1 Chronicles 18:17

Authorized King James Version

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְנָיָ֙הוּ֙
And Benaiah
benajah, the name of twelve israelites
#2
וּבְנֵֽי
and the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
יְה֣וֹיָדָ֔ע
of Jehoiada
jehojada, the name of three israelites
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
הַכְּרֵתִ֖י
was over the Cherethites
a kerethite or life-guardsman
#6
וְהַפְּלֵתִ֑י
and the Pelethites
a courier (collectively) or official messenger
#7
וּבְנֵֽי
and the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
דָוִ֥יד
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#9
הָרִֽאשֹׁנִ֖ים
were chief
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
#10
לְיַ֥ד
about
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#11
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
the king
a king

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection