. Shemaah the Gibeathite Their father, indicating their origin from Gibeah, a town in the territory of Benjamin. 4. Jeziel and Pelet Sons of Azmaveth, highlighting another family contributing to David's forces. 5. Jehu the Anathothite A warrior from Anathoth, a town in the territory of Benjamin, known for its association with the prophet Jeremiah. Teaching Points Leadership and InfluenceAhiezer's role as chief among the warriors highlights the importance of leadership in God's work. Effective leaders are crucial in rallying and organizing God's people for His purposes. Family Legacy in Faith The mention of families, such as the sons of Shemaah and Azmaveth, underscores the impact of family legacy in serving God. Families can be powerful units for advancing God's kingdom. Unity in Diversity The diverse origins of these warriors (Gibeah, Anathoth) reflect the unity among God's people despite different backgrounds. This unity is essential for achieving God's purposes. Commitment to God's Anointed These warriors' allegiance to David, God's anointed king, serves as a model for our commitment to Christ, the ultimate Anointed One. Historical and Spiritual Significance Understanding the historical and spiritual context of places like Gibeah and Anathoth enriches our appreciation of God's unfolding plan through history. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 12:3?2. How does 1 Chronicles 12:3 demonstrate the importance of unity among believers? 3. What qualities made the warriors in 1 Chronicles 12:3 effective for God's purposes? 4. How can we apply the teamwork seen in 1 Chronicles 12:3 today? 5. What does 1 Chronicles 12:3 teach about leadership and following God's chosen leaders? 6. How does 1 Chronicles 12:3 connect to Ephesians 4:16 about the body of Christ? 7. What is the significance of the warriors listed in 1 Chronicles 12:3? 8. How does 1 Chronicles 12:3 reflect the unity of David's supporters? 9. Why are specific names mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:3 important to biblical history? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 12? 11. Who was the father of Shealtiel? (Matthew 1:12 vs. 1 Chronicles 3:17) 12. Luke 3:36 - How do we address the mention of 'Cainan' in Luke's genealogy when some Old Testament texts appear to omit this name? 13. 2 Chronicles 13:3 - How historically plausible is an army of 400,000 under Abijah's command at that time? 14. Why does 1 Chronicles 9:3 include tribes like Ephraim and Manasseh in Jerusalem, contradicting other passages indicating they didn't return? What Does 1 Chronicles 12:3 Mean Ahiezer their chief1 Chronicles 12:3 opens by naming Ahiezer as “their chief,” indicating headship over the Benjamite warriors who rallied to David at Ziklag (cf. 1 Chronicles 12:1–2). His leadership shows God’s provision of capable commanders even while David was still a fugitive (1 Samuel 22:1–2). These men recognized the Lord’s anointing on David (1 Samuel 16:13) and willingly placed themselves under Ahiezer’s direction, illustrating that godly leadership and humble followership go hand in hand. Joash Joash, listed immediately after Ahiezer, serves alongside his brother in the same detachment. Together they model family unity in service to God’s chosen king, reminiscent of Moses and Aaron serving together (Exodus 4:14–15). Their joint presence underscores how God often calls entire households to stand for His purposes (Joshua 24:15). who were the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite By identifying their father and hometown, Scripture affirms the historical reality of these men. Gibeah—once infamous for its sin (Judges 19)—now produces warriors devoted to righteousness, demonstrating that God can redeem any place and lineage (Isaiah 61:3). Their inclusion confirms the literal fulfillment of God’s promise to preserve a remnant in Benjamin (Jeremiah 33:22). Jeziel and Pelet These two brothers add strength to the company. The pairing echoes other faithful sibling teams like James and John (Mark 1:19–20). Their unnamed exploits later in David’s reign show that significance in God’s kingdom is not measured by fame but by faithfulness (Luke 16:10). Their presence widens the roster of Benjamite supporters, reinforcing the tribe’s shift of loyalty from Saul to David (1 Chronicles 12:2, 29). the sons of Azmaveth By mentioning Azmaveth’s sons without naming them individually, the text honors their family as a unit. Similar phrasing occurs with “the sons of Korah” in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 42 title), reminding us that collective devotion matters. Their anonymity teaches