1 Chronicles 12:6
New International Version
Elkanah, Ishiah, Azarel, Joezer and Jashobeam the Korahites;

New Living Translation
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, who were Korahites;

English Standard Version
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;

Berean Standard Bible
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, who were Korahites;

Berean Literal Bible
Elkanah, and Jisshiah, and Azarel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam the Korahites;

King James Bible
Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,

New King James Version
Elkanah, Jisshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;

New American Standard Bible
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, Jashobeam, the Korahites,

NASB 1995
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, Jashobeam, the Korahites,

NASB 1977
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, Jashobeam, the Korahites,

Legacy Standard Bible
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, Jashobeam, the Korahites,

Amplified Bible
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites,

Berean Annotated Bible
Elkanah (God has possessed), Isshiah (YHWH will lend), Azarel (God has helped), Joezer (YHWH is help), and Jashobeam (the people will return), who were Korahites (one of Korah);

Christian Standard Bible
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;

American Standard Version
Elkanah, and Isshiah, and Azarel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites,

English Revised Version
Elkanah, and Isshiah, and Azarel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam (Korah's descendants),

International Standard Version
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, Jashobeam, the descendants of Korah,

NET Bible
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, who were Korahites,

New Heart English Bible
Elkanah, and Isshiah, and Azarel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites,

Webster's Bible Translation
Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, who were Korahites;

World English Bible
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam the Korahites,

Berean Literal Bible
Elkanah, and Jisshiah, and Azarel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam the Korahites;

Young's Literal Translation
Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam the Korhites,

Smith's Literal Translation
Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Elcana, and Jesia, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jesbaam of Carehim:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Elkanah, and Isshiah, and Azarel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, from Carehim;

New American Bible
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, who were Korahites;

New Revised Standard Version
Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Elkanah, Jesiah, Azariel, Shebnah, Asaph,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Elqana, Yashwa, Azrayel, Shebna, Asaph
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Elkanah, and Isshiah, and Azarel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Helcana, and Jesuni, and Ozriel, and Jozara, and Sobocam, and the Corites,

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag
5Eluzai, Jerimoth, Bealiah, Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite; 6Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam, who were Korahites; 7and Joelah and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham from Gedor.…

Cross References
Elkanah,

1 Chronicles 6:27-28
Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his son. / The sons of Samuel: Joel his firstborn and Abijah his second son.

1 Samuel 1:1
Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

1 Samuel 1:19-20
The next morning they got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then they returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. / So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”
Isshiah,

1 Chronicles 7:3
The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah. All five of them were chiefs.

1 Chronicles 24:21
As for Rehabiah, from his sons: The first was Isshiah.
Azarel,

1 Chronicles 25:18
the eleventh to Azarel, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all;

1 Chronicles 27:22
and over Dan was Azarel son of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.
Joezer,

1 Chronicles 11:26-47
Now these were the mighty men: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem, / Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite, / Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, …

2 Samuel 23:24-39
Now these were members of the Thirty: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem, / Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, / Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, …
and Jashobeam,

1 Chronicles 11:11
This is the list of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam son of Hachmoni was chief of the officers; he wielded his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed at one time.

2 Samuel 23:8
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.

1 Chronicles 27:2
Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division.
who were Korahites;

1 Chronicles 9:19
Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 26:1
These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph.

2 Chronicles 20:19
And the Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, shouting in a very loud voice.
1 Chronicles 11:10-47
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. / This is the list of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam son of Hachmoni was chief of the officers; he wielded his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. …


Treasury of Scripture

Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites,

Jump to Previous
Azareel Azarel Az'arel Elkanah Elka'nah Isshiah Isshi'ah Jashobeam Jasho'be-Am Jesiah Jishijah Korahites Ko'rahites Korhites
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Azareel Azarel Az'arel Elkanah Elka'nah Isshiah Isshi'ah Jashobeam Jasho'be-Am Jesiah Jishijah Korahites Ko'rahites Korhites
1 Chronicles 12
1. The companies that came to David at Ziklag
23. The armies that came to him at Hebron












Elkanah,

Elkanah, meaning “God has possessed” or “God has created,” was among the Korahite warriors who left Saul’s realm to strengthen David while he was at Ziklag.

1Ch 6:27-28 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, and Elkanah his son.…
1Sa 1:1 Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from…
1Sa 1:19-20 The next morning they got up early to bow in worship…

Isshiah,

Isshiah, whose name means “Jehovah will lend” or “Jehovah exists,” joined this faithful company, showing that David’s support reached into Levitical families devoted to the worship and service of the Lord.

1Ch 7:3 The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah:…
1Ch 24:21 As for Rehabiah, from his sons: The first was Isshiah.

