2 Samuel 23:37
New International Version
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,

New Living Translation
Zelek from Ammon; Naharai from Beeroth, the armor bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah;

English Standard Version
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,

Berean Standard Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,

King James Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,

New King James Version
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite (armorbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah),

New American Standard Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers of Joab the son of Zeruiah,

NASB 1995
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers of Joab the son of Zeruiah,

NASB 1977
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers of Joab the son of Zeruiah,

Legacy Standard Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers of Joab the son of Zeruiah,

Amplified Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai of Beeroth, armor bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,

Christian Standard Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer for Joab son of Zeruiah,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer for Joab son of Zeruiah,

American Standard Version
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armorbearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah,

English Revised Version
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Zelek from Ammon, Naharai from Beeroth, armorbearer for Zeruiah's son Joab,

International Standard Version
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai from Beeroth (the armor-bearer for Zeruiah's son Joab),

Majority Standard Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,

NET Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite (the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah),

New Heart English Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,

Webster's Bible Translation
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor-bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,

World English Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, bearer of the weapons of Joab son of Zeruiah,

Young's Literal Translation
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, bearer of the weapons of Joab son of Zeruiah,

Smith's Literal Translation
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, lifting up the arms of Joab, son of Zeruiah,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Selec of Ammoni, Naharai the Berothite, armourbearer of Joab the son of Sarvia,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Zelek from Ammon, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor bearer of Joab, the son of Zeruiah,

New American Bible
Zelek the Ammonite; Naharai, from Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab, son of Zeruiah;

New Revised Standard Version
Zelek the Ammonite; Naharai of Beeroth, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Zelek the Ammonite, Nahari the Beerothite, the armorbearer of Joab the son of Zoriah,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Tseleq, who was from Amun, Nakhri, which was from Bruthi, Armor Bearer of the armor of Yuab, son of Tsuriya
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armour-bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Gelore the Bethorite, armour-bearer to Joab, son of Saruia.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Mighty Men
36Igal son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 37Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah, 38Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 11:39
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,

2 Samuel 21:15-17
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / 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 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, ...

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.”

2 Samuel 22:1-4
And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. / He said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. / My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. My stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence. ...

1 Samuel 14:6-15
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 23:1-5
Now it was reported to David, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and looting the threshing floors.” / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” / But David’s men said to him, “Look, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” ...

2 Samuel 5:17-25
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” ...

1 Chronicles 14:8-17
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went out to face them. / Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.” ...

2 Samuel 8:1-14
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. / David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. ...

1 Chronicles 18:1-13
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Gath and its villages from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, and they became subject to David and brought him tribute. / As far as Hamath, David also defeated King Hadadezer of Zobah, who had marched out to establish his dominion along the Euphrates River. ...

2 Samuel 10:1-19
Some time later, the king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son Hanun. / And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites, / the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?” ...

1 Chronicles 19:1-19
Some time later, Nahash king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son. / And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent messengers to console Hanun concerning his father. But when David’s servants arrived in the land of the Ammonites to console him, / the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Have not his servants come to you to explore the land, spy it out, and overthrow it?” ...

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 11:10-14
Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. / 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. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Zelek the Ammonite, Nahari the Beerothite, armor bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,

Zelek

1 Chronicles 11:39
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,

Naharai

1 Chronicles 11:37
Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai,

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Ammonite Armor Armor-Bearer Armourbearer Armour-Bearer Arms Bearers Beerothite Care Joab Jo'ab Naharai Na'harai Weapons Zelek Zeruiah Zeru'iah
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Ammonite Armor Armor-Bearer Armourbearer Armour-Bearer Arms Bearers Beerothite Care Joab Jo'ab Naharai Na'harai Weapons Zelek 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














Zelek the Ammonite
The mention of "Zelek the Ammonite" highlights the inclusion of a foreigner in David's elite group of warriors. The Ammonites were often adversaries of Israel, yet Zelek's presence signifies the unifying power of David's leadership and God's kingdom, which transcends ethnic boundaries. The Hebrew root for Ammonite, "עַמּוֹנִי" (Ammoni), reflects the historical enmity between Israel and Ammon, yet here it underscores the transformative power of allegiance to God's anointed king.

Naharai the Beerothite
"Naharai the Beerothite" points to a specific geographical and tribal identity. Beeroth was one of the Gibeonite cities, and its inhabitants were integrated into Israel under unique circumstances (Joshua 9). The inclusion of Naharai, a Beerothite, in David's mighty men, suggests a broader acceptance and integration within the covenant community, emphasizing God's grace and the breaking down of barriers through faithfulness and service.

the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah
This phrase underscores the role of "the armor-bearer," a position of trust and responsibility. Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was a prominent military leader under David, known for his strategic prowess and sometimes ruthless actions. The Hebrew term for armor-bearer, "נֹשֵׂא כֵלִים" (nose kelim), indicates one who carries the weapons and armor, symbolizing support and loyalty. This role reflects the importance of service and support within God's kingdom, where every position, whether prominent or supportive, contributes to the greater mission. The mention of Joab, a complex figure, reminds us of the human element in God's plans, where flawed individuals are used for divine purposes.

(37) The Ammonite.--A foreigner, like "Igal of Zobah" (a Syrian), and "Ittai the Gittite," and "Uriah the Hittite," who rose to distinction in David's service, and all of whom were probably proselytes.

Armourbearer.--It appears from 2Samuel 18:15 that Joab had ten armourbearers. This one was probably their chief.

Verse 37. - Zelek the Ammonite. The presence of an Ammonite among the thirty reminds us of the fidelity of Shobi, the son of Nahash the Ammonite king, to David (see 2 Samuel 17:27). Armourbearer. The written text has the plural, "armourbearers," for which the K'ri has substituted the singular. The plural is probably right, and if so, both Joab's chief armourbearers, or squires, were foreigners, Zelek being an Ammonite, and Nahari a Gibeonite (see note on 2 Samuel 4:2). In actual warfare we find Joab attended by ten esquires (2 Samuel 18:15).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Zelek
צֶ֖לֶק (ṣe·leq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6768: Zelek -- an Ammonite hero of David

the Ammonite,
הָעַמֹּנִ֑י (hā·‘am·mō·nî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5984: Ammonite -- descendants of Ammon

Naharai
נַחְרַי֙ (naḥ·ray)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5171: Naharai -- one of David's men

the Beerothite,
הַבְּאֵ֣רֹתִ֔י (hab·bə·’ê·rō·ṯî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 886: Beerothite -- a Beerothite

the armor-bearer
נֹשֵׂ֕א (nō·śê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

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

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

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


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OT History: 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite Naharai the Beerothite armor (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 23:36
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