New International Version Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them. New Living Translation Abishai was the most famous of the Thirty and was their commander, though he was not one of the Three. English Standard Version He was the most renowned of the thirty and became their commander, but he did not attain to the three. Berean Standard Bible Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three. Berean Literal Bible Of the three was he not more honored? And he became for them as commander, and to the three he did not attain. King James Bible Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three. New King James Version Was he not the most honored of three? Therefore he became their captain. However, he did not attain to the first three. New American Standard Bible He was the most honored among the thirty, so he became their commander; however, he did not attain to the reputation of the three. NASB 1995 He was most honored of the thirty, therefore he became their commander; however, he did not attain to the three. NASB 1977 He was most honored of the thirty, therefore he became their commander; however, he did not attain to the three. Legacy Standard Bible Of the thirty he was most honored and became their commander; however, he did not attain to the three. Amplified Bible He was the most honored of the thirty, so he became their commander; however, he did not attain to the [greatness of the] three. Berean Annotated Bible Was he not more honored than the Three [the Thirty]? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three. Christian Standard Bible Was he not more honored than the Three? He became their commander even though he did not become one of the Three. Holman Christian Standard Bible Was he not more honored than the Three? He became their commander even though he did not become one of the Three. American Standard Version Was he not most honorable of the three? therefore he was made their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three. Contemporary English Version and certainly just as famous as the rest of the Thirty Warriors. He was the commander of the Thirty Warriors, but he still did not become one of the Three Warriors. English Revised Version Was he not most honourable of the three? therefore he was made their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three. GOD'S WORD® Translation and was honored more than they were. So he became their captain, but he didn't become a member of the three. Good News Translation He was the most famous of "The Thirty" and became their leader, but he was not as famous as "The Three." International Standard Version He was more well-known than the Three, and became their commander, but he never measured up to the Three. NET Bible From the three he was given honor and he became their officer, even though he was not one of the three. New Heart English Bible He was the most illustrious of the Thirty, and he became their leader. However he did not attain to the Three. Webster's Bible Translation Was he not most honorable of three? therefore he was their captain: yet he attained not to the first three. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWas he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three. World English Bible Wasn’t he most honorable of the three? Therefore he was made their captain. However he wasn’t included as one of the three. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIs he not the honored of the three? And he becomes their head; and he has not come to the [first] three. Berean Literal Bible Of the three was he not more honored? And he became for them as commander, and to the three he did not attain. Young's Literal Translation Of the three is he not the honoured? and he becometh their head; and unto the first three he hath not come. Smith's Literal Translation Above the three was he not honored? and he will be to them for chief: and he came not even to the three. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the noblest of three, and was their chief, but to the three first he attained not. Catholic Public Domain Version and he was the noblest of the three, and he was their leader. But at first he did not attain to the three. New American Bible but was more famous than any of the Thirty, becoming their leader. However, he did not attain to the Three. New Revised Standard Version He was the most renowned of the Thirty, and became their commander; but he did not attain to the Three. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he was honored above the thirty men; therefore he became their chief and performed heroic deeds equal to thirty men. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And of the thirty he was honored and he was Chief over them, and he achieved victory like the thirty OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He was most honourable of the three; therefore he was made their captain; howbeit he attained not unto the first three. Brenton Septuagint Translation Of those three he was most honourable, and he became a chief over them, but he reached not to the first three. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context David's Mighty Men…18Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. 19Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three. 20And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion.… Cross References Was he not more honored than the Three? 1 Chronicles 11:21 He was doubly honored above the Three, and he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three. 1 Chronicles 18:12 Moreover, Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 2 Samuel 21:17 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.” And he became their commander, 2 Samuel 10:10 And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites. 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.” 2 Samuel 20:6 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” even though he was not included among the Three. 