1 Chronicles 12:18

Authorized King James Version

Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְר֣וּחַ
H7307
Then the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#2
לָֽבְשָׁ֗ה
H3847
came
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
עֲמָשַׂי֮
H6022
upon Amasai
amasai, the name of three israelites
#5
בְּרָאשֵׁ֥י
H7218
them captains
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
הַשָּׁלִושִׁים֒
H7970
of the captains
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#7
לְךָ֤
H0
#8
דָּוִ֔יד
H1732
and he said Thine are we David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#9
וְעִמְּךָ֣
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#10
בֶן
H1121
and on thy side thou son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
יִשַׁ֔י
H3448
of Jesse
jishai, david's father
#12
וְשָׁלוֹם֙
H7965
be unto thee and peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#13
וְשָׁלוֹם֙
H7965
be unto thee and peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#14
לְךָ֗
H0
#15
וְשָׁלוֹם֙
H7965
be unto thee and peace
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#16
עֲזָֽרְךָ֖
H5826
be to thine helpers
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
#17
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#18
עֲזָֽרְךָ֖
H5826
be to thine helpers
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
#19
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
H430
for thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#20
וַיְקַבְּלֵ֣ם
H6901
received
to admit, i.e., take (literally or figuratively)
#21
דָּוִ֔יד
H1732
and he said Thine are we David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#22
וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֖ם
H5414
them and made
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#23
בְּרָאשֵׁ֥י
H7218
them captains
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#24
הַגְּדֽוּד׃
H1416
of the band
a crowd (especially of soldiers)

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 peace 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 peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection