2 Samuel 23:21
New International Version
And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear.

New Living Translation
Once, armed only with a club, he killed an imposing Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it.

English Standard Version
And he struck down an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah went down to him with a staff and snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear.

Berean Standard Bible
He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.

King James Bible
And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

New King James Version
And he killed an Egyptian, a spectacular man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand; so he went down to him with a staff, wrested the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear.

New American Standard Bible
And he killed an Egyptian, an impressive man. Now the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but he went down to him with a club and snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear.

NASB 1995
He killed an Egyptian, an impressive man. Now the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but he went down to him with a club and snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear.

NASB 1977
And he killed an Egyptian, an impressive man. Now the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but he went down to him with a club and snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear.

Legacy Standard Bible
He had also struck down an Egyptian, an impressive man. Now in the Egyptian’s hand was a spear, but he went down to him with a club and snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear.

Amplified Bible
And he killed an Egyptian, an impressive and handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah went down to him with a club, snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand and killed the man with his own spear.

Christian Standard Bible
He also killed an Egyptian, an impressive man. Even though the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went down to him with a staff, snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and then killed him with his own spear.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man. Even though the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went down to him with a club, snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and then killed him with his own spear.

American Standard Version
And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

Contemporary English Version
Another time, he killed an Egyptian, as big as a giant. The Egyptian was armed with a spear, but Benaiah only had a club. Benaiah grabbed the spear from the Egyptian and killed him with it.

English Revised Version
And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
And he killed a handsome Egyptian. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand. Benaiah went to him with a club, grabbed the spear from him, and killed him with it.

Good News Translation
He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man who was armed with a spear. Benaiah attacked him with his club, snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with it.

International Standard Version
He also killed a soldier from Egypt. Of handsome appearance, the Egyptian carried a spear, but Benaiah attacked him with a staff, snatched the spear out of the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear.

Majority Standard Bible
He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.

NET Bible
He also killed an impressive-looking Egyptian. The Egyptian wielded a spear, while Benaiah attacked him with a club. He grabbed the spear out of the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear.

New Heart English Bible
He killed an Egyptian, a man of great stature. And the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and grabbed the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with his own spear.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

World English Bible
He killed a huge Egyptian, and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he has struck the Egyptian man, a man of appearance, and a spear [is] in the hand of the Egyptian, and he goes down to him with a rod, and takes the spear violently away out of the hand of the Egyptian, and slays him with his own spear.

Young's Literal Translation
And he hath smitten the Egyptian man, a man of appearance, and in the hand of the Egyptian is a spear, and he goeth down unto him with a rod, and taketh violently away the spear out of the hand of the Egyptian, and slayeth him with his own spear.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he struck a man, an Egyptian, who was seeing; and in the hand of the Egyptian a spear; and he went down to him with a rod, and he will pluck the spear out of the Egyptian's hand and kill him with his spear.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He also slew an Egyptian, a man worthy to be a sight, having a spear in his hand: but he went down to him with a rod, and forced the spear out of the hand of the Egyptian, and slew him with his own spear.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He also killed an Egyptian who had a spear in his hand, a man worthy to behold. And yet he had gone down to him with only a staff. And he forced the spear from the hand of the Egyptian, and he killed him with his own spear.

New American Bible
He likewise slew an Egyptian, a huge man. The Egyptian carried a spear, but Benaiah came against him with a staff; he wrested the spear from the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with that spear.

New Revised Standard Version
And he killed an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but Benaiah went against him with a staff, snatched the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he slew an Egyptian, a handsome man; and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down against him with a staff, and seized the spear out of the Egyptian's hand and slew him with his own spear.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he killed a mighty Egyptian man, a mighty man beautiful of appearance, and there was a sword in the hand of the Egyptian, and he came down against him with a staff, and he took the sword from the hand of the Egyptian, and he killed him with his sword
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man; and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He smote an Egyptian, a wonderful man, and in the hand of the Egyptian was a spear as the side of a ladder; and he went down to him with a staff, and snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Mighty Men
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. 21He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear. 22These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who won a name alongside the three mighty men.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 11:22-23
And 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. / 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 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 2:31-34
And the king replied, “Do just as he says. Strike him down and bury him, and so remove from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood that Joab shed. / 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.” ...

1 Samuel 17:34-36
David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.”

Judges 14:5-6
Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, / and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.

1 Samuel 17:49-51
Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. / Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. / David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and 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 23:20-23
Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” / “May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me. / Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning. ...

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 Samuel 24:4-7
So David’s men said to him, “This is the day about which the LORD said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do with him as you wish.’” Then David crept up and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. / Afterward, David’s conscience was stricken because he had cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. / So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” ...

1 Samuel 25:28
Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live.

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 16:18
One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with 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 18:27
David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage.


