1 Chronicles 12:14
New International Version
These Gadites were army commanders; the least was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand.

New Living Translation
These warriors from Gad were army commanders. The weakest among them could take on a hundred regular troops, and the strongest could take on a thousand!

English Standard Version
These Gadites were officers of the army; the least was a match for a hundred men and the greatest for a thousand.

Berean Standard Bible
These Gadites were army commanders, the least of whom was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand.

King James Bible
These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.

New King James Version
These were from the sons of Gad, captains of the army; the least was over a hundred, and the greatest was over a thousand.

New American Standard Bible
These men from the sons of Gad were captains of the army; the one who was least was equal to a hundred, and the greatest, to a thousand.

NASB 1995
These of the sons of Gad were captains of the army; he who was least was equal to a hundred and the greatest to a thousand.

NASB 1977
These of the sons of Gad were captains of the army; he who was least was equal to a hundred and the greatest to a thousand.

Legacy Standard Bible
These of the sons of Gad were chiefs of the army; he who was least was equal to one hundred and the greatest to one thousand.

Amplified Bible
These from the sons (descendants) of Gad were captains of the army; he who was least was equal to a hundred, and the greatest was equal to a thousand.

Christian Standard Bible
These Gadites were army commanders; the least of them was a match for a hundred, and the greatest of them for a thousand.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These Gadites were army commanders; the least of them was a match for a hundred, and the greatest of them for a thousand.

American Standard Version
These of the sons of Gad were captains of the host: he that was least was equal to a hundred, and the greatest to a thousand.

Contemporary English Version
All these men were army officers; some were high-ranking officers over a thousand troops, and others were officers over a hundred troops.

English Revised Version
These of the sons of Gad were captains of the host: he that was least was equal to an hundred, and the greatest to a thousand.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These descendants of Gad were army officers. The least able one was in command of 100 men, and the best one was in command of 1,000.

Good News Translation
Some of these men from the tribe of Gad were senior officers in command of a thousand men, and others were junior officers in command of a hundred.

International Standard Version
These descendants of Gad were army leaders. The least of them was equal to a hundred other soldiers and the greatest to a thousand.

Majority Standard Bible
These Gadites were army commanders, the least of whom was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand.

NET Bible
These Gadites were military leaders; the least led a hundred men, the greatest a thousand.

New Heart English Bible
These of the sons of Gad were captains of the army: he who was least was equal to one hundred, and the greatest to one thousand.

Webster's Bible Translation
These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over a hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.

World English Bible
These of the sons of Gad were captains of the army. He who was least was equal to one hundred, and the greatest to one thousand.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
These [are] of the sons of Gad, heads of the host; the least [is] one of one hundred, and the greatest, of one thousand;

Young's Literal Translation
These are of the sons of Gad, heads of the host, one of a hundred is the least, and the greatest, of a thousand;

Smith's Literal Translation
These from the sons of Gad, heads of the army: one to a hundred the small, and the great to a thousand.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the army: the least of them was captain over a hundred soldiers, and the greatest over a thousand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
These were from the sons of Gad, leaders of the army. The least was in charge of one hundred soldiers, and the greatest was in charge of one thousand.

New American Bible
These Gadites were army commanders, the lesser over hundreds and the greater over thousands.

New Revised Standard Version
These Gadites were officers of the army, the least equal to a hundred and the greatest to a thousand.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
These were of the descendants of Gad, commanders of the army; one of them was captain over a hundred, and the others were over a thousand.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
These are from the sons of Gad, Chiefs of the army that were authorized, one over a hundred, and others were authorized each over one thousand.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
These of the sons of Gad were captains of the host; he that was least was equal to a hundred, and the greatest to a thousand.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
These were chiefs of the army of the sons of Gad, the least one commander of a hundred, and the greatest one of a thousand.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag
13Jeremiah the tenth, and Machbanai the eleventh. 14These Gadites were army commanders, the least of whom was a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand. 15These are the ones who crossed the Jordan in the first month when it was overflowing all its banks, and they put to flight all those in the valleys, both to the east and to the west.…

Cross References
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 11:10-47
Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. / 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. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. ...

2 Samuel 2:18
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,

2 Samuel 2:30
When Joab returned from pursuing Abner, he gathered all the troops. In addition to Asahel, nineteen of David’s servants were missing,

2 Samuel 8:18
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.

2 Samuel 10:7
On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men.

2 Samuel 23:18-19
Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. / Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.

1 Chronicles 27:6
This Benaiah was mighty among the Thirty and was over the Thirty, and his son Ammizabad was in charge of his division.

1 Chronicles 27:1-15
This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division: / Jashobeam son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division, which was assigned the first month. There were 24,000 men in his division. / He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army commanders for the first month. ...

1 Chronicles 5:18
The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle.

1 Chronicles 7:11
All these sons of Jediael were heads of their families, mighty men of valor; there were 17,200 fit for battle.

