8461. Tachkemoni
Lexical Summary
Tachkemoni: Tachkemoni

Original Word: תַּחְכְּמֹנִי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Tachkmoniy
Pronunciation: tahk-keh-mo-NEE
Phonetic Spelling: (takh-kem-o-nee')
KJV: Tachmonite
NASB: Tahchemonite
Word Origin: [probably for H2453 (חַכמוֹנִי - Hachmoni)]

1. sagacious
2. Tachkemoni, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
under

Probably for Cahkmowniy; sagacious; Tachkemoni, an Israelite -- Tachmonite.

see HEBREW Cahkmowniy

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from chakam
Definition
a descriptive title for one of David's men
NASB Translation
Tahchemonite (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
תַּחְכְּמֹנִי adjective, of a people 2 Samuel 23:8 = בן חכמוני 1 Chronicles 11:11; read הַחַכְמֹנִי We Klo Dr VB.

חֵל see חֵיל below I. חול

חֹל see below III. חלל

Topical Lexicon
Historical Setting

תַּחְכְּמֹנִי (Tachkemoni) appears in the roster of David’s elite warriors recorded in 2 Samuel 23. The chapter gathers traditions from the later years of David’s reign, celebrating the exploits of those who secured the throne, defended Israel’s borders, and embodied covenant fidelity at a time when Philistine pressure and domestic unrest threatened the kingdom. Within this catalogue, Tachkemoni is linked to the chief of “the Three,” an inner circle of champions whose deeds set the standard for valor in early monarchic Israel.

Identification of the Figure

2 Samuel 23:8 states: “These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth, a Tachkemonite, was chief of the captains; he wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time.” The phrase “a Tachkemonite” functions almost as a titular epithet, designating Josheb-basshebeth’s lineage or house. The parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 11:11 reads, “Jashobeam son of Hachmoni,” indicating that Tachkemoni and Hachmoni refer to the same clan. The Chronicler preserves a variant spelling but retains the core idea: Josheb-basshebeth (also called Jashobeam) descended from, or was identified with, a family renowned enough to warrant special mention. The consolidation of David’s army drew on loyal families from various tribes; this title signals ancestral honor entwined with military prowess.

The Elite Warriors of David

Tachkemoni’s association with the chief of “the Three” illuminates the hierarchical structure of David’s forces:

1. The Three (2 Samuel 23:8–12) achieved legendary single-handed victories that inspired the larger corps.
2. The Thirty (2 Samuel 23:13–39) formed an extended cadre of champions drawn from across Israel and even from Gentile backgrounds (for example, Uriah the Hittite).

By highlighting Tachkemoni, Scripture underlines that true greatness rested not in numbers but in covenant courage. David’s kingdom, typological of the Messiah’s, was advanced by those whose faith and loyalty transcended personal safety.

Theological Significance

Wisdom and strength converge in this title. While the text does not dwell on the meaning, the root idea of skillful wisdom shades the reference, reminding readers that God’s victories often come through people who combine mental acuity with physical courage (compare Ecclesiastes 9:18). Josheb-basshebeth’s feat—defeating eight hundred foes at once—demonstrates that human “wisdom” flourishes only when empowered by the LORD of hosts (Psalm 144:1).

Cross-Textual Connections

2 Samuel 23:8: The direct occurrence of Tachkemoni.
1 Chronicles 11:11: Parallel mention under the form “Hachmoni,” emphasizing genealogical ties.
1 Samuel 22:2; 2 Samuel 21:15–22: Broader context of David’s warriors, illustrating how individuals of diverse background united under divine anointing.
Hebrews 11:32–34: New Testament acknowledgment of those “who through faith conquered kingdoms” provides a canonical bridge, situating Tachkemoni’s legacy within the larger account of faith.

Ministry Application

1. Loyalty to God’s Anointed: Tachkemoni’s service to David models steadfast devotion to God’s chosen king. In congregational life, steadfast support of Christ’s mission remains paramount.
2. Courage in Spiritual Conflict: As Josheb-basshebeth stood alone against overwhelming odds, believers are called to stand firm in spiritual warfare, armed with God’s wisdom and strength (Ephesians 6:10–18).
3. Celebration of Unsung Lineages: Scripture records Tachkemoni’s clan only here, yet eternity remembers such faithfulness. Local churches should honor those whose quiet dedication strengthens the body.

Geographical and Cultural Context

David’s forces operated largely in the Shephelah and hill country of Judah, regions that demanded both guerrilla tactics and set-piece engagements. The reference to eight hundred slain “at one time” likely reflects either a single climactic clash or a string of rapid engagements; in either case, the exploit signals mastery of battlefield strategy in close-quarter terrain. Tachkemoni’s household may have hailed from the central hill country, aligning him among the Benjaminites who rallied early to David (1 Chronicles 12:1–7).

Legacy within Redemptive History

Though mentioned only once, Tachkemoni exemplifies how God weaves minor strands into the tapestry of redemption. The victories of David’s mighty men paved the way for a united monarchy, from which the Messianic promise would blossom (2 Samuel 7:12–16). Every named warrior in 2 Samuel 23 thus anticipates the ultimate Mighty One who would conquer sin and death, not with spear, but with the cross.

Questions for Further Study

• How does the title Tachkemoni inform our understanding of clan identity in Israel’s early monarchy?
• In what ways do the exploits of David’s mighty men foreshadow the spiritual battles faced by the church?
• How can local congregations cultivate a culture that esteems both visible and hidden acts of courage and wisdom?

Conclusion

Tachkemoni stands as a brief yet potent reminder that God’s kingdom advances through men and women who, filled with skillful wisdom and unflinching faith, rise to extraordinary challenges for the glory of the true King.

Forms and Transliterations
תַּחְכְּמֹנִ֣י ׀ תחכמני tachkemoNi taḥ·kə·mō·nî taḥkəmōnî
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Samuel 23:8
HEB: יֹשֵׁ֨ב בַּשֶּׁ֜בֶת תַּחְכְּמֹנִ֣י ׀ רֹ֣אשׁ הַשָּׁלִשִׁ֗י
NAS: had: Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief
KJV: whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat
INT: sat place A Tahchemonite chief of the captains

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 8461
1 Occurrence


taḥ·kə·mō·nî — 1 Occ.

8460
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