Treasury of Scripture

And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

1 Chronicles 11:23
And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

a man of great stature

1 Samuel 17:51
Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

Colossians 2:15
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Jump to Previous
Although Appearance Attack Benaiah Benai'ah Club Death Egyptian Egyptian's Goodly Hand Hands Handsome Huge Imposing Impressive Killed Plucked Pulling Rod Slayeth Slew Smitten Smote Snatched Spear Staff Stick Struck Tall Violently
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Although Appearance Attack Benaiah Benai'ah Club Death Egyptian Egyptian's Goodly Hand Hands Handsome Huge Imposing Impressive Killed Plucked Pulling Rod Slayeth Slew Smitten Smote Snatched Spear Staff Stick Struck Tall Violently
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














He struck down an Egyptian
This phrase highlights the valor and courage of Benaiah, one of David's mighty warriors. The act of striking down an Egyptian is significant, as Egyptians were often seen as formidable foes due to their advanced military tactics and equipment. Historically, Egypt was a powerful nation, and defeating an Egyptian warrior would have been a notable achievement. The Hebrew root for "struck down" (נכה, nakah) implies a decisive and forceful action, indicating Benaiah's strength and skill in battle.

who was five cubits tall
The description of the Egyptian being "five cubits tall" emphasizes the extraordinary nature of Benaiah's victory. A cubit is approximately 18 inches, making this Egyptian about 7.5 feet tall. This detail draws a parallel to the account of David and Goliath, where the odds seemed insurmountable. It serves as a reminder that with God's help, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. The mention of height also underscores the physical prowess required to defeat such an opponent.

Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand like a weaver’s beam
The comparison of the spear to a "weaver’s beam" suggests its massive size and weight, indicating the Egyptian's strength and the threat he posed. In ancient times, a weaver's beam was a large, sturdy piece of equipment, and likening a spear to it implies a formidable weapon. This imagery sets the stage for the miraculous nature of Benaiah's victory, as he faced not only a giant but also a heavily armed one. The Hebrew word for "spear" (חנית, chanit) is often associated with powerful warriors, further highlighting the danger Benaiah confronted.

Benaiah went against him with a club
Benaiah's choice of weapon, a club, contrasts sharply with the Egyptian's spear. This detail underscores Benaiah's resourcefulness and bravery. The club, a simpler and less sophisticated weapon, symbolizes reliance on skill and divine support rather than mere physical might or advanced weaponry. The Hebrew term for "club" (שבט, shevet) can also mean "rod" or "staff," often associated with authority and guidance, suggesting that Benaiah's victory was divinely ordained.

He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand
This action demonstrates Benaiah's agility and strategic thinking. The act of "snatching" (Hebrew: גזל, gazal) implies a sudden and forceful taking, showcasing Benaiah's quick reflexes and courage. It reflects the biblical theme of God empowering His servants to achieve victory against overwhelming odds. This moment of turning the enemy's weapon against him is symbolic of God's ability to turn the plans of the wicked to the advantage of the righteous.

and killed him with his own spear
The culmination of the encounter, where Benaiah uses the Egyptian's spear to kill him, highlights the theme of poetic justice. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The act of using the enemy's weapon against him is a recurring motif in Scripture, symbolizing the reversal of fortunes and the deliverance of God's people. This victory not only solidifies Benaiah's reputation as a mighty warrior but also exemplifies the divine empowerment that accompanies those who trust in the Lord.

(21) A goodly man.--The meaning is explained in the parallel place in Chronicles, where he is called "a man of stature," and it is added "five cubits high." Benaiah's exploit, therefore, consisted in coming, armed only with a staff, to this giant Egyptian, wresting his spear from him, and then slaying him with it.

Verse 21. - A goodly man. The Hebrew text has "who a sight," for which the Massorites read, "a man of sight," that is, handsome, and worth looking at. In 1 Chronicles 11:23 we find what, no doubt, is the right reading, "a man of measure [equivalent to 'a tall man'], five cubits high." The height of Goliath was six cubits and a span (1 Samuel 17:4).

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

also killed
הִכָּה֩ (hik·kāh)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

an Egyptian,
מִצְרִ֜י (miṣ·rî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4713: Egyptian -- inhabitant of Egypt

a huge
מַרְאֶ֗ה (mar·’eh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision

man.
אִ֨ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

Although the Egyptian
הַמִּצְרִי֙ (ham·miṣ·rî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4713: Egyptian -- inhabitant of Egypt

had a spear
חֲנִ֔ית (ḥă·nîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance

in his hand,
וּבְיַ֤ד (ū·ḇə·yaḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

Benaiah went against
וַיֵּ֥רֶד (way·yê·reḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

him
אֵלָ֖יו (’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

with a club,
בַּשָּׁ֑בֶט (baš·šā·ḇeṭ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

snatched
וַיִּגְזֹ֤ל (way·yiḡ·zōl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1497: To pluck off, to flay, strip, rob

the spear
הַחֲנִית֙ (ha·ḥă·nîṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance

from [his]
הַמִּצְרִ֔י (ham·miṣ·rî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4713: Egyptian -- inhabitant of Egypt

hand,
מִיַּ֣ד (mî·yaḏ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

and killed [the Egyptian]
וַיַּהַרְגֵ֖הוּ (way·ya·har·ḡê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent

with his own spear.
בַּחֲנִיתֽוֹ׃ (ba·ḥă·nî·ṯōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2595: A lance


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OT History: 2 Samuel 23:21 He killed an Egyptian a goodly man: (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 23:20
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