Lexical Summary Sibbekay: Sibbekai Original Word: סִבְכַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sibbecai, Sibbechai From cabak; copse-like; Sibbecai, an Israelite -- Sibbecai, Sibbechai. see HEBREW cabak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sabak Definition one of David's captains NASB Translation Sibbecai (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs סִבְּכַי proper name, masculine a captain of David; ᵐ5 Σοβοχαι, etc.; 2 Samuel 21:18 = 1 Chronicles 20:4; 1 Chronicles 11:29 + "" 2 Samuel 23:27 where read ׳ס for ᵑ0 מְבֻנַּי Th We Dr Klo Bu Kit Löhr compare HPS (B ἐκ τῶν υιὧν, but ᵐ5L Σαβενι); also 1 Chronicles 27:11. Topical Lexicon Identity and Lineage Sibbecai (also spelled Sibbechai) is consistently identified as “the Hushathite,” marking him as a descendant of the family of Hushah within the clan of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 27:11). His appearance in royal service shows that men from every branch of Judah rallied to David’s kingdom. Military Exploits Sibbecai’s name surfaces during Israel’s prolonged struggle with the Philistines. The most celebrated moment comes at Gob (2 Samuel 21:18) or Gezer (1 Chronicles 20:4), where “Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Saph, who was one of the descendants of the giant” (2 Samuel 21:18). By felling a warrior of the Rephaim, he helped end a new generation of “giants” who threatened Israel after Goliath. His feat reminds readers that the LORD still grants victory over seemingly invincible foes when His people step forward in faith. Role Among David’s Mighty Men Listed with the elite warriors in 1 Chronicles 11:29, Sibbecai belongs to the inner circle often called “the Thirty.” The parallel catalogue in 2 Samuel 23:27 records a Hushathite named Mebunnai; most scholars regard this as an alternate form of the same name. Either way, the inclusion signals distinguished valor and unwavering loyalty to David during years of conquest and consolidation. Commander of the Eighth Division David organized the standing army into twelve monthly rotations of twenty-four thousand troops (1 Chronicles 27). “The eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecai the Hushathite, a Zerahite; in his division were twenty-four thousand” (1 Chronicles 27:11). His appointment shows trustworthiness not only in single-combat heroics but also in sustained administrative leadership. The placement in the eighth month (roughly August–September) would have involved guarding harvests and preparing for autumn campaigns—a strategic assignment that required proven dependability. Theological Themes 1. Divine Enablement: Sibbecai’s victory over Saph echoes earlier triumphs over giants and underscores that “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47). God’s faithfulness spans generations; champions arise, but He remains the true Deliverer. Practical Application Believers today can draw encouragement from Sibbecai’s example. Courage is not limited to public spectacles; it extends to routine stewardship of responsibilities assigned by God. Spiritual “giants” may appear in the form of cultural pressures or personal struggles. Like Sibbecai, followers of Christ are called to confront such challenges, trusting the LORD who equips ordinary servants for extraordinary tasks. Summary Sibbecai the Hushathite appears only four times in the Old Testament, yet his life bridges key aspects of Davidic history—victorious warfare, elite fellowship, and structured leadership. Through him, Scripture showcases God’s ongoing provision of faithful men who advance His purposes, demonstrating that humble obedience under divine authority triumphs over every adversary. Forms and Transliterations סִבְּכַ֣י סִבְּכַ֥י סִבְּכַי֙ סבכי sib·bə·ḵay sibbeChai sibbəḵayLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 21:18 HEB: אָ֣ז הִכָּ֗ה סִבְּכַי֙ הַחֻ֣שָׁתִ֔י אֶת־ NAS: then Sibbecai the Hushathite KJV: at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite INT: then struck Sibbecai the Hushathite Saph 1 Chronicles 11:29 1 Chronicles 20:4 1 Chronicles 27:11 4 Occurrences |
    |