1 Chronicles 7:40
All these were the descendants of Asher—heads of their families, choice and mighty men of valor, and chiefs among the leaders. The number of men fit for battle, recorded in their genealogies, was 26,000.

1 Chronicles 8:40
The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and they had many sons and grandsons—150 in all. All these were the descendants of Benjamin.

1 Chronicles 9:13
and 1,760 of their relatives, the heads of their families, able men for the work of the service of the house of God.

1 Chronicles 26:6
Also to his son Shemaiah were born sons who ruled over their families because they were strong, capable men.


Treasury of Scripture

These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.

Leviticus 26:8
And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

Deuteronomy 32:30
How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

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Army Captain Captains Commanders Equal Gad Gadites Greater Greatest Heads Host Hundred Least Match Officers Thousand
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1 Chronicles 12
1. The companies that came to David at Ziklag
23. The armies that came to him at Hebron














These Gadites were army commanders
The Gadites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah. Known for their military prowess, the Gadites settled on the east side of the Jordan River, a region that required them to be constantly vigilant against surrounding enemies. Their role as army commanders highlights their leadership and strategic importance in David's military campaigns. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God often raises leaders from unexpected places to fulfill His purposes.

the least of whom was a match for a hundred
This phrase emphasizes the exceptional strength and skill of the Gadite warriors. In ancient warfare, being able to stand against a hundred men was a hyperbolic expression of extraordinary valor and capability. This mirrors other biblical accounts of mighty warriors, such as Samson, whose strength was attributed to the Spirit of the Lord. It also reflects the biblical theme of God empowering His people to achieve victories that seem impossible by human standards.

and the greatest for a thousand
The mention of the greatest being a match for a thousand further underscores the remarkable abilities of these warriors. This hyperbolic language serves to inspire confidence in God's provision and protection. It also draws a parallel to the blessings promised to Israel, where one man would chase a thousand (Deuteronomy 32:30), indicating divine favor and strength. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who, through His singular sacrifice, overcame the power of sin and death for all humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gadites
A tribe of Israel, descendants of Gad, one of Jacob's sons. Known for their military prowess and bravery, they played a significant role in supporting King David.

2. David
The anointed king of Israel, who was in the process of consolidating his rule. The Gadites joined him during his time in the wilderness, demonstrating loyalty and strength.

3. Army Commanders
The Gadites mentioned were leaders within the military structure, indicating their skills and leadership qualities.

4. Wilderness of Ziph
The region where David was hiding from King Saul, and where the Gadites joined him, showing their commitment to David's cause.

5. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, within which the tribes, including the Gadites, played crucial roles in its history and development.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Valor
The Gadites exemplify the qualities of strong leadership and valor. In our lives, we are called to lead with integrity and courage, especially in spiritual battles.

Loyalty to God's Anointed
Just as the Gadites were loyal to David, we are called to be loyal to Christ, our King, and to support His mission on earth.

Strength in Unity
The Gadites' effectiveness was not just in individual strength but in their unity and collective purpose. As believers, we are stronger together, supporting one another in faith.

Preparedness for Battle
The Gadites were ready for battle, both physically and mentally. We must be spiritually prepared, wearing the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual challenges.

Faith in Action
The Gadites' actions were a demonstration of their faith and commitment. Our faith should also be active, manifesting in deeds that align with God's will.(14) These were.--Subscription.

Captains of the host.--Literally, heads of the host, i.e., chief warriors.

One of the least was over an hundred.--The margin is correct. David's band at this time was about 600 strong. The rendering of the text is that of the Syr. and Vulg. The LXX. closely intimates the Heb. ??? ???? ?????? ?????? ???. For the true meaning, comp. Deuteronomy 32:30; and Leviticus 26:8. The Heb. says: "One to a hundred, the little one; and the great one to a thousand." This. too, is poetic, or, at least, rhetorical in character, and quite unlike the chronicler's usual style.

Verse 14. - One of the least was over an hundred. This, evidently an incorrect translation, is easily superseded by the correct literal version, One to a hundred the little one, and the great one one to a thousand. The preposition lamed prefixed to the two numerals," hundred" and" thousand," will signify either that the "little one was as good as a hundred, and the great one as good as a thousand;" or that the "little one was rare as one of a hundred, and the great one rare as one of a thousand."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
These
אֵ֥לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

Gadites
מִבְּנֵי־ (mib·bə·nê-)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

were army
הַצָּבָ֑א (haṣ·ṣā·ḇā)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

commanders,
רָאשֵׁ֣י (rā·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

the least [of whom]
הַקָּטָ֔ן (haq·qā·ṭān)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant

was a match for a hundred,
לְמֵאָה֙ (lə·mê·’āh)
Preposition-l | Number - feminine singular
Strong's 3967: A hundred

and the greatest
וְהַגָּד֖וֹל (wə·hag·gā·ḏō·wl)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

for a thousand.
לְאָֽלֶף׃ (lə·’ā·lep̄)
Preposition-l | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 505: A thousand


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 12:14 These of the sons of Gad were (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 12:13
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