Azarel,

Azarel’s presence reflects the Lord’s provision of capable men for David during a season of exile, danger, and uncertainty. Azarel means “God has helped.”

1Ch 25:18 the eleventh to Azarel, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all…
1Ch 27:22 and over Dan was Azarel son of Jeroham.…

Joezer,

Joezer, meaning “Jehovah is help,” was part of the growing body of warriors who recognized that the Lord had chosen David to rule Israel.

1Ch 11:26-47 Now these were the mighty men: Asahel the brother of Joab,…
2Sa 23:24-39 Now these were members of the Thirty: Asahel…

and Jashobeam,

Jashobeam, whose name means “the people will return” or “the people will be restored,” completed the list of Korahite men who aligned themselves with David before he received the throne publicly.

1Ch 11:11 This is the list of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam…
2Sa 23:8 These are the names of David’s mighty men:…
1Ch 27:2 Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division…

who were Korahites;

The Korahites descended from Korah, yet the judgment upon Korah’s rebellion did not destroy all his descendants (Numbers 26:11). Later generations served as gatekeepers, musicians, and guardians of holy things in Israel. Their loyalty to David joined priestly heritage with courageous action, affirming God’s purpose to establish David’s kingdom.

1Ch 9:19 Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph,…
1Ch 26:1 These were the divisions of the gatekeepers:…
2Ch 20:19 And the Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elkanah
A member of the tribe of Levi, specifically from the family of Korah. Elkanah is noted for his role as a warrior in support of King David.

2. Isshiah
Another warrior from the Korahite family, aligned with David during his time of need.

3. Azarel
A Korahite who joined David's forces, demonstrating loyalty and courage.

4. Joezer
Part of the Korahite group, Joezer is recognized for his commitment to David's cause.

5. Jashobeam
A notable warrior among the Korahites, Jashobeam is mentioned for his valor and dedication to David.

6. The Korahites
A Levitical family descended from Korah, known for their musical and warrior roles in Israel's history.
Teaching Points
Loyalty to God's Anointed
The Korahites' support of David illustrates the importance of aligning with God's chosen leaders. In our lives, this can translate to supporting godly leadership in our churches and communities.

Redemption and Legacy
Despite their ancestor Korah's rebellion, the Korahites became known for their faithfulness. This teaches us that our past does not define our future; we can choose a path of righteousness and leave a godly legacy.

Unity in Diversity
The diverse backgrounds of David's followers, including the Korahites, highlight the beauty of unity in God's kingdom. We are called to embrace diversity within the body of Christ, working together for His purposes.

Courage in Adversity
The Korahites' willingness to join David during his time of need exemplifies courage and faith. We are encouraged to stand firm in our faith, even when circumstances are challenging.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 12:6?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 12:6 demonstrate unity among David's mighty warriors?

3. What qualities made these warriors valuable to David's mission and God's plan?

4. How can we apply the loyalty of these warriors in our faith journey?

5. What other biblical figures exemplify similar dedication as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:6?

6. How does this verse encourage us to support godly leadership in our communities?

7. What is the significance of 1 Chronicles 12:6 in the context of David's army?

8. How does 1 Chronicles 12:6 reflect the unity among the tribes of Israel?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Chronicles 12:6?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 12?


What Does 1 Chronicles 12:6 Mean
Elkanah

1 Chronicles 12:6 opens with a name that echoes faithfulness. Throughout Scripture, men named Elkanah are found in Levitical lines (1 Chronicles 6:23; 1 Samuel 1:1), reminding us that God often calls worship-leaders into battle when His kingdom purposes demand it. Here, Elkanah physically joins David at Ziklag, standing in solidarity with the rejected king. His presence underscores two truths:

• God raises worshipers to become warriors when righteousness is at stake (compare 2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

• Those who identify early with God’s anointed share in future victory (2 Samuel 5:1-3).


Isshiah

Next comes Isshiah (also spelled Jeshaiah elsewhere, 1 Chronicles 24:21). His name appears with temple-serving Levites, yet he is listed among David’s fighting men. Joining David meant leaving familiar duties behind, echoing the call Jesus later issues—“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny himself” (Matthew 16:24). Isshiah’s decision highlights:

• Courage to step beyond inherited roles when God redirects (Numbers 8:14-16).

• The blessing that follows obedience; Isshiah shares in the restoration of true worship once David reigns (1 Chronicles 15:16-17).


Azarel

Azarel, another Korahite, illustrates how seemingly anonymous servants still matter to God’s record-keeping. Though no exploits are detailed, his inclusion parallels the later roll call of Hebrews 11:32-40—many are unnamed but “the world was not worthy of them.” Azarel teaches:

• God values faithful presence as much as famous deeds (Luke 16:10).

