1 Chronicles 11:6
New International Version
David had said, “Whoever leads the attack on the Jebusites will become commander-in-chief.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and so he received the command.

New Living Translation
David had said to his troops, “Whoever is first to attack the Jebusites will become the commander of my armies!” And Joab, the son of David’s sister Zeruiah, was first to attack, so he became the commander of David’s armies.

English Standard Version
David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.

Berean Standard Bible
Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.

King James Bible
And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.

New King James Version
Now David said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and became chief.

New American Standard Bible
Now David had said, “Whoever is first to kill a Jebusite shall be chief and commander.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.

NASB 1995
Now David had said, “Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.

NASB 1977
Now David had said, “Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.

Legacy Standard Bible
And David said, “Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.

Amplified Bible
Now David said, “Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander.” Joab the son of Zeruiah [David’s half sister] went up first, and so he was made chief.

Christian Standard Bible
David said, “Whoever is the first to kill a Jebusite will become chief commander.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became the chief.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David said, “Whoever is the first to kill a Jebusite will become chief commander.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became the chief.

American Standard Version
And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.

Contemporary English Version
David had told his troops, "The first soldier to kill a Jebusite will become my army commander." And since Joab son of Zeruiah attacked first, he became commander.

English Revised Version
And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Now, David said, "Whoever is the first to kill a Jebusite will be made a general and a prince." Zeruiah's son Joab was the first to go [into Jerusalem], so he became the general.

Good News Translation
David said, "The first man to kill a Jebusite will be commander of the army!" Joab, whose mother was Zeruiah, led the attack and became commander.

International Standard Version
David had announced, "Whoever first attacks the Jebusites will be appointed chief and commander." When Zeruiah's son Joab went up first, he became chief.

Majority Standard Bible
Now David had said, ?Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.? And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.

NET Bible
David said, "Whoever attacks the Jebusites first will become commanding general!" So Joab son of Zeruiah attacked first and became commander.

New Heart English Bible
David said, "Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain." Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David said, Whoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was chief.

World English Bible
David had said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And David says, “Whoever strikes the Jebusite first becomes head and prince”; and Joab son of Zeruiah goes up first and becomes head.

Young's Literal Translation
And David saith, 'Whoever smiteth the Jebusite first doth become head and prince;' and go up first doth Joab son of Zeruiah and becometh head.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David will say, Every one striking the Jebusites the first shall be for head and for chief. And Joab son of Zeruiah, will go up at first, and he will be for head.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said: Whosoever shall first strike the Jebusites, shall be the head and chief captain. And Joab the son of Sarvia went up first, and was made the general.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said, “Whoever shall strike the Jebusites first, shall be ruler and commander.” And so Joab, the son of Zeruiah, ascended first, and he was made the leader.

New American Bible
David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be made chief and captain.” Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was the first to attack; and so he became chief.

New Revised Standard Version
David had said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David said, Whoever smites a Jebusite person first shall be chief and commander of the army. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and King David appointed him chief and commander of the army.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Then David said: “Anyone who will first kill a Yebusite man, he will be Chief and General of the army!” And Yuab, son of Tsuria, came up first, and King David presented him as Chief and General of the army.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David said: 'Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.' And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David said, Whoever first smites the Jebusite, even he shall be chief and captain. And Joab the son of Saruia went up first, and became chief.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Conquers Jerusalem
5The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). 6Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief. 7So David took up residence in the fortress; that is why it was called the City of David.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 5:8
On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.”

2 Samuel 23:8-39
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 27:34
Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah, then by Abiathar. Joab was the commander of the king’s army.

1 Chronicles 12:18
Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.

1 Chronicles 18:12-13
Moreover, Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. / He placed garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites were subject to David. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

1 Chronicles 19:10-15
When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. / And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites. / “If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. ...

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 Chronicles 27:5-6
The third army commander, as chief for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. There were 24,000 men in his division. / This Benaiah was mighty among the Thirty and was over the Thirty, and his son Ammizabad was in charge of his division.

1 Kings 1:8
But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.

1 Kings 2:28-35
When the news reached Joab, who had conspired with Adonijah but not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. / It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!” / And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.” ...

1 Kings 11:15-16
Earlier, when David was in Edom, Joab the commander of the army had gone to bury the dead and had struck down every male in Edom. / Joab and all Israel had stayed there six months, until he had killed every male in Edom.

2 Kings 11:4-12
Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada sent for the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, and the guards, and had them brought into the house of the LORD. There he made a covenant with them and put them under oath. He showed them the king’s son / and commanded them, “This is what you are to do: A third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace, / a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— ...

2 Kings 12:20-21
And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla. / His servants Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer struck him down, and he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the City of David, and his son Amaziah reigned in his place.

Matthew 1:6
and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,

Matthew 22:42-45
“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered. / Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: / ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’ ...


Treasury of Scripture

And David said, Whoever smites the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.

