2 Samuel 23:10
New International Version
but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.

New Living Translation
He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the LORD gave him a great victory that day. The rest of the army did not return until it was time to collect the plunder!

English Standard Version
He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the LORD brought about a great victory that day, and the men returned after him only to strip the slain.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

New King James Version
He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder.

New American Standard Bible
He rose up and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and it clung to the sword, and the LORD brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder the dead.

NASB 1995
He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword, and the LORD brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to strip the slain.

NASB 1977
He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword, and the LORD brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to strip the slain.

Legacy Standard Bible
He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword, and Yahweh brought about a great salvation that day; and the people returned after him only to strip the slain.

Amplified Bible
Eleazar stood up and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary and clung to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day; the people returned after him only to take the spoil [of the slain].

Christian Standard Bible
but Eleazar stood his ground and attacked the Philistines until his hand was tired and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops came back to him, but only to plunder the dead.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
but Eleazar stood his ground and attacked the Philistines until his hand was tired and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops came back to him, but only to plunder the dead.

American Standard Version
He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword; and Jehovah wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to take spoil.

Contemporary English Version
except Eleazar. He killed Philistines until his hand was cramped, and he couldn't let go of his sword. When Eleazar finished, all the Israelite troops had to do was come back and take the enemies' weapons and armor. The LORD gave Israel a great victory that day.

English Revised Version
He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
he attacked and killed Philistines until his hand got tired and stuck to his sword. So the LORD won an impressive victory that day. The army returned to Eleazar, but they only returned to strip the dead.

Good News Translation
but he stood his ground and fought the Philistines until his hand was so cramped that he could not let go of his sword. The LORD won a great victory that day. After it was over, the Israelites returned to where Eleazar was and stripped the armor from the dead.

International Standard Version
but Eleazar remained standing right where he was and fought so hard against the Philistines that he became exhausted—he couldn't even let go of his sword! The LORD magnificently delivered them that day. After Eleazar had won the battle, the other soldiers returned, but only to strip the weapons and armor from the dead.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
he stood his ground and fought the Philistines until his hand grew so tired that it seemed stuck to his sword. The LORD gave a great victory on that day. When the army returned to him, the only thing left to do was to plunder the corpses.

New Heart English Bible
He arose, and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand froze to the sword; and the LORD worked a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to take spoil.

Webster's Bible Translation
He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand adhered to the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder.

World English Bible
He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand froze to the sword; and Yahweh worked a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to take plunder.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
he has arisen, and strikes among the Philistines until his hand has been weary, and his hand cleaves to the sword, and YHWH works a great salvation on that day, and the people turn back after him only to strip off.

Young's Literal Translation
he hath arisen, and smiteth among the Philistines till that his hand hath been weary, and his hand cleaveth unto the sword, and Jehovah worketh a great salvation on that day, and the people turn back after him only to strip off.

Smith's Literal Translation
He arose, and he will strike against the rovers till that his hand will be weary, and his hand will cleave to the sword: and Jehovah will do a great salvation in that day; and they sat down behind him only to strip off.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when the men of Israel were gone away, he stood and smote the Philistines till his hand was weary, and grew stiff with the sword: and the Lord wrought a great victory that day: and the people that were fled away, returned to take spoils of them that were slain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when the men of Israel had gone up, he himself stood fast and struck down the Philistines, until his hand grew weak and stiff with the sword. And the Lord wrought a great salvation on that day. And the people who had fled returned to take up the spoils of the slain.

New American Bible
but he stood there and struck down the Philistines until his hand grew tired from clutching the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory on that day; the army turned back to rejoin Eleazar, but only to strip the slain.

New Revised Standard Version
but he stood his ground. He struck down the Philistines until his arm grew weary, though his hand clung to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the people came back to him—but only to strip the dead.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave to his sword; and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned with him only to strip the slain.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he arose and destroyed the Philistines until his hand was exhausted, and his hand stuck to the hilt of his sword, and LORD JEHOVAH performed salvation on that day, and the people returned after him to plunder the slain
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
he stood firm, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand did cleave unto the sword; and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to strip the slain.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He arose an smote the Philistines, until his hand was weary, and his hand clave to the sword: and the Lord wrought a great salvation in that day, and the people rested behind him only to strip the slain.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Mighty Men
9Next 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, 10but 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. 11And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines had banded together near a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 11:13-14
He was with David at Pas-dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place with a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. / But Eleazar and David stationed themselves in the middle of the field and defended it. They struck down the Philistines, and the LORD brought about a great victory.

1 Samuel 14:23
So the LORD saved Israel that day, and the battle moved on beyond Beth-aven.

1 Samuel 17:9
If he is able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and work for us.”

1 Samuel 17:47
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.”

1 Samuel 23:5
Then David and his men went to Keilah, fought against the Philistines, and carried off their livestock, striking them with a mighty blow. So David saved the people of Keilah.

1 Samuel 30:8
and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”

1 Samuel 30:18-19
So David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. / Nothing was missing, young or old, son or daughter, or any of the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David brought everything back.

2 Samuel 8:6
Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.

2 Samuel 10:12
Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

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.”

2 Kings 5:1
Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.

Psalm 18:32-34
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear. / He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights. / He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

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

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.


