I Chronicles 11:11 · Bible study
1 Chronicles 11:11 Commentary: Jashobeam's 300
Hebrew · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Study Jashobeam's feat in 1 Chronicles 11:11 and how the number 300 relates to 2 Samuel 23:8. Scholarly synthesis with pastoral insights.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Jashobeam, leader of David's elite warriors, killed 300 enemies single-handedly, displaying extraordinary valor as part of the establishment of David's kingdom.
- Key words: gibbor (mighty man), rosh (chief), chanit (spear), pa'am (time).
- Main debate: Harmonizing the number 300 with 800 in 2 Samuel 23:8; proposed solutions include two separate occasions or an inclusive count with others joining the attack.
- Theological theme: God fulfills His promises by empowering human agents with courage and strength, working through community and individual heroism alike.
- Best use: Teaching on God's providence, the reliability of Scripture's historical witness, and the call to courageous faith.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
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.
WEB World English Bible 2000
This is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam, the son of a Hachmonite, the chief of the thirty; he lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them at one time.
KJV King James Version 1769
And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam, the son of a Hachmonite, the chief of the thirty; he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them at one time.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And this is an account of the mighty ones whom David hath: Jashobeam son of a Hachmonite is head of the thirty; he is lifting up his spear against three hundred--wounded, at one time.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam, the son of Hachmoni, the chief of the captains; he brandished his spear against three hundred, slain [by him] at one time.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And this is the number of the heroes of David: Jesbaam the son of Hachamoni the chief among the thirty: he lifted up his spear against three hundred wounded by him at one time.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y este es el número de los valientes que David tuvo: Jasobam hijo de Hachmoni, caudillo de los treinta|strong="H7991, H7970", el cual blandió su lanza una vez contra trescientos|strong="H7969, H3967", á los cuales mató.
E este é o número dos guerreiros que Davi teve: Jasobeão, filho de Hacmoni, chefe de capitães, o qual, fazendo uso de sua lança, matou trezentos de um vez.
Voici, d’ après leur nombre, les vaillants hommes qui étaient au service de David. Jaschobeam, fils de Hacmoni, l’ un des principaux officiers. Il brandit sa lance sur trois cents hommes, qu’ il fit périr en une seule fois.
Und dies ist die Zahl der Helden Davids: Jasobeam, der Sohn Hachmonis, der Vornehmste unter den dreißig; er hob seinen Spieß auf und schlug dreihundert auf einmal.
Dezen nu zijn van het getal der helden, die David had: Jasobam, de zoon van Hachmoni, was het hoofd der dertigen, die zijn spies tegen driehonderd opheffende, hen op eenmaal versloeg.
Questa è la lista dei valorosi guerrieri che furono al servizio di Davide: Jashobeam, figliuolo di una Hakmonita, capo dei principali ufficiali; egli impugnò la lancia contro trecento uomini, che uccise in un solo scontro.
A tenci jest poczet rycerzy, których miał Dawid: Jasobam, syn Chachmonowy, przedniejszy między trzydziestoma; ten podniósłszy oszczep swój na trzystu, jednym razem ich zabił.
и вот число храбрых, которые были у Давида: Иесваал, сын Ахамани, главный из тридцати. Он поднял копье свое на триста человек и поразил их в один раз.
大衛 勇士 的數目 記在下面：哈革摩尼 的兒子 雅朔班，他是 軍長 的統領，一 時 舉 槍 殺了 三 百 人。
This is the list of David's men of war: Ishbaal, the son of a Hachmonite, the chief of the three: he put to death three hundred at one time with his spear.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Chronicles 11:11
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that 1 Chronicles 11:11 records a genuine feat of valor by Jashobeam, a chief among David's mighty men. The number three hundred slain at one time contrasts with the eight hundred in 2 Samuel 23:8. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, citing Lightfoot, suggests two separate occasions: one where he killed eight hundred, another where he killed three hundred. Wesley proposes that Jashobeam killed three hundred by his own hand, while five hundred more were killed by others joining the pursuit, accounting for the total of eight hundred. Clarke notes that the Targum adds an elaborate description of Jashobeam's prowess, and draws attention to Kennicott's argument that about thirty-four Hebrew words have been lost from the parallel in Samuel. Keil and Delitzsch observe that the register in Chronicles, while dependent on the same source as Samuel, often contains divergences due to textual transmission. All agree that the chronicler's purpose is to celebrate the God-given courage that established David's kingdom, not to provide an exact numerical count.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Two separate occasions: Jashobeam killed 800 on one day (2 Sam 23:8) and 300 on another (1 Chron 11:11); the two accounts record different events.
