1 Chronicles 11:21
Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.
Original Language Analysis
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַשְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה
Of the three
H7969
הַשְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה
Of the three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
2 of 11
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
נִכְבָּ֔ד
he was more honourable
H3513
נִכְבָּ֔ד
he was more honourable
Strong's:
H3513
Word #:
4 of 11
to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְשָׂ֑ר
for he was their captain
H8269
לְשָׂ֑ר
for he was their captain
Strong's:
H8269
Word #:
7 of 11
a head person (of any rank or class)
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַשְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה
Of the three
H7969
הַשְּׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה
Of the three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
9 of 11
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern military hierarchies often featured elite units with ranked warriors. Israel's system under David mirrored these structures while emphasizing that all strength comes from Yahweh, not human prowess alone. These rankings preserved military history for future generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you serve faithfully in your role without comparing yourself to those with different gifts?
- What does this verse teach about accepting our God-given place in the body of Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three—This verse addresses Abishai, who commanded 'the second three' but couldn't match the legendary exploits of the first triad. The Hebrew nikkabad ('honoured') indicates earned respect through deed, not inherited status.
This ranking system reveals how God's kingdom values both exceptional achievement and faithful service in one's assigned place. Abishai didn't resent his position but excelled within it, becoming captain. Paul later echoes this principle: different gifts, same Spirit, each member essential (1 Cor 12:4-11). God's economy rewards faithfulness in our calling, not comparison with others.