1 Chronicles 11:20

Authorized King James Version

And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַבְשַׁ֣י
H52
And Abishai
abishai, an israelite
#2
אֲחִֽי
the brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#3
יוֹאָ֗ב
of Joab
joab, the name of three israelites
#4
ה֚וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#5
הָיָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
רֹ֣אשׁ
he was chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#7
בַּשְּׁלוֹשָֽׁה׃
against three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#8
וְהוּא֙
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
עוֹרֵ֣ר
for lifting up
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
חֲנִית֔וֹ
his spear
a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
בַּשְּׁלוֹשָֽׁה׃
against three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#14
מֵא֖וֹת
hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#15
חָלָ֑ל
he slew
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#16
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
שֵׁ֖ם
them and had a name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#18
בַּשְּׁלוֹשָֽׁה׃
against three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Chronicles Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection