Verse (Click for Chapter) 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 wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. Berean Literal Bible And Abishai brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three. And He lifted his spear against three hundred, slain, and he won a name among these 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. Berean Annotated Bible Now Abishai (my father is a gift), the brother of Joab (YHWH is father) and son of Zeruiah (balsam), was chief of the Three [the Thirty], and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with 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. 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow 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. 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 VersionAnd 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. Berean Literal Bible And Abishai brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three. And He lifted his spear against three hundred, slain, and he won a name among these 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 BibleAbisai 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 BibleAnd 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 1917And 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 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, 1 Chronicles 2:16 Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel. 1 Samuel 26:6 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. 2 Samuel 16:9 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” was chief of the Three, 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 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.” 1 Chronicles 11:15-19 Three of the thirty chief men went down to David, to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. / At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. / David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” … and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, 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. 1 Samuel 26:8-11 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!” / But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” / David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. … 1 Chronicles 11:23 He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear. killed them, 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 Chronicles 11:23 He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear. 1 Chronicles 20:4-8 Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. / Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. / And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, … and won a name along with the Three. 1 Chronicles 11:24 These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who won a name along with the three mighty men. 2 Samuel 8:13 And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 1 Samuel 18:30 Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed. 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. … 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'iahJump 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'iah2 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 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah Abishai is introduced as the brother of Joab, both sons of Zeruiah, who was David's sister. This familial connection places Abishai in a prominent position within David's military hierarchy. Joab, his brother, was the commander of David's army, indicating a family deeply involved in the military leadership of Israel. Zeruiah's sons were known for their fierce loyalty and military prowess, which played a significant role in David's reign. The mention of Zeruiah highlights the matriarchal lineage, which is somewhat unusual in the patriarchal context of the Old Testament, emphasizing the importance of this family in David's story. was chief of the Three and he wielded his spear against three hundred men killed them and won a name along with the Three Persons / Places / Events 1. AbishaiThe brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, Abishai was a prominent warrior in King David's army. He is noted for his bravery and leadership, particularly in this passage where he is recognized for his valor in battle. 2. Joab The brother of Abishai, Joab was the commander of David's army. He played a significant role in many of David's military campaigns and was a key figure in the political and military landscape of David's reign. 3. Zeruiah The mother of Abishai, Joab, and Asahel. She is often mentioned in the context of her sons, who were significant military leaders under King David. 4. The Three A group of elite warriors in David's army, known for their extraordinary feats of bravery and skill in battle. Abishai is noted as being chief among them, highlighting his exceptional abilities. 5. The Battle While the specific battle is not detailed in this verse, it refers to an event where Abishai demonstrated his prowess by defeating three hundred men with his spear, earning him a distinguished reputation. Teaching Points Courage and LeadershipAbishai's actions exemplify the courage and leadership expected of those who serve in positions of responsibility. His willingness to face overwhelming odds is a testament to his faith and dedication. Loyalty to God's Anointed Abishai's loyalty to David, God's anointed king, serves as a model for Christians to remain faithful to God's calling and leadership in their lives. The Importance of Reputation Abishai "won a name" through his deeds, reminding believers of the importance of maintaining a good reputation through righteous actions and integrity. God's Empowerment in Battle The success of Abishai in battle can be seen as a reflection of God's empowerment, encouraging believers to rely on God's strength in their spiritual battles. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 23:18?2. How does Abishai's bravery inspire us to face challenges in our lives? 3. What leadership qualities does Abishai exhibit in 2 Samuel 23:18? 4. How can Abishai's actions be connected to Ephesians 6:10's call for strength? 5. How does Abishai's loyalty reflect our commitment to God's purposes today? 6. What can we learn from Abishai about serving under authority with integrity? 7. How does 2 Samuel 23:18 reflect the concept of leadership in biblical times? 8. What is the significance of Abishai's role in 2 Samuel 23:18? 9. How does 2 Samuel 23:18 contribute to understanding the hierarchy among David's warriors? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 23? 11. What are Joab's key achievements and lessons in the Bible? 12. Why does 1 Chronicles 18:12 credit Abishai with killing 18,000 Edomites, while 2 Samuel 8:13 attributes the same victory to David? 13. Why does Joab's direct killing of Absalom contradict David's explicit command to spare him (2 Samuel 18:5, 14), and does this create a moral inconsistency? 14. 2 Samuel 14:2-3: Does Joab's use of a disguised woman to deceive David suggest a narrative hole, since such a ruse seems unlikely to fool a king? What Does 2 Samuel 23:18 Mean Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah• This opening grounds the story in a real family, the sons of Zeruiah—Joab, Abishai, and Asahel—well-known commanders under King David (2 Samuel 2:18; 1 Chronicles 2:16). • Scripture often highlights family ties to show how God works through lineages; Abishai’s loyalty to David first appears when he volunteers to accompany David into Saul’s camp (1 Samuel 26:6–9). • His relationship with Joab reminds us that even within the same family, some serve faithfully while others, like Joab, struggle with unchecked ambition (2 Samuel 3:27–30). was chief of the Three • “The Three” are the elite warriors among David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8–17). Abishai leads them, though he is not counted in their exact number—an honor without displacing the original trio. • Leadership here flows from proven valor, not mere appointment. God repeatedly lifts faithful servants into influence (1 Samuel 18:30; Proverbs 22:29). • Strength and authority are presented as gifts entrusted by God for protecting His people (Psalm 18:32–34). and he wielded his spear against three hundred men • This feat echoes other Spirit-empowered victories, such as Samson with the jawbone (Judges 15:14–15) and Jonathan with his armor-bearer (1 Samuel 14:6–14). • Scripture records such numbers literally, underscoring that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). • The spear signifies both skill and courage; Abishai steps forward when the moment demands decisive action (2 Samuel 21:15–17). killed them • The text credits Abishai with total victory, yet every triumph ultimately belongs to the Lord (Deuteronomy 20:4; Psalm 144:1). • Physical battles in the Old Testament prefigure the spiritual battles believers face today (Ephesians 6:10–13). God still equips His people to overcome overwhelming odds through obedience and faith. • Abishai’s win also protects the nation, safeguarding the lineage through which Messiah will come (2 Samuel 7:12–16). and won a name along with the Three • An enduring “name” points to lasting honor. Proverbs 22:1 affirms, “A good name is more desirable than great riches.” • Abishai’s renown springs from faithful service, paralleling believers whose deeds follow them (Revelation 14:13). • While he did not surpass the original Three (1 Chronicles 11:21), Abishai’s exploits ensured he would be forever linked with them, illustrating that God notices every act done for His glory (Hebrews 6:10). summary Abishai’s snapshot in 2 Samuel 23:18 highlights a fearless warrior who, out of covenant loyalty to God and king, performed a staggering act of valor. Scripture presents the account plainly: a real man, in a real battle, literally defeating three hundred foes by God’s enabling power. His leadership of the Three, his God-given courage, and the lasting honor he earned underscore a timeless truth—those who trust the Lord and step out in faith can accomplish far more than human strength alone could ever achieve. (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 Links 2 Samuel 23:18 NIV2 Samuel 23:18 NLT 2 Samuel 23:18 ESV 2 Samuel 23:18 NASB 2 Samuel 23:18 KJV 2 Samuel 23:18 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 23:18 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 23:18 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 23:18 French Bible 2 Samuel 23:18 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 23:18 Abishai the brother of Joab the son (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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