1 Chronicles 12:21
New International Version
They helped David against raiding bands, for all of them were brave warriors, and they were commanders in his army.

New Living Translation
They helped David chase down bands of raiders, for they were all brave and able warriors who became commanders in his army.

English Standard Version
They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were commanders in the army.

Berean Standard Bible
They helped David against the raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and commanders in the army.

King James Bible
And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host.

New King James Version
And they helped David against the bands of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor, and they were captains in the army.

New American Standard Bible
They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all valiant mighty men, and were captains in the army.

NASB 1995
They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor, and were captains in the army.

NASB 1977
And they helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor, and were captains in the army.

Legacy Standard Bible
They helped David against the marauding band, for they were all mighty men of valor, and were commanders in the army.

Amplified Bible
They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all courageous men, and [all seven] became commanders in his army.

Christian Standard Bible
They helped David against the raiders, for they were all valiant warriors and commanders in the army.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They helped David against the raiders, for they were all brave warriors and commanders in the army.

American Standard Version
And they helped David against the band of rovers: for they were all mighty men of valor, and were captains in the host.

Contemporary English Version
and brave soldiers, and so David made them officers in his army. They fought on his side when enemy troops attacked.

English Revised Version
And they helped David against the band of rovers: for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They helped David fight raiding parties because they were all warriors, commanders in the army.

Good News Translation
They served David as officers over his troops, because they were all outstanding soldiers. Later they were officers in the Israelite army.

International Standard Version
They helped David against raiders, since they were all warriors and commanders in the army.

Majority Standard Bible
They helped David against the raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and commanders in the army.

NET Bible
They helped David fight against raiding bands, for all of them were warriors and leaders in the army.

New Heart English Bible
They helped David against the band of rovers: for they were all mighty men of valor, and were captains in the army.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valor, and were captains in the host.

World English Bible
They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were captains in the army.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they have helped with David over the troop, for all of them [are] mighty men of valor, and they are captains in the host,

Young's Literal Translation
and they have helped with David over the troop, for mighty of valour are all of them, and they are captains in the host,

Smith's Literal Translation
And they helped with David against the troops: for strong ones of power all of them, and they will be chiefs in the army.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
These helped David against the rovers: for they were all most valiant men, and were made commanders in the army.

Catholic Public Domain Version
These offered assistance to David against the robbers. For all were very strong men, and they became leaders in the army.

New American Bible
They helped David by taking charge of his troops, for they were all warriors and became commanders of his army.

New Revised Standard Version
They helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all warriors and commanders in the army.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they helped David when he went against the band of raiders; for they were all mighty men of valor and commanders over all the army, and they did as they pleased through him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And those were going and they helped David when he was going against a band of robbers, because all of them were mighty men in their great might and were authorized there over all the army, and they were doing with it just as they desired.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they helped David against the troop, for they were all mighty men of valour, and were captains in the host.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they fought on the side of David against a troop, for they were all men of might; and they were commanders in the army, because of their might.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Mighty Men Join David at Ziklag
20When David went to Ziklag, these men of Manasseh defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, chiefs of thousands in Manasseh. 21They helped David against the raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and commanders in the army. 22For at that time men came to David day after day to help him, until he had a great army, like the army of God.…

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 Samuel 22:2
And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.

1 Samuel 30:22-24
but all the wicked and worthless men among those who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered, except for each man’s wife and children. They may take them and go.” / But David said, “My brothers, you must not do this with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiders who came against us. / Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.”

2 Samuel 2:3
David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.

2 Samuel 5:1-3
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.

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. ...

1 Chronicles 19:18
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army.

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. ...

2 Chronicles 17:12-19
Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah / and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor. / These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; ...

Psalm 18:29-42
For in You I can charge an army, and with my God I can scale a wall. / As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. / For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? ...

Psalm 144:1
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Matthew 4:18-22
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. / “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” / And at once they left their nets and followed Him. ...