• Every believer’s loyalty is remembered; the chronicler’s list anticipates the “book of remembrance” in Malachi 3:16.


Joezer

Joezer reappears in 1 Chronicles 26:1, helping guard the temple after David’s reign begins. His journey moves from battlefield to gatekeeping, showing how service can shift without losing significance. Key takeaways:

• Skill in war today can become skill in guarding worship tomorrow (Psalm 84:10).

• Flexibility in God’s service is indispensable; Joezer is effective because he follows God’s timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).


Jashobeam

Elsewhere Jashobeam is credited with single-handedly killing three hundred enemy soldiers (1 Chronicles 11:11). Placing him here among Levites shows that extraordinary valor and priestly heritage are not mutually exclusive. Lessons include:

• The Spirit empowers ordinary men for extraordinary feats when they align with God’s chosen leader (Judges 6:34).

• Great exploits flow from a heart fixed on covenant loyalty, not personal glory (Psalm 108:1-3).


who were Korahites

All five share the lineage of Korah, the Levite who once led rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16). Their loyalty to David redeems that family history, proving God’s grace can rewrite any legacy. Consider:

• Family failures need not dictate future faithfulness (Ezekiel 18:20-22).

• When descendants honor God, He delights to restore and re-commission them (Psalm 103:17-18).

Their Korahite identity also signals that worship and warfare intertwine; the same clan later leads praise in temple liturgy (2 Chronicles 20:19).


summary

1 Chronicles 12:6 is more than a list of hard-to-pronounce names. It records five Levites—Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam—who broke with comfort, sided with the fugitive David, and helped secure God’s kingdom agenda. Their story affirms that:

• God remembers every act of quiet loyalty.

• Heritage can be redeemed through wholehearted obedience.

• Worshipers may become warriors, and warriors may guard worship, as the Lord directs.

Reading their names encourages us to stand with God’s purposes today, confident He will weave our faithfulness into His unfolding history.

(6) Five members of the Levitical clan Korah. The name “Elkanah” occurs thrice in the lineage of Heman, the Korhite musician (1Chronicles 6:33 ff.), and in that of Samuel (1Chronicles 6:22 ff.).

Jesiah.—Heb., Yishshiyāhû; “Jahu is ray possession.” (Comp. Psalm 16:5.)

Azareel is a priestly name. (See Nehemiah 11:13.) There must have been Levites about the Tabernacle at Gibeon. But these Korhites may have been members of the Judean clan Korah, mentioned in 1Chronicles 2:43...

Verse 6. - Jashobeam. Possibly the same with him of 1 Chronicles 11:11; 1 Chronicles 27:2. Korhites. Some authorities are as positive that this name designates Levitic Korahites, as others are sceptical about it. Bertheau explains the name as meaning descendants of Korah of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:43). Others surmise that a Benjamite Korah, otherwise unknown to us, is pointed to. There does not seem any intrinsic difficulty in supposing that these were some of the Levite Korahites, whose proper and allotted abode was in Benjamin, or perhaps in Judah.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Elkanah,
אֶלְקָנָ֡ה (’el·qā·nāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 511: Elkanah -- 'God has created', the name of several Israelites

Isshiah,
וְ֠יִשִּׁיָּהוּ (wə·yiš·šî·yā·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3449: Isshiah -- the name of several Israelites

Azarel,
וַעֲזַרְאֵ֧ל (wa·‘ă·zar·’êl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5832: Azarel -- 'God has helped', the name of several Israelites

Joezer
וְיוֹעֶ֛זֶר (wə·yō·w·‘e·zer)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3134: Joezer -- 'the LORD is a help', one of David's mighty men

and Jashobeam
וְיָשָׁבְעָ֖ם (wə·yā·šā·ḇə·‘ām)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3434: Jashobeam -- 'people will return', one of David's heroes

the Korahites;
הַקָּרְחִֽים׃ (haq·qā·rə·ḥîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7145: Korahites -- descendant of Korah


Additonal Resources
1 Chronicles 12:6 Blue Letter Bible
1 Chronicles 12:6 Bible Gateway
1 Chronicles 12:6 Bible.com

1 Chronicles 12:6 NIV
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1 Chronicles 12:6 NASB
1 Chronicles 12:6 KJV

1 Chronicles 12:6 Study Bible
1 Chronicles 12:6 Biblia Paralela
1 Chronicles 12:6 Chinese Bible
1 Chronicles 12:6 French Bible
1 Chronicles 12:6 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Chronicles 12:6 Elkanah and Isshiah and Azarel and Joezer (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)

1 Chronicles 12:5
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