Treasury of Scripture

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword: and the LORD worked a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

the Lord

Joshua 10:10,42
And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah…

Joshua 11:8
And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.

Judges 15:14,18
And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands…

and the people

Psalm 68:12
Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Jump to Previous
Adhered Clave Cleaved Clung Firm Great Hand Philistines Plunder Rose Smote Spoil Stood Struck Sword Victory Weary Worked Wrought
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Adhered Clave Cleaved Clung Firm Great Hand Philistines Plunder Rose Smote Spoil Stood Struck Sword Victory Weary Worked Wrought
2 Samuel 23
1. David, in his last words, professes his faith in God's promises
6. The different state of the wicked
8. A catalogue of David's mighty men














but Eleazar stood his ground
Eleazar, one of David's mighty warriors, exemplifies courage and faithfulness. Standing his ground signifies unwavering commitment and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. This reflects the biblical theme of standing firm in faith, as seen in Ephesians 6:13, where believers are encouraged to stand firm against evil.

and struck the Philistines
The Philistines were a perennial enemy of Israel, representing opposition to God's people. Eleazar's action of striking them down symbolizes the defeat of forces that oppose God's purposes. This mirrors the spiritual battles believers face, as described in 2 Corinthians 10:4, where the weapons of warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power.

until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword
This phrase highlights Eleazar's perseverance and dedication. The image of his hand sticking to the sword suggests total commitment to the battle, reminiscent of the believer's call to hold fast to the Word of God, which is described as a sword in Hebrews 4:12. It also foreshadows the endurance required in spiritual warfare.

The LORD brought about a great victory that day
The victory is attributed to the LORD, emphasizing divine intervention and the belief that success in battle comes from God. This aligns with the biblical principle that God fights for His people, as seen in Exodus 14:14. It also points to the ultimate victory through Christ, who conquers sin and death.

Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead
The returning troops highlight the aftermath of the battle, where the spoils are collected. This reflects the biblical theme of God providing for His people through victory. It also serves as a reminder of the rewards of faithfulness and perseverance, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:58, where labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eleazar
One of David's mighty warriors, known for his bravery and strength in battle. He is highlighted for his unwavering commitment and endurance in fighting the Philistines.

2. Philistines
A recurring enemy of Israel, representing opposition and challenges that the Israelites faced throughout their history.

3. The LORD
The central figure in the victory, emphasizing that the triumph was ultimately due to divine intervention rather than human strength alone.

4. The Battle
A significant event where Eleazar's dedication and God's power combined to secure a victory for Israel.

5. The Plunder
The aftermath of the battle where the troops returned to collect the spoils, indicating the completeness of the victory.
Teaching Points
Endurance in Faith
Like Eleazar, believers are called to persevere in their spiritual battles, trusting that God will bring about victory.

Divine Strength
Recognize that true strength and success come from the Lord, not from our own abilities.

Commitment to the Cause
Eleazar's hand "stuck to the sword" symbolizes unwavering commitment. Christians should hold fast to their faith and the Word of God.

Victory Through God
Celebrate and acknowledge that any victory in life is ultimately due to God's intervention and grace.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as Eleazar fought a physical battle, Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare and must be equipped with the armor of God.(10) Clave unto the sword.--Instances are rare, but well authenticated, of a sort of cramp following excessive exertion, so that the hand could only be released from the sword by external appliances.

Returned after him.--Does not imply that they had at any time deserted him, but only that they turned wherever he went to gather the spoil of the men he slew.

Verse 10. - Victory; Hebrew, salvation; and so also in ver. 12 and 1 Samuel 11:13; 1 Samuel 19:5. Returned after him. This does not imply that they had fled, but simply that they turned in whichever way he turned, and followed him. Battles in old time depended very much upon the prowess of the leaders.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
but Eleazar
ה֣וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

stood his ground
קָם֩ (qām)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

and struck
וַיַּ֨ךְ (way·yaḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

the Philistines
בַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֜ים (bap·pə·liš·tîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

until
עַ֣ד ׀ (‘aḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

his hand
יָד֗וֹ (yā·ḏōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

grew weary
יָגְעָ֣ה (yā·ḡə·‘āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3021: To gasp, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

and stuck
וַתִּדְבַּ֤ק (wat·tiḏ·baq)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1692: To impinge, cling, adhere, to catch by pursuit

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his sword.
הַחֶ֔רֶב (ha·ḥe·reḇ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword

The LORD
יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

brought about
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

a great
גְדוֹלָ֖ה (ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

victory
תְּשׁוּעָ֥ה (tə·šū·‘āh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8668: Deliverance, salvation

that
הַה֑וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

day.
בַּיּ֣וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

Then the troops
וְהָעָ֛ם (wə·hā·‘ām)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

returned
יָשֻׁ֥בוּ (yā·šu·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to him,
אַחֲרָ֖יו (’a·ḥă·rāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

but only
אַךְ־ (’aḵ-)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

to plunder the dead.
לְפַשֵּֽׁט׃ (lə·p̄aš·šêṭ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6584: To strip off, make a dash, raid


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OT History: 2 Samuel 23:10 He arose and struck the Philistines until (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 23:9
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