Matthew 26:51-54
At this, one of Jesus’ companions drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. / “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. / Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? ...

Mark 3:13-19
Then Jesus went up on the mountain and called for those He wanted, and they came to Him. / He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, / and to have authority to drive out demons. ...

Luke 6:12-16
In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. / When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: / Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; ...


Treasury of Scripture

And they helped David against the band of the rovers: for they were all mighty men of valor, and were captains in the host.

against the band.

1 Samuel 30:1-17
And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; …

mighty men

1 Chronicles 12:20
As he went to Ziklag, there fell to him of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zilthai, captains of the thousands that were of Manasseh.

1 Chronicles 5:24
And these were the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valour, famous men, and heads of the house of their fathers.

1 Chronicles 11:10,21,22
These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel…

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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














They helped David
This phrase highlights the loyalty and support that David received during his time of need. The Hebrew root for "helped" is "עָזַר" (azar), which means to assist or support. This assistance was crucial for David as he was establishing his kingdom. Historically, David was often pursued by King Saul, and the support from these men was a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promise to David. This reflects the importance of community and fellowship in achieving God's purposes.

against the raiders
The term "raiders" refers to groups that would attack and plunder. In the historical context, these raiders could have been Philistines or other neighboring tribes that threatened Israel. The presence of raiders signifies the constant threat and instability in the region during David's time. The Hebrew word "פָּשַׁט" (pashat) implies stripping or spoiling, indicating the destructive nature of these raids. This highlights the need for vigilance and the protection that God provides through His chosen leaders.

for they were all mighty men of valor
This phrase emphasizes the exceptional courage and strength of David's supporters. The Hebrew term "גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל" (gibbori chayil) translates to "mighty men of valor," indicating not just physical strength but also bravery and moral integrity. These men were not ordinary soldiers; they were elite warriors, chosen for their prowess and dedication. Their valor is a reflection of the spiritual strength that God imparts to those who are called according to His purpose.

and commanders in his army
The word "commanders" indicates leadership and authority. In Hebrew, "שָׂרִים" (sarim) refers to princes or leaders, suggesting that these men held significant positions of responsibility. Their role as commanders signifies the organized and strategic nature of David's forces. This structure was essential for the success of David's military campaigns and the establishment of his kingdom. It also points to the importance of godly leadership and the role of wise and courageous leaders in fulfilling God's plans.

(21) And they helped David against the band of the rovers.--So the Vulg. and Syr. The Heb. text has been called "brief and unintelligible," and its explanation has been sought in 1Samuel 30:8; 1Samuel 30:15, where "the band" (hagged-d, as here) of Amalek, which had captured and burnt Ziklag in David's absence, is spoken of. But why may we not render, "And these helped David over the band," i.e., in the joint command of his forces. (Comp. 1Chronicles 12:18, "made them captains of the band.") It is pretty clear that the names enumerated (1Chronicles 12:1-20) are those of captains and chiefs, not of ordinary warriors. (Comp, 1Chronicles 12:14; 1Chronicles 12:18.) Consequently 1Chronicles 12:21-22 form a subscription or concluding remark to the entire list. . . . Verse 21. - The band. The band referred to is evidently that of Amalek in 1 Samuel 30:8, 9. Were captains; better, became captains.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They
וְהֵ֗מָּה (wə·hêm·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

helped
עָזְר֤וּ (‘ā·zə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5826: To surround, protect, aid

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

against
עַֽל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the raiders,
הַגְּד֔וּד (hag·gə·ḏūḏ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1416: A band, troop

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's Hebrew

they were
וַיִּהְי֥וּ (way·yih·yū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

all
חַ֖יִל (ḥa·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

mighty warriors
גִבּ֥וֹרֵי (ḡib·bō·w·rê)
Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant

and commanders
שָׂרִ֖ים (śā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

in the army.
בַּצָּבָֽא׃ (baṣ·ṣā·ḇā)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 12:21 They helped David against the band (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 12:20
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