1 Chronicles 20:4
New International Version
In the course of time, war broke out with the Philistines, at Gezer. At that time Sibbekai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the Rephaites, and the Philistines were subjugated.

New Living Translation
After this, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. As they fought, Sibbecai from Hushah killed Saph, a descendant of the giants, and so the Philistines were subdued.

English Standard Version
And after this there arose war with the Philistines at Gezer. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Sippai, who was one of the descendants of the giants, and the Philistines were subdued.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.

New King James Version
Now it happened afterward that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines, at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite killed Sippai, who was one of the sons of the giant. And they were subdued.

New American Standard Bible
Now it came about after this, that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the giants, and they were subdued.

NASB 1995
Now it came about after this, that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the giants, and they were subdued.

NASB 1977
Now it came about after this, that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the giants, and they were subdued.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened afterwards, that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Sippai, one among those born of the giants, and they were subdued.

Amplified Bible
Now it came about after this that war broke out at Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the giants, and they were subdued.

Christian Standard Bible
After this, a 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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After this, a war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the giants, and the Philistines were subdued.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines: then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Sippai, of the sons of the giant; and they were subdued.

Contemporary English Version
Some time later, Israel fought a battle against the Philistines at Gezer. During this battle, Sibbecai from Hushah killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were defeated.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines: then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Sippai, of the sons of the giant: and they were subdued.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After this, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. Then Sibbecai from Hushah killed Sippai, a descendant of Haraphah, and the Philistines were defeated.

Good News Translation
Later on, war broke out again with the Philistines at Gezer. This was when Sibbecai from Hushah killed a giant named Sippai, and the Philistines were defeated.

International Standard Version
Afterwards, war broke out against the Philistines at Gezer, where Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the Rephaim, defeating the Philistines.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Later there was a battle with the Philistines in Gezer. At that time Sibbekai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued.

New Heart English Bible
Now it happened afterward that there was again war with the Philistines at Gezer; then Sibbekai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of the Rephaim; and they were subdued.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines: at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.

World English Bible
After this, war arose at Gezer with the Philistines. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, of the sons of the giant; and they were subdued.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass after this, that war remains in Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbechai the Hushathite has struck Sippai, of the children of the giant, and they are humbled.

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, after this, that there remaineth war in Gezer with the Philistines, then hath Sibbechai the Hushathite smitten Sippai, of the children of the giant, and they are humbled.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be after this and war will stand up in Gezer with the rovers: then Sibbechai the Hushathite struck Sippai from the children of Rapha, and they will be subdued.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
After this there arose a war at Gazer against the Philistines: in which Sabachai the Husathite slew Saphai of the race of Raphaim, and humbled them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
After these things, a war was begun at Gezer against the Philistines, in which Sibbecai the Hushathite struck Sippai from the race of the Rephaim, and he humbled them.

New American Bible
Afterward there was another battle with the Philistines, at Gezer. At that time, Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down Sippai, one of the descendants of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued.

New Revised Standard Version
After this, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer; then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, who was one of the descendants of the giants; and the Philistines were subdued.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass after this that there arose war at Gaza with the Philistines; then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, who was one of the descendants of the giants.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And after these things, there was war again in Aza with the Philistines; then Sabki, who was from Khamshath, killed Suphi who was of the sons of the giants
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Sippai, of the sons of the giants; and they were subdued.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass afterward that there was again war with the Philistines in Gazer: then Sobochai the Sosathite smote Saphut of the sons of the giants, and laid him low.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Battles Against the Philistines
4Some 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. 5Once 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.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 21:18
Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of Rapha.

1 Samuel 17:4-7
Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, / and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels, / and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. ...

2 Samuel 21:19
Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.

1 Samuel 17:49-51
Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. / Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. / David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.

2 Samuel 21:20-22
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, / and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him. / So these four descendants of Rapha in Gath fell at the hands of David and his servants.

1 Samuel 17:40
And David took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag. And with his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine.

2 Samuel 21:15-17
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.”

1 Samuel 17:10-11
Then the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day! Give me a man to fight!” / On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.