1 Chronicles 11:20 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. 1 Chronicles 11:25 He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard. 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. 2 Samuel 23:18 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. 1 Samuel 18:7 And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” 1 Samuel 14:52 And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him. 1 Samuel 17:45-47 But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 18:5 So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well. 1 Samuel 23:16-18 And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home. 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” Treasury of Scripture Was he not most honorable of three? therefore he was their captain: however, he attained not to the first three. he attained 2 Samuel 23:9,13,16 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: … 1 Chronicles 11:25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard. Matthew 13:8,23 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold… Jump to Previous Attain Attained Captain Commander First Greater Held Honor Honorable Honored Honourable Honoured Howbeit However Included Noblest Renowned Thirty Three Wasn'tJump to Next Attain Attained Captain Commander First Greater Held Honor Honorable Honored Honourable Honoured Howbeit However Included Noblest Renowned Thirty Three Wasn't2 Samuel 23 1. David, in his last words, professes his faith in God's promises6. The different state of the wicked 8. A catalogue of David's mighty men Was he not more honored than the Three? Abishai displayed remarkable courage, including killing three hundred enemies with his spear. Though he did not equal the exploits of David’s foremost three warriors, he was highly esteemed among the mighty men. 1Ch 11:21 He was doubly honored above the Three,… And he became their commander, His honor and proven ability led to a position of command over this distinguished group of warriors. As Joab’s brother and one of David’s leading officers, Abishai repeatedly served David in battle and in times of danger. 2Sa 10:10 And he placed the rest of the troops under the command… even though he was not included among the Three. Abishai held a place of great distinction without attaining the rank of the original Three. His standing rested on his deeds and faithful service rather than membership in the highest circle of David’s warriors. 1Ch 11:20 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three… Persons / Places / Events 1. AbishaiThe verse refers to Abishai, the brother of Joab, who was a valiant warrior and a leader among David's mighty men. He was known for his bravery and loyalty to King David. 2. The Three This group refers to the three most elite warriors among David's mighty men. They were renowned for their extraordinary feats and held a special place of honor. 3. David's Mighty Men A group of elite warriors who served King David with distinction. They were known for their courage and loyalty, and their exploits are detailed in 2 Samuel 23. Teaching Points Honor and LeadershipAbishai was honored and became a commander because of his deeds, not just his title. True leadership is earned through actions and character. God's Recognition Even if not part of the "elite," God recognizes and honors those who serve faithfully and courageously. Role of Supportive Leadership Abishai's role shows the importance of supportive leadership. He was not one of the three, yet he played a crucial role in David's success. Courage and Loyalty Abishai's account encourages believers to be courageous and loyal in their service to God and others, trusting that God sees and rewards faithfulness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 23:19?2. How does 2 Samuel 23:19 highlight the importance of leadership and valor? 3. What qualities made Abishai "more honored" than the others in this passage? 4. How can we apply Abishai's example of bravery in our daily lives? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Abishai's actions and other biblical heroes? 6. How does Abishai's story inspire us to serve God with courage and honor? 7. Why was Abishai not made commander despite his achievements in 2 Samuel 23:19? 8. How does 2 Samuel 23:19 reflect on leadership and merit in biblical times? 9. What does 2 Samuel 23:19 reveal about the criteria for honor in David's army? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 23? 2 Samuel 23:19 highlights that Abishai’s extraordinary valor earned him unique honor, prompting David to appoint him commander over the mighty men. Though not one of the original Three, his faithfulness and achievements positioned him for leadership. The verse teaches that God-given honor stems from devoted service, that responsibility accompanies recognition, and that meaningful leadership is possible without holding the most prestigious title. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Was he notהֲכִ֣י (hă·ḵî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction more honored נִכְבָּ֔ד (niḵ·bāḏ) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome than מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the Three? הַשְּׁלֹשָׁה֙ (haš·šə·lō·šāh) Article | Number - masculine singular Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice 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 their commander, לְשָׂ֑ר (lə·śār) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince even though he was not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no included בָֽא׃ (ḇā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go among the Three. הַשְּׁלֹשָׁ֖ה (haš·šə·lō·šāh) Article | Number - masculine singular Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice Additonal Resources 2 Samuel 23:19 Blue Letter Bible2 Samuel 23:19 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 23:19 Bible.com 2 Samuel 23:19 NIV |
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