that God values obedience more than recognition (Matthew 6:4). Beracah Beracah’s name means “blessing,” and his enlistment fulfills that meaning: he becomes a tangible blessing to David during exile. Like Obed-Edom, whose household was blessed for hosting the ark (2 Samuel 6:11), Beracah’s loyalty aligns him with the blessing promised to those who support God’s chosen (Genesis 12:3). Jehu the Anathothite Coming from Anathoth—the future hometown of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1)—Jehu represents priestly territory in Benjamin (Joshua 21:18). His martial service exemplifies how priests and warriors alike can advance God’s kingdom purposes (Nehemiah 4:16–18). His name appears again among David’s forces (1 Chronicles 12:6), indicating sustained commitment. summary 1 Chronicles 12:3 is not a throwaway list; it records real men whose loyalty during David’s wilderness years displays God’s sovereign gathering of support. Each name—chiefs, brothers, unnamed sons, solitary warriors—highlights that God calls diverse individuals and families, redeems past failures, unites tribes, and blesses those who stand with His anointed Servant. Their example invites us to offer our own allegiance with equal courage and faithfulness today. (3) The chief was Ahiezer.--Captain of the band. Heb., head.Shemaah.--Heb., Hashshemaah. The Gibeathite.--Of "Gibeah of Saul," between Ramah and Anathoth (Isaiah 10:29); also called "Gibeah of Benjamin" (1Chronicles 11:31; Judges 20:4). Jeziel.--So Hebrew margin; Hebrew text, Jez-el. (Comp. Peniel and Penuel.) Azmaveth.--Perhaps the warrior of Bahurim (1Chronicles 11:33). . . . Verse 3. - The sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite. The Peshito-Syriac has בְּנו instead of בֵּנֵי. This has the effect of making Joash the son of Ahiezer, and it makes Shemaah a third name in the list. This name has in the Hebrew the form for the article before it, and should appear in our version either as "Has-Shemaah," or "the Shemaah." The name, together with that of Azmaveth, is found in 1 Chronicles 8:13, 36, as belonging to the Benjamite tribe. The name Jeziel is omitted in the Syriac Version, and the two names Pelet and Berachah appear as sons of Azmaveth (1 Chronicles 11:33; 2 Samuel 23:31, where the Baharmite means the Baharumite, i.e. the man of Bahurim, in Benjamin). The Antothite; that is, native of Anathoth. The place is not given in Joshua 18; but it was a "priests' city" with "suburbs," belonging to Benjamin (1 Chronicles 11:28; Joshua 21:18; 1 Kings 2:26; Jeremiah 1:1; Jeremiah 29:27).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ahiezerאֲחִיעֶ֜זֶר (’ă·ḥî·‘e·zer) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 295: Ahiezer -- 'my brother is help', two Israelites their chief, הָרֹ֨אשׁ (hā·rōš) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7218: The head and Joash, וְיוֹאָ֗שׁ (wə·yō·w·’āš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3101: Joash sons בְּנֵי֙ (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Shemaah הַשְּׁמָעָ֣ה (haš·šə·mā·‘āh) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8094: Shemaah -- father of two of David's warriors the Gibeathite; הַגִּבְעָתִ֔י (hag·giḇ·‘ā·ṯî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1395: Gibeathite -- an inhabitant of Gibath (or Gibeah) Jeziel וִיזִיאֵ֥ל (wî·zî·’êl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3149: Jeziel -- one of David's men and Pelet וָפֶ֖לֶט (wā·p̄e·leṭ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6404: Pelet -- two Israelites the sons בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Azmaveth; עַזְמָ֑וֶת (‘az·mā·weṯ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5820: Azmaveth -- 'strong (one) of death', four Israelites Beracah, וּבְרָכָ֕ה (ū·ḇə·rā·ḵāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1294: Berachah -- an Israelite, also a valley in Judah Jehu וְיֵה֖וּא (wə·yê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3058: Jehu -- 'the LORD is He', the name of several Israelites the Anathothite, הָעֲנְּתֹתִֽי׃ (hā·‘ăn·nə·ṯō·ṯî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6069: Anathothite -- inhabitant of Anathoth Links 1 Chronicles 12:3 NIV1 Chronicles 12:3 NLT 1 Chronicles 12:3 ESV 1 Chronicles 12:3 NASB 1 Chronicles 12:3 KJV 1 Chronicles 12:3 BibleApps.com 1 Chronicles 12:3 Biblia Paralela 1 Chronicles 12:3 Chinese Bible 1 Chronicles 12:3 French Bible 1 Chronicles 12:3 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Chronicles 12:3 The chief was Ahiezer (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |
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