2 Samuel 21:16
Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David.

1 Samuel 17:45-47
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

2 Samuel 21:21
and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him.

1 Samuel 17:34-37
David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” ...

2 Samuel 21:22
So these four descendants of Rapha in Gath fell at the hands of David and his servants.

1 Samuel 17:23-24
And as he was speaking with them, suddenly the champion named Goliath, the Philistine from Gath, came forward from the ranks of the Philistines and shouted his usual words, which David also heard. / When all the men of Israel saw Goliath, they fled from him in great fear.

2 Samuel 23:8-12
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. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines; at which time Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Sippai, that was of the children of the giant: and they were subdued.

A.

2 Samuel 21:15
Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.

Gezer.

Joshua 12:12
The king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;

Joshua 16:3
And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.

2 Samuel 21:18
And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.

Sibbechai Sippai

2 Samuel 21:18
And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.

Saph

Jump to Previous
Broke Children Course Death Descendants Gezer Giant Giants Hushathite Hu'shathite Killed Offspring Overcome Philistines Rapha Rephaim Rephaites Sibbecai Sib'becai Sibbechai Slew Smote Subdued Time War
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Broke Children Course Death Descendants Gezer Giant Giants Hushathite Hu'shathite Killed Offspring Overcome Philistines Rapha Rephaim Rephaites Sibbecai Sib'becai Sibbechai Slew Smote Subdued Time War
1 Chronicles 20
1. Rabbah is besieged by Joab, spoiled by David, and the people thereof tortured
4. Three giants are slain in overthrows of the Philistines.














Some time later
This phrase indicates a continuation of events from previous chapters, suggesting a period of peace or other activities before the resumption of conflict. It reflects the cyclical nature of warfare in the ancient Near East, where periods of conflict were often interspersed with times of relative peace.

war broke out with the Philistines
The Philistines were a significant adversary of Israel throughout the Old Testament. Known for their advanced military technology, including iron weaponry, they frequently clashed with Israel. This ongoing conflict highlights the struggle for dominance in the region and the spiritual battle between the worship of Yahweh and the pagan practices of the Philistines.

at Gezer
Gezer was a strategically important city located in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel. Archaeological excavations have uncovered fortifications and evidence of occupation by various peoples, including the Canaanites and Philistines. Its location made it a key military target and a site of numerous battles.

At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite
Sibbecai was one of David's mighty warriors, as listed in 1 Chronicles 11:29. His designation as a Hushathite suggests his origin from a place or clan named Hushah. His role in this battle underscores the importance of David's elite warriors in securing Israel's victories.

killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim
The Rephaim were a group of ancient people often associated with giants in biblical texts. Sippai's defeat by Sibbecai demonstrates the overcoming of formidable foes through God's empowerment of Israel's warriors. This victory echoes earlier triumphs over giants, such as David's defeat of Goliath.

and the Philistines were subdued
This phrase indicates a decisive victory for Israel, resulting in the temporary suppression of Philistine aggression. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to give Israel victory over their enemies when they remained faithful to Him. This subjugation of the Philistines is part of the broader narrative of Israel's establishment in the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sibbecai the Hushathite
A warrior in King David's army, known for his bravery and strength. He is one of David's mighty men and plays a significant role in the battles against the Philistines.

2. Sippai
A descendant of the Rephaim, a group of giants mentioned in the Old Testament. Sippai's defeat signifies a victory over formidable foes.

3. Philistines
A recurring enemy of Israel, representing opposition to God's people. Their defeat is a recurring theme in the account of Israel's history.

4. Gezer
A strategic city in ancient Israel, often a site of conflict due to its location. It serves as a backdrop for this particular battle.

5. Rephaim
A term used to describe a race of giants in the Old Testament, often seen as formidable adversaries.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Battle
The defeat of the Philistines and their giants demonstrates God's faithfulness in delivering His people from their enemies. Believers can trust in God's power to overcome the challenges they face.

