2 Samuel 23:18
New International Version
Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three.

New Living Translation
Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was the leader of the Thirty. He once used his spear to kill 300 enemy warriors in a single battle. It was by such feats that he became as famous as the Three.

English Standard Version
Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the thirty. And he wielded his spear against three hundred men and killed them and won a name beside the three.

Berean Standard Bible
Now 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.

King James Bible
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.

New King James Version
Now Abishai the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of another three. He lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name among these three.

New American Standard Bible
Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the thirty. And he swung his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name as well as the three.

NASB 1995
Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the thirty. And he swung his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name as well as the three.

NASB 1977
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the thirty. And he swung his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name as well as the three.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the thirty. And he swung his spear against three hundred who were slain by him; and he had a name as well as the three.

Amplified Bible
Now Abishai the brother of Joab the son of Zeruiah was chief of the thirty. He wielded his spear against three hundred men and killed them, and gained a reputation beside the three.

Christian Standard Bible
Abishai, Joab’s brother and son of Zeruiah, was leader of the Three. He wielded his spear against three hundred men and killed them, gaining a reputation among the Three.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Abishai, Joab’s brother and son of Zeruiah, was leader of the Three. He raised his spear against 300 men and killed them, gaining a reputation among the Three.

American Standard Version
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three.

Contemporary English Version
Joab's brother Abishai was the leader of the Thirty Warriors, and in one battle he killed 300 men with his spear. He was as famous as the Three Warriors

English Revised Version
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Joab's brother Abishai, Zeruiah's son, was the leader of the thirty. He used his spear to kill 300 men. He was as famous as the three

Good News Translation
Joab's brother Abishai (their mother was Zeruiah) was the leader of "The Famous Thirty." He fought with his spear against three hundred men and killed them, and became famous among "The Thirty."

International Standard Version
Zeruiah's son Abishai, Joab's brother, was the lieutenant in charge of the platoons. He used his spear to fight and kill 300 men, gaining a reputation distinct from the Three.

Majority Standard Bible
Now 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.

NET Bible
Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was head of the three. He killed three hundred men with his spear and gained fame among the three.

New Heart English Bible
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was leader of the Thirty. And he wielded his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name beside the Three.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.

World English Bible
Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. He lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Abishai brother of Joab, son of Zeruiah, he [is] head of three, and he is lifting up his spear against three hundred—wounded, and he has a name among three.

Young's Literal Translation
And Abishai brother of Joab, son of Zeruiah, he is head of three, and he is lifting up his spear against three hundred -- wounded, and he hath a name among three.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Abishai Joab's brother, son of Zeruiah, he the head of the three. And he raised up his spear against three hundred wounded, and to him a name among the three.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Abisai also the brother of Joab, the son of Sarvia, was chief among three: and he lifted up his spear against three hundred whom he slew, and he was renowned among the three,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Also Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was first among the three. It was he who lifted up his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed. And he was renowned among the three,

New American Bible
Abishai, the brother of Joab, son of Zeruiah, was the chief of the Thirty; he brandished his spear over three hundred whom he had slain. He made a name among the Thirty,

New Revised Standard Version
Now Abishai son of Zeruiah, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Thirty. With his spear he fought against three hundred men and killed them, and won a name beside the Three.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zoriah, was chief of thirty men. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abishi the brother of Yuab, son of Tsuriya, he was Chief of thirty Warriors, and he drew the sword against three hundred slain and he was Chief of the thirty
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abessa the brother of Joab the son of Saruia, he was chief among the three, and he lifted up his spear against three hundred whom he slew; and he had a name among three.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Mighty Men
17saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three 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.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 11:20-21
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. / He was doubly honored above the Three, and he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.

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.”

1 Samuel 14:6-14
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.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” / “Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them. ...

1 Samuel 17:45-50
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 Chronicles 27:5-6
The third army commander, as chief for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. There were 24,000 men in his division. / This Benaiah was mighty among the Thirty and was over the Thirty, and his son Ammizabad was in charge of his division.

2 Samuel 23:8-12
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. ...

1 Chronicles 12:8-15
Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: / Ezer the chief, Obadiah the second in command, Eliab the third, / Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, ...

Judges 7:19-22
Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. / The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” / Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. ...

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 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 26:6-12
And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai. / That night David and Abishai came to the troops, and Saul was lying there asleep in the inner circle of the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the troops were lying around him. / Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!” ...

1 Kings 2:5-6
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

1 Kings 2:32-33
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”

Matthew 26:51-52
At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. / “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

John 18:10-11
Then Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. / “Put your sword back in its sheath!” Jesus said to Peter. “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”


Treasury of Scripture

And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.

