The chief of the mighty men of David lifted up his spear and killed how many men at one time? Eight hundred (2 Samuel 23:8) Three hundred (I Chronicles 11: 11)

Scripture Passages and Their Wording

2 Samuel 23:8 states, “These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahkemonite was chief of the captains. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time.”

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

Both passages highlight a single warrior, described as one of David’s chief mighty men (referred to as Josheb-basshebeth in 2 Samuel and Jashobeam in 1 Chronicles). The question arises because the number of those slain is reported as 800 in 2 Samuel and 300 in 1 Chronicles.

Names and Titles

The individual is named slightly differently in the two accounts:

• 2 Samuel: “Josheb-basshebeth the Tahkemonite.”

• 1 Chronicles: “Jashobeam son of Hachmoni.”

These naming differences reflect variations stemming from Hebrew spelling and transcription practices in different books. David’s primary warriors were recounted more than once, leading to slight discrepancies in recorded titles or names.

Possible Harmonizations

1. Separate Events:

Some propose that the accounts could be referring to separate feats by the same warrior. One battle might have involved slaying 300 enemies at one time, and another might have involved slaying 800. While the passages appear parallel, the chronicler in 1 Chronicles might have focused on a specific exploit (300), whereas the writer of 2 Samuel recorded a maximum achievement (800).

2. Textual Transmission Variations:

Ancient Hebrew writings were faithfully copied, but numerical variants sometimes appeared in manuscripts. It is possible that a copyist, when transcribing 1 Chronicles, preserved a different figure than the one found in 2 Samuel. Even so, preserved manuscripts overwhelmingly show consistent text, demonstrating the remarkable reliability of these historical records. Where numerical differences occur, it does not negate the overall reliability, as multiple lines of manuscript evidence still support the authenticity of each respective book. Scholarly works such as those examining the reliability of the Masoretic Text have observed that copyist errors in numbers are among the rare variants that do occur, yet do not undermine foundational truths (cf. research on the Dead Sea Scrolls’ consistency with the Masoretic Text).

3. Scribal Copy or Style Differences:

The chronicler may have chosen to highlight a partial count to underscore another theological or historical point. Each inspired author had a particular emphasis, and sometimes the retelling focuses on a specific moment for the sake of the narrative or thematic thrust. As such, one text might abbreviate the event (300) while the other cites the full total (800).

4. Focused Emphasis by the Chronicler:

The Book of 1 Chronicles repeatedly underscores David’s reign and God’s covenant. The chronicler tends to condense certain facts to streamline genealogies and battles, often selecting details that best serve his retelling of Israel’s history. This condensation method might explain why the chronicler recorded 300, focusing on a certain aspect of the same warrior’s prowess.

Consistency in the Larger Context of David’s Mighty Men

Both accounts emphasize the extraordinary valor of David’s men, illustrating how Israel’s victories depended on divine empowering. These passages do not focus primarily on exact statistics but on the overall might, faith, and loyalty of David’s warriors. The heart of the narrative remains the same in both books: God’s providence and strength enabled ordinary men to perform mighty acts in battle.

Reflections on Scriptural Inerrancy

Apparent numerical discrepancies like this do not negate inerrancy when viewed in the larger context of how Scripture was transmitted and its primary theological messages. The trustworthiness of Scripture stands on multiple lines of evidence, from the shared testimony of manuscript families (including the early copies and diverse sources attesting to the same narratives) to the internal coherence of biblical events and doctrines.

Applicability and Lessons

1. God’s Empowerment:

The accounts highlight extraordinary courage under divine empowerment. These displays of valor remind believers and readers alike that ultimate victory comes through reliance on the One who guides and strengthens.

2. Historical Documentation:

The details of David’s military successes were recorded with remarkable detail, preserving a window into the ancient Near East’s historical battles and the significance of leadership and faith in national life.

3. Unified Message:

Even if two parallel accounts have different numerical details, they serve the same elevation of God’s work and the faithful service of His people. Both point to the might and faithfulness of those called by God, uniting theological purpose across different biblical books.

Concluding Observations

The question of whether Josheb-basshebeth (Jashobeam) killed 800 or 300 men at one time highlights an interplay of textual emphasis, possible copyist variations, and authorial intent. Both texts affirm that a notable warrior accomplished a heroic feat through divine enablement.

Nothing in these parallel passages detracts from the overarching message of Scripture or its historical veracity. Instead, they showcase complimentary reporting of David’s mighty men from different perspectives. As with many parallel narratives in Scripture, each author’s emphasis remains consistent with the central truth: the events chronicled are part of God’s unfolding plan, underscoring His sovereignty and the faithfulness of those who trust in Him.