סִבְּכַי (sib.b.khay)
sib.b.khay
Sibbecai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Sibbecai identifies a specific military leader during Israel’s United Monarchy, appearing in lists of King David’s elite forces. He is recorded as one of David’s mighty men and served as the captain for the eighth division of the royal army, which rotated service each month (1 Chronicles 27:11). His role highlights the organized structure David established to maintain security and order within the kingdom.
Interestingly, the sources note a textual variation where he is called Mebunnai in 2 Samuel 23:27. This discrepancy suggests that ancient scribes may have copied different versions of his name or title over time. Additionally, some traditions link his name to the meaning "weaver," though this etymology is not universally agreed upon. His lineage traces back to Zerah, a son of Judah, marking him as a Judaite from Hushah.
These brief mentions in Chronicles and Samuel preserve the memory of ordinary men who played crucial roles in biblical history. While Sibbecai does not speak directly in the narrative, his inclusion in these lists underscores the importance of faithful service within the community of Israel. The preservation of his name reflects a broader theme in Scripture: God values the contributions of all His people, regardless of their fame or visibility.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Sibbecai appears in the Bible not as a central character with spoken dialogue, but as a faithful soldier serving under King David. His name is preserved in lists of mighty men who protected Israel and maintained order during a turbulent time. This reminds us that God sees and records the quiet, steady work of those who serve behind the scenes.
His inclusion in these historical records shows that ordinary people play vital roles in God’s larger story. Whether leading troops or guarding borders, their faithfulness contributed to the stability of the nation. We can take comfort knowing that our own unseen efforts are valued by God just as much.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Sibbecai4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סִבְּכַי֙2×
- סִבְּכַ֥י1×
- סִבְּכַ֣י1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 27:11
The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites. In his division were twenty-four thousand.
This verse highlights Sibbecai’s administrative role as captain of the eighth division, showing how his service was structured and essential to the kingdom's monthly defense rotation.
-
II Samuel 21:18
After this, there was again war with the Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was of the sons of the giant.
Here Sibbecai is credited with killing Saph, a giant from Philistia, demonstrating that his bravery had tangible impacts on Israel’s security against overwhelming odds.
-
I Chronicles 11:29
Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,
This list of David’s heroes places Sibbecai alongside other notable leaders, confirming his recognized status among the elite forces supporting the monarchy.