Lexical Summary Mebunnay: Mebunnay Original Word: מְבֻנַּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mebunnai From banah; built up; Mebunnai, an Israelite -- Mebunnai. see HEBREW banah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom banah Definition one of David's heroes NASB Translation Mebunnai (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְבֻנַּי proper name, masculine one of the David's heroes 2 Samuel 23:27 read probably סִבְּכַי "" 1 Chronicles 11:29 compare DrSm. Topical Lexicon Overview Mebunnai (Strong’s Hebrew 4012) appears once in the Old Testament, identified as “Mebunnai the Hushathite” (2 Samuel 23:27). Although the Scriptural footprint is brief, the placement of his name within David’s prestigious list of warriors invites reflection on his historical setting, possible identity correlations, and the spiritual implications of faithful service in the kingdom of God. Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context The single reference occurs in the catalog of David’s “mighty men,” a roster celebrating those who upheld the anointed king through decades of conflict and kingdom consolidation. In the Berean Standard Bible, the verse reads: “Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite” (2 Samuel 23:27). The passage follows the exploits of “the Three” and “the Thirty,” specially distinguished soldiers whose courage, loyalty, and exploits undergirded David’s reign. Historical Background: The Days of David’s Rise David’s ascension from shepherd to monarch was marked by long years of warfare against Philistines, internal rivals, and surrounding nations. The “Thirty” formed a corps of elite fighters whose prowess secured borders, subdued giants, and protected the anointed lineage through which the Messiah would come. Whether in caves during Saul’s persecution (1 Samuel 22:1–2) or on open battlefields after David’s coronation (2 Samuel 5:17–25), these warriors embodied covenant faithfulness to their king. Mebunnai the Hushathite among the Thirty Hushah, his designation’s likely point of origin, lay in the territory of Judah (compare 1 Chronicles 4:4). Mebunnai’s inclusion beside men like Abiezer, Zalmon, and Uriah indicates a reputation for valor significant enough to be memorialized by the inspired writer. Though Scripture does not single out a personal exploit, the literary context suggests he participated in decisive campaigns—perhaps those recorded immediately after the giant-killing feats of Abishai, Sibbecai, and Elhanan (2 Samuel 21:15–22). Possible Correlation with Sibbecai The Chronicler’s parallel list reads, “Sibbecai the Hushathite” (1 Chronicles 11:29), widely taken to represent the same individual under a variant name. Sibbecai (elsewhere credited with slaying the Philistine giant Saph, 2 Samuel 21:18; 1 Chronicles 20:4) appears again as a division commander in David’s standing army (1 Chronicles 27:11). If Mebunnai and Sibbecai are one and the same, the single reference in Samuel anchors a career otherwise sketched in Chronicles: a giant-killer, a commander of twenty-four thousand men, and one whom God used to secure victory over Israel’s formidable foes. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Loyalty to the Anointed: By aligning with David—God’s chosen king—Mebunnai illustrates fidelity to divine purposes regardless of obscurity. His life calls modern believers to unwavering allegiance to Christ, David’s greater Son. Illustrations for Contemporary Faith • Small-Group Leadership: Just as Mebunnai fortified David’s cause, faithful leaders of local prayer groups or children’s ministries shore up the advance of the gospel, though their names are seldom publicized. Legacy in Redemptive History The mighty men’s roll culminates with “thirty-seven in all” (2 Samuel 23:39). That number closes a period of conquest and prepares for Solomon’s peaceful reign, foreshadowing Christ’s eventual rule of righteousness. Mebunnai’s single-line entry reminds readers that every obedient servant, however briefly mentioned, contributes to the unfolding plan that reaches its climax in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations מְבֻנַּ֖י מבני mə·ḇun·nay məḇunnay mevunNaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 23:27 HEB: אֲבִיעֶ֙זֶר֙ הָֽעַנְּתֹתִ֔י מְבֻנַּ֖י הַחֻשָׁתִֽי׃ ס NAS: the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, KJV: the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, INT: Abiezer the Anathothite Mebunnai the Hushathite 1 Occurrence |
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