Whosoever

Joshua 15:16,17
And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife…

1 Samuel 17:25
And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

chief [heb] head

2 Samuel 2:18
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.

2 Samuel 3:27
And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

2 Samuel 8:16
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;

Jump to Previous
Attack Captain Chief Command Commander David First Head Jebusite Jebusites Jeb'usites Joab Jo'ab Leads Prince Received Smite Smites Smiteth Strikes Zeruiah Zeru'iah
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Attack Captain Chief Command Commander David First Head Jebusite Jebusites Jeb'usites Joab Jo'ab Leads Prince Received Smite Smites Smiteth Strikes Zeruiah Zeru'iah
1 Chronicles 11
1. David Becomes King over All Israel
4. Jerusalem
10. David's Mighty Men














Now David had said
This phrase introduces a direct statement from David, the anointed king of Israel. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often denotes a declaration or command. David's words carry the weight of royal authority and divine anointing, reflecting his role as a leader chosen by God. Historically, David's leadership was pivotal in uniting the tribes of Israel and establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center.

Whoever leads the attack
The phrase indicates a challenge or a call to action. The Hebrew word for "leads" is "יַכֶּה" (yakkah), meaning to strike or attack. This reflects the military context of the time, where leadership was often proven through acts of bravery and skill in battle. David's challenge was a test of courage and initiative, qualities essential for leadership in ancient Israel.

against the Jebusites
The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem, a Canaanite tribe. Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that the Jebusites were a well-established people with a fortified city. The conquest of Jerusalem was significant, as it symbolized the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the Israelites. The Jebusites' stronghold represented a major obstacle to Israelite control over the region.

will become chief commander
This promise of leadership is significant in the context of David's reign. The Hebrew term for "chief commander" is "רֹאשׁ" (rosh), meaning head or leader. It implies a position of authority and responsibility. In the ancient Near Eastern context, military leaders were often second only to the king, wielding significant influence and power. David's offer was both an incentive and a means to identify capable leaders.

And Joab son of Zeruiah
Joab, a prominent figure in David's military, was the son of Zeruiah, David's sister. His familial connection to David is noteworthy, as it highlights the importance of family ties and loyalty in the socio-political structure of ancient Israel. Joab's actions throughout David's reign demonstrate his complex character—loyal yet ruthless, a skilled warrior and a shrewd tactician.

went up first
The phrase "went up" suggests initiative and bravery. The Hebrew root "עָלָה" (alah) means to ascend or go up, often used in military contexts to describe an attack or advance. Joab's willingness to lead the charge exemplifies the courage and determination valued in Israelite society. His actions set a precedent for leadership through action and personal risk.

and he became chief
Joab's reward for his bravery was the position of chief commander. This outcome underscores the biblical principle that God honors those who step out in faith and courage. Joab's rise to leadership illustrates the meritocratic aspect of David's rule, where ability and bravery were recognized and rewarded. His appointment as chief commander had lasting implications for David's military campaigns and the stability of his kingdom.

(6) Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first.--The account diverges more and more from the parallel passage. 2Samuel 5:8, reads, "And David said in that day, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusite, let him hurl down the waterfall (Psalm 42:7), both the lame and the blind, the hated of David's soul! Therefore they say, Blind and lame must not enter the house" (i.e., the Temple). Such is the simplest rendering of an obscure, but evidently original record. The chronicler appears to have followed another and clearer account, which made Joab play at the storm of Jebus the part of Othniel at that of Kirjath-sepher (Judges 1:12-13).

Chief and captain.--Literally, shall become a head and a captain.

Joab the son of Zeruiah is not mentioned at all in the parallel passage. Joab already appears as David's general, while Ishbosheth is yet reigning at Mahanaim (2Samuel 2:13; 2Samuel 3:23). Perhaps the phrase here used means head and governor of Jerusalem. (Comp. 1Chronicles 11:8.) . . .

Verse 6. - The name and fresh glory of Joab, as given here, are not given in 2 Samuel 5:3-10; and we could suppose that they were purposely withheld there. It is true that Joab already held high office, probably the first place as captain of David's men, but Bertheau's objection to the statements of this verse on such grounds easily yields to the considerations - first, that there can be no doubt Joab had fallen into disfavour with David and others, upon his slaying of Abner (2 Samuel 3:26-29, 36, 37); and further, that this was a great occasion, exceedingly favourable for evoking any very special ability of younger or unknown men, at present lost under the shadow of larger growths. The advantage which Joab gained now was one that confirmed his position and increased largely his influence; and an indication that he was not slow to avail himself of it is probably to be traced in the eighth verse, where it is said while "David built... even from Millo round about,... Joab repaired the rest of the city."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now David
דָּוִ֔יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

had said,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Whoever
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

is the first
בָּרִ֣אשׁוֹנָ֔ה (bā·ri·šō·w·nāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

to strike down
מַכֵּ֤ה (mak·kêh)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5221: To strike

a Jebusite
יְבוּסִי֙ (yə·ḇū·sî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2983: Jebusite -- inhabitant of Jebus

will become
יִהְיֶ֥ה (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

chief
וּלְשָׂ֑ר (ū·lə·śār)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

commander.”
לְרֹ֖אשׁ (lə·rōš)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

And 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
צְרוּיָ֖ה (ṣə·rū·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6870: Zeruiah -- an Israelite woman

went up
וַיַּ֧עַל (way·ya·‘al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

first,
בָּרִאשׁוֹנָ֛ה (bā·ri·šō·w·nāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

and he became
וַיְהִ֥י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the chief.
לְרֹֽאשׁ׃ (lə·rōš)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 11:6 David said Whoever strikes the Jebusites first (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 11:5
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