- Inclusive count: Jashobeam killed 300 by his own hand, and 500 more were killed by others who joined the attack, making the total 800 ascribed to him (Wesley).
- Textual corruption: Kennicott argued that the Hebrew text of Samuel lost about 34 words, and the numbers diverged through scribal transmission (Clarke).
What is clear: Jashobeam was a chief warrior who performed an extraordinary act of valor, killing many enemies at once, and his deed is recorded as part of the larger narrative of God's faithfulness in establishing David's kingdom.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Number of slain | Jashobeam performed an extraordinary military feat, killing many enemies in a single engagement. | 300 in Chronicles vs 800 in 2 Samuel 23:8. Some propose two separate occasions, others that 800 includes those killed by others pursuing the victory (Wesley), and others posit textual corruption in transmission (Kennicott). |
| Title and role of Jashobeam | Jashobeam was a chief among David's warriors and commanded a monthly division (1 Chronicles 27:2). | Whether he is called 'chief of the thirty' (Chronicles) or 'chief of the captains' / different name (2 Samuel 23:8). Barnes prefers 'chief of the thirty' as the better reading. |
| Purpose of the list | The list demonstrates that God provided David with capable warriors to establish his kingdom according to His word. | Whether this list is drawn from a single source with textual differences (Keil & Delitzsch) or from distinct traditions combined by the chronicler (Cambridge Bible). |
Historical & Cultural Context
This verse opens a register of David's mighty men that runs to the end of the chapter, paralleling the list in 2 Samuel 23. The chronicler places the catalogue just after David's capture of Jerusalem and his consolidation of power over all Israel (1 Chronicles 11:1-9). Verse 10 frames the list with a theological claim: these men strengthened themselves with David to make him king, according to the word of Yahweh concerning Israel. The list is not purely military; it is a witness to God's faithfulness in raising up human agents to fulfill His promise.
David's former life as a fugitive and his reputation as a warrior attracted a band of loyal followers. The "thirty" likely refered to an elite unit within his army, a common structure in ancient Near Eastern kingship (Cambridge Bible compares the lists of companions of Muhammad). Jashobeam is called "chief of the thirty" in the better reading (Barnes, Keil & Delitzsch), and he also served as commander of the first monthly division of 24,000 soldiers (1 Chronicles 27:2). The numbers three hundred and eight hundred are both found in the biblical tradition; ancient readers did not see a problem, as the chronicler's interest is not statistical but commemorative.
The Targum's expansion of Jashobeam's feat, quoted by Clarke, shows a later Jewish tradition that embellished the story heavily, describing David in idealized terms. This tendency was itself a kind of reception history, reading the text as a celebration of God's anointed king and his loyal servants.
Textual Notes
No significant variants are noted in the manuscript tradition of 1 Chronicles 11:11 itself. However, the parallel passage in 2 Samuel 23:8 shows notable differences: the name 'Josheb Basshebeth' instead of 'Jashobeam', and the number 'eight hundred' rather than 'three hundred'. Clarke, following Kennicott, argues that about thirty-four Hebrew words have been lost from the Samuel account, explaining the discrepancies. The reading in Chronicles is generally considered well preserved.
Reception History
The Jewish Targum expands Jashobeam's feat with a highly embellished description, underscoring the interpretive tradition that magnified David and his warriors (Clarke notes this). Early Christian commentators typically read these lists as literal history, seeing the mighty men as types of faithful soldiers of Christ. Reformation commentators, such as those behind the Geneva Bible, focused on harmonizing the numbers and drew pastoral lessons about courage and God's providence. Matthew Henry's commentary uses the passage to illustrate the strength God grants to those who serve His anointed king. In modern preaching, Jashobeam is often held up as an example of bold faith and leadership in the service of God's purposes.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- A Leader's Courage: Jashobeam's single-handed stand models the personal bravery that inspires others. As the chief of the thirty, he did not command from the rear but led from the front.
- Faith in Action: The feat is not merely brute strength; it is the execution of God's promise (v.10). The faithful take risks because they trust the One who gives victory.
- The Power of Community: Jashobeam is listed among the mighty men. His act is one part of a larger story of many warriors who built David's kingdom. Individual valor serves the common mission.
Five-point outline
- God Uses the Unlikely: Jashobeam is introduced by a patronymic (son of Hachmonite), not a great dynasty. God raises up ordinary people for extraordinary tasks.
- Courage Against Odds: Three hundred at once. Faith often requires standing against overwhelming opposition, trusting God's power through human hands.
- Secondary Heroes: The rest of the chapter highlights Eleazar, Abishai, Benaiah. The kingdom is built not by one but by many who share the same spirit.
- God's Word Fulfilled: The list follows verse 9: "David grew greater and greater, for Yahweh of Armies was with him." These victories fulfill the divine word that David would be king.
- Worship from Battle: In verses 18-19, David pours out the water brought by his men as a drink offering, refusing to drink their blood. The warriors' sacrifice becomes worship.
Illustration hooks
- The single firefighter: A firefighter carries a child out of a burning building while colleagues cover the hoses. One person's courage changes the outcome.
- The classroom stand: A student stands alone against bullying, speaking up when others stay silent. One act of bravery inspires a shift in a whole school.
- Team sports: In a soccer match, one player scores the winning goal, but the rest of the team created the opportunity. The chronicler lists the names of the whole team.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does the difference in numbers between Chronicles and Samuel mean the Bible has errors?
- What does God expect from ordinary believers when we face impossible odds?
- How do I find my place among God's "mighty men" or "mighty women" today?
Leading a Discussion
This brief verse is part of a larger tradition celebrating the heroes who established David's kingdom. The chronicler places these deeds in the context of God's promise to make David king (v.10). As you read, consider what this tells us about divine power working through human courage.
Discussion questions
- What does the phrase "he lifted up his spear against three hundred" suggest about Jashobeam's character and his role among the mighty men?
- Read 2 Samuel 23:8 alongside this verse. How would you explain the difference between three hundred and eight hundred? What does it tell us about the way Scripture records history?
- Why do you think the chronicler includes the names and specific deeds of these warriors? What does it reveal about God's view of individual contributions?
- How does the surrounding context (v.9-10) shape the way we understand these military exploits? What is the ultimate source of David's greatness?
- In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "lift up your spear" with courage, trusting His power rather than your own strength?
- How can the church today honor the "mighty men and women" among us whose faithfulness often goes unnoticed?
- What does this passage teach about the relationship between God's sovereignty and human effort in building His kingdom?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| II Samuel 23:8 | These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; he was called Adino the Eznite, who killed eight hundred at one time. |
| I Chronicles 12:18 | Then the Spirit came on Amasai, who was chief of the thirty, and he said, “We are yours, David, and on your side, you son of Jesse. Peace, peace be to you, and peace be to your helpers; for your God helps you.” Then David received them and made them captains of the band. |
| I Chronicles 27:2 | Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel. In his division were twenty-four thousand. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke highlights a significant textual loss in the Chronicler's list of David's mighty men. About thirty-four Hebrew words preserved in 2 Samuel are missing
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that the phrase “chief of the captains” is better read as “chief of the thirty” based on other passages. He identifies Jashobeam as the commander of the first monthly course of soldiers and likely the same warrior who joined David at Ziklag.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentary treats the list of David's mighty men as a composite record, assembled from different sources at different times. It notes that parts of the eulogy for Abishai and Benaiah appear to be quoted from a lost poem, and that Chronicles adds sixteen names not found in Samuel.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note emphasizes the precise number of three hundred men slain by Jashobeam in a single encounter. This detail highlights not only his extraordinary valor but also his rank as chief among the thirty mighty warriors, setting him apart as David's foremost champion.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB addresses the differing numbers in two accounts of Jashobeam's feat, noting one records eight hundred slain and the other three hundred. He suggests two possible reconciliations: either the warrior achieved these kills on separate occasions, or he attacked a force of eight hundred but only struck down three hundred as the rest fled.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil and Delitzsch point out that the Chronicler enlarged the superscription to show these heroes helped establish David's kingdom according to God's word. They note the register lists only the chiefs, not all the valiant men who supported David, and that a copyist's error dropped three lines, causing Shammah's deed to be wrongly attached to Eleazar.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange argues that the Chronicler deliberately omits David's darker episodes, such as the rival kingdom of Ishbosheth and Joab's violence, to
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry notes that David would not drink the water his men risked their lives to bring, instead pouring it out as an offering to the Lord. David saw the water as the price of his men's blood and would not treat it as ordinary refreshment, honoring both their sacrifice and God.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley explains that the warrior is credited with killing eight hundred, though only three hundred fell by his own hand. The other five hundred were slain by comrades who joined him in the pursuit. The entire slaughter is ascribed to him because his personal valor sparked and drove the victory.