Abishai

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 3:30
So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

2 Samuel 10:10,14
And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon…

and slew them [heb] slain

Jump to Previous
Abishai Abi'shai Brandished Chief Death Head Hundred Joab Jo'ab Killed Lifted Raised Slew Spear Swung Thirty Three Wielded Won Wounded Zeruiah Zeru'iah
Jump to Next
Abishai Abi'shai Brandished Chief Death Head Hundred Joab Jo'ab Killed Lifted Raised Slew Spear Swung Thirty Three Wielded Won Wounded Zeruiah Zeru'iah
2 Samuel 23
1. David, in his last words, professes his faith in God's promises
6. The different state of the wicked
8. A catalogue of David's mighty men














Now Abishai
Abishai, whose name means "my father is Jesse" in Hebrew, is a prominent figure in the narratives of David's reign. As the brother of Joab, he is part of a family deeply involved in David's military exploits. Abishai's loyalty and bravery are well-documented, and his actions often reflect the fierce dedication to David's kingship. His role in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of familial ties and loyalty in the ancient Near Eastern context.

the brother of Joab
Joab, a central military leader under King David, is known for his strategic prowess and sometimes ruthless methods. Being identified as Joab's brother places Abishai within a powerful and influential family. This familial connection highlights the dynastic and tribal affiliations that were crucial in the political and military structures of ancient Israel. The mention of Joab also serves to remind readers of the complex and often tumultuous relationships within David's inner circle.

son of Zeruiah
Zeruiah, the mother of Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, is frequently mentioned in the biblical text, emphasizing the matrilineal aspect of their identity. In a patriarchal society, the repeated reference to Zeruiah suggests her significant influence and possibly her noble lineage. This matrilineal mention may also indicate the strength and character of the family, as Zeruiah's sons were among David's most trusted warriors.

was chief of the Three
The "Three" refers to a group of elite warriors in David's army, known for their extraordinary feats of bravery and skill. Being the chief of this group signifies Abishai's exceptional leadership and valor. This title not only reflects his military prowess but also his status and reputation among David's men. The concept of the "Three" highlights the importance of heroism and martial excellence in the biblical narrative.

And he wielded his spear
The spear, a common weapon in ancient warfare, symbolizes strength and combat skill. Abishai's ability to wield his spear effectively against numerous foes demonstrates his martial expertise and courage. In the biblical context, such acts of valor are often seen as divinely inspired, suggesting that Abishai's success in battle is a testament to God's favor and empowerment.

against three hundred men
This hyperbolic expression of Abishai's combat achievements serves to emphasize his extraordinary bravery and strength. In the ancient world, such feats were celebrated and often recorded in epic tales and songs. The mention of "three hundred men" not only highlights Abishai's prowess but also serves to inspire awe and respect for his capabilities as a warrior.

whom he killed
The act of killing in battle, while violent, is portrayed in the biblical narrative as a necessary aspect of defending the nation and upholding justice. Abishai's actions are seen within the context of divine mandate and the protection of Israel. His victories in battle contribute to the stability and security of David's kingdom, aligning with the broader biblical theme of God's provision and protection for His people.

and won a name
To "win a name" in the biblical sense is to achieve lasting honor and recognition. Abishai's deeds ensure that his legacy is remembered and celebrated among the people of Israel. This phrase underscores the biblical value placed on reputation and the enduring impact of one's actions. In the context of faith, it also reflects the idea that true honor comes from fulfilling one's God-given purpose.

along with the Three
Being mentioned alongside the "Three" further cements Abishai's status as one of David's most esteemed warriors. This association not only highlights his individual accomplishments but also his inclusion in a group renowned for their heroism. The camaraderie and mutual respect among these warriors reflect the biblical ideal of unity and strength in community, particularly in the service of God's chosen king.

(18) Among three.--The Hebrew margin has "the three," and so also the text in the following clause. "The three" are the triad of heroes just mentioned, of whom Abishai was first, Benaiah second, with an unnamed third. A somewhat similar feat of daring is told of Abishai in 1Samuel 26:6-12.

Verse 18. - Abishai... was chief among three. The sense is obscured in the Authorized Version by the translators having failed to notice the presence of the definite article. Abishai, by reason of this exploit, became "chief of the three;" that is, of the second order of three established in the fraternity of the mighties. At the end of the verse, and in ver. 19, the Authorized Version strangely puts the article where it is absent in the Hebrew, and omits it where it is present. The right rendering and meaning is, "He had a name, that is, rank, reputation, among the three. Was he not the most honourable of the three? For this he was made their captain: yet he attained not to equal dignity with the first three."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now Abishai,
וַאֲבִישַׁ֞י (wa·’ă·ḇî·šay)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 52: Abishai -- 'my father is Jesse', an Israelite name

the brother
אֲחִ֣י ׀ (’ă·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 251: A brother, )

of Joab
יוֹאָ֣ב (yō·w·’āḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3097: Joab -- 'the LORD is father', three Israelites

and son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Zeruiah,
צְרוּיָ֗ה (ṣə·rū·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6870: Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman

was chief
רֹ֣אשׁ (rōš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of the Three,
הַשְּׁלֹשָׁ֔ה (haš·šə·lō·šāh)
Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7992: Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)

and he
וְהוּא֙ (wə·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

lifted
עוֹרֵ֣ר (‘ō·w·rêr)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake

his spear
חֲנִית֔וֹ (ḥă·nî·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

three
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ (šə·lōš)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

hundred [men],
מֵא֖וֹת (mê·’ō·wṯ)
Number - feminine plural
Strong's 3967: A hundred

killed [them],
חָלָ֑ל (ḥā·lāl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2491: Pierced, polluted

and won
וְלוֹ־ (wə·lōw-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

a name
שֵׁ֖ם (šêm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

along with [the] Three.
בַּשְּׁלֹשָֽׁה׃ (baš·šə·lō·šāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice


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OT History: 2 Samuel 23:18 Abishai the brother of Joab the son (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 23:17
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