1 Chronicles 12:14
These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the host: one of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand.
Original Language Analysis
מִבְּנֵי
These were of the sons
H1121
מִבְּנֵי
These were of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גָ֖ד
of Gad
H1410
גָ֖ד
of Gad
Strong's:
H1410
Word #:
3 of 10
gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet
רָאשֵׁ֣י
captains
H7218
רָאשֵׁ֣י
captains
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
4 of 10
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הַצָּבָ֑א
of the host
H6635
הַצָּבָ֑א
of the host
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
5 of 10
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
לְמֵאָה֙
was over an hundred
H3967
לְמֵאָה֙
was over an hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
7 of 10
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
הַקָּטָ֔ן
of the least
H6996
הַקָּטָ֔ן
of the least
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
8 of 10
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:30How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?Leviticus 26:8And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.
Historical Context
Gad's territory east of Jordan was frontier country, producing tough warriors accustomed to defending against raiders. Their willingness to cross the flooding Jordan (during spring harvest, Josh 3:15) to join David while he was still a fugitive from Saul showed remarkable faith in God's anointed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God equip even His 'least' servants with strength beyond their natural capacity?
- What 'floods' must you cross to join yourself fully to Christ and His purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
One of the least was over an hundred, and the greatest over a thousand—The Hebrew qatan ('least') and gadol ('greatest') establish military ranking by capability. Even the 'junior' Gadite officers commanded substantial forces. These warriors from east of Jordan crossed during flood stage (v.15) to join David, demonstrating extraordinary commitment.
This verse establishes a principle: in God's kingdom, even the 'least' is mighty. Jesus inverted this logic: the least in God's kingdom is greater than John the Baptist (Luke 7:28). The Gadites' fierce loyalty to David prefigures disciples' devotion to Christ despite personal cost.