עַמִּיזָבָד (am.mi.za.vad)
am.mi.za.vad
Ammizabad
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Ammizabad is a proper name found only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in 1 Chronicles 27:6. The text identifies him as the son of Benaiah and the commander of the third division of King David’s army during the United Monarchy. Because it appears in a genealogical or administrative list rather than a narrative story, the word functions primarily as an identifier for this specific military leader.
The name itself is a compound of two Hebrew elements: ammi, meaning "my people" or "my kinsman," and zabad, derived from a root meaning "to give" or "bestow." Together, the name translates to "my people have bestowed" or "my kinsman has given." This structure reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of embedding gratitude or theological acknowledgment into personal names, suggesting that the individual’s existence or status was viewed as a gift from the community or from God.
While the name does not carry complex theological weight in this context, its presence highlights the organized nature of David’s kingdom. The fact that Ammizabad is named alongside his father Benaiah—who later becomes a prominent figure under Solomon—underscores the importance of family lineage and hereditary military service in Israel’s royal administration. The name serves as a historical marker for the third monthly division of David’s forces, preserving the memory of those who served in the king’s court.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ammizabad appears in a single verse, listing him as the commander of one of King David’s military divisions. His name means "my people have bestowed," a reminder that our gifts and roles often come from the community around us or from God’s provision. In ancient Israel, leadership was not just about personal power but about serving the collective good under divine order.
When we look at lists like this in Scripture, it is easy to feel distant from the characters. Yet these names remind us that God values faithfulness in every station. Whether leading an army or working quietly behind the scenes, each person has a part to play in God’s larger story. Ammizabad’s inclusion shows that even those in administrative roles are remembered and valued by God.
This passage invites us to see our own lives as part of a bigger picture. We may not always be in the spotlight, but our service matters. By acknowledging that our abilities are gifts, we can serve with humility and gratitude, trusting that God uses even the smallest contributions for His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ammizabad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַמִּיזָבָ֖ד1×
Key Verses
-
I Chronicles 27:6
This is that Benaiah who was the mighty man of the thirty and over the thirty. Of his division was Ammizabad his son.
This verse identifies Ammizabad as the son of Benaiah and commander of the third division, highlighting the importance of family lineage in David's military structure.