Courage and Obedience
Sibbecai's courage in facing a giant reflects the importance of obedience and bravery in the face of daunting tasks. Christians are called to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God's strength.

Victory Over Giants
The account of defeating giants serves as a metaphor for overcoming personal and spiritual "giants" in our lives. With God's help, believers can conquer fears, doubts, and obstacles.

The Role of Community
The collective effort of David's warriors highlights the importance of community and teamwork in achieving victory. The church community plays a vital role in supporting and encouraging one another.II. This section corresponds to 2Samuel 21:18-22. The chronicler has omitted the history of Absalom's rebellion, with all the events which preceded and followed it, as recorded in 2 Samuel 13-20; and, further, the touching story of the sacrifice of seven sous of Saul at the demand of the Gibeonites (2Samuel 21:1-14).

(4) And it came to pass after this.--Comp. Notes on 1Chronicles 18:1; 1Chronicles 19:1. The chronicler has omitted, whether by accident or design, the account with which, in 2Samuel 21:15-17, this fragmentary section begins, and which tells how David was all but slain by the giant Ishbi-benob. . . .

Verse 4. - For the Gezer (גֶזֶר) of this verse, the parallel place (2 Samuel 21:18) shows Gob (גוב), a name not known, but which careless transcription may have easily made out of the former. The Syriac Version, however, as well as the Septuagint, has Gath in that verse as well as in the two verses following (2 Samuel 21:18-20), another name also easily interchangeable in Hebrew characters with Gezer. The "yet again" of our ver. 6 would well accord with the supposition that the conflict with the Philistines was at Gath, or at the same place, each of the three times. Gezer belonged to Ephraim, and was situated to the north of Philistia (1 Chronicles 7:28; 1 Chronicles 14:16). Sibbechai (see also 1 Chronicles 11:29; 1 Chronicles 27:11). Sippai. In the parallel place spelt Saph. It is remarkable that, in the Peshito Syriac, over Psalm 143, is found the inscription," Of David, when he slew Asaph, the brother of Gulyad, and thanksgiving that he had conquered." Of the children of the giant. The Hebrew word for "giant," rapha (always in these verses spelt with a final aleph, but in the parallel verses always with he final), is here (Authorized Version) translated. "The Rapha, a native of Gath, was the forefather of the Canaanitish Rephaim, mentioned as early as Genesis 14:5; Genesis 15:20; Deuteronomy 2:11; Deuteronomy 3:11; Joshua 12:4; Joshua 15:8; Joshua 17:15. The slaying of Ishbi-benob (2 Samuel 21:16) is not here given. It is also to be observed that the lengthy account of Samuel, respecting Absalom and his rebellion (2 Samuel 13-21.) is not found here.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Some time later,
וַיְהִי֙ (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

war
מִלְחָמָ֛ה (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

broke out
וַתַּעֲמֹ֧ד (wat·ta·‘ă·mōḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

the Philistines
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים (pə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

at Gezer.
בְּגֶ֖זֶר (bə·ḡe·zer)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1507: Gezer -- 'portion', a Levitical city on the border of Ephraim

At that time
אָ֣ז (’āz)
Adverb
Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore

Sibbecai
סִבְּכַ֣י (sib·bə·ḵay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5444: Sibbecai -- one of David's captains

the Hushathite
הַחֻֽשָׁתִ֗י (ha·ḥu·šā·ṯî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2843: Hushathite -- a Chushathite

killed
הִכָּ֞ה (hik·kāh)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

Sippai,
סִפַּ֛י (sip·pay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5598: Sippai -- a Philistine

a descendant
מִילִדֵ֥י (mî·li·ḏê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3211: Born

of the Rephaim,
הָרְפָאִ֖ים (hā·rə·p̄ā·’îm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 7497: Rephaim -- inhabitants of an area East of the Jordan

and the Philistines were subdued.
וַיִּכָּנֵֽעוּ׃ (way·yik·kā·nê·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3665: To bend the knee, to humiliate, vanquish


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 20:4 It happened after this that there arose (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 20:3
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