1Chronicles 11

1Chronicles 11:1–47

Outline of Chapter 11:

vv. 1–3 David is Made King over All Israel

vv. 4–9 David Conquers Jerusalem, Making it the Capital City of United Israel

vv. 10–47 David’s Mighty Men

Charts, Short Doctrines and Maps:

v. 3 A Side-by-Side Comparison of 2Sam. 5:1–3 and 1Chron. 11:1–3

v. 5 Scofield on Zion

Doctrines Covered		Doctrines Alluded To
		Zion

I ntroduction: 1Chron. 11, for the first 9 verses, parallels 2Sam. 5:1–10. In fact, it is obvious that the text of 1Chron. 11 came from the book of Samuel, or, in the alternative, that they had the same original source. Given that Chronicles was written long after these events took place and that Samuel was written shortly after these events took place, I would reasonably postulate that Chronicles use Samuel as one of it sources.

In exegeting this chapter, I am going to assume that you have gone through my exegesis of 2Sam. 5:1–10, and therefore, I will expand very little upon the verses which are identical as those found in 2Samuel. There are a couple of details found in this chapter which are not found in 2Samuel, and I will spend a little more time with those points.

As discussed previously, there are 1, 2 or 3 possible gatherings here. All of the armies of northern and southern Israel just appear to show up to David when he is in Hebron, giving them their support (1Chron. 12:23–40). We have all Israel (or, all the tribes of Israel) gathering together here to pledge their allegiance to David (2Sam. 5:1–2 1Chron. 11:1–2). This may be the same gathering, or it may represent two different gatherings. Finally, elders gather to David and anoint him king over a united Israel (2Sam. 5:3 2Chron. 11:3). If I were a betting man, I would assume to the gathering of the armies to David and the gathering of all Israel to David is the same event; and that elders coming to David at a later date to make his kingship official, occurs later. However, these could have occurred in 1 or more meetings and in almost any order, insofar as I can tell. I have discussed the options in much greater detail in the introduction to 2Sam. 5.

Like 2Sam. 5, the first two sections are parallel; David is first recognized as king over all Israel and then he is anointed as such. Afterwards, David successfully invades and takes Jerusalem. What we find in this chapter is more of an indication as to what Joab does in regards to Jerusalem; and the latter half of this chapter deals with the great men who served under David. The latter half of this chapter parallels 2Sam. 5:23, and we will cover it at that time.

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David is Made King over all Israel

2Samuel 5:1–3

Slavishly literal:

Moderately literal:

And so gather all Israel unto David Hebron-ward; to say, “Behold us! Your bone and your flesh [are] we.

1Chronicles

11:1

Then, all Israel gathered together with David at Hebron, and said [to him], “Look at us [lit., behold]; we [are] your bone and your flesh.

Then all Israel gathered to David at Hebron and they said, “Listen, we are your flesh and blood;...

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:

Masoretic Text And so gather all Israel unto David Hebron-ward; to say, “Behold us! Your bone and your flesh [are] we.

Septuagint And all Israel comes to David to Chebron, saying, “Behold, we [are] your bones and your flesh.

Significant differences: None.

Thought-for-thought translations; paraphrases:

CEV Israel's leaders met with David at Hebron and said, "We are your relatives,...

The Message Then all Israel assembled before David at Hebron. "Look at us," they said. "We're your very flesh and blood.

NAB Then all Israel gathered about David in Hebron and they said: “Surely, we are of the same bone and flesh as you.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

HCSB All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, "Here we are, your own flesh and blood.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

WEB Then all Israel gathered themselves to David to Hebron, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.

Young’s Updated LT And gathered are all Israel unto David, to Hebron, saying, “Lo, we [are] your bone and your flesh.

What is the gist of this verse? The men from the northern tribes of Israel came down to David in Hebron and begin by tell him they are his flesh and blood (they use the terms bone and flesh).

1Chronicles 11:1a
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
qâbats (ץ ַב ָק) [pronounced kaw-BATS]	to be gathered, to be collected, to be congregated, to congregate selves	3^rd person masculine plural, Niphal imperfect	Strong’s #6908 BDB #867
kôl (לֹ) [pronounced kohl]	every, each, all of, all; any of, any	masculine singular construct not followed by a definite article	Strong’s #3605 BDB #481
Yis^erâêl (לֵאָר ׃̣י) [pronounced yis-raw-ALE]	transliterated Israel	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #3478 BDB #975
el (ל∵א) [pronounced el]	unto; into, among, in; toward, to; against; concerning, regarding; besides, together with; as to	directional preposition (respect or deference may be implied)	Strong's #413 BDB #39
Dâvid (ד̣וָ); also Dâvîyd (די.וָ) [pronounced daw-VEED]	beloved and is transliterated David	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #1732 BDB #187
Cheb^erôwn (ןר׃ב∵ח) [pronounced khe^bv-ROHN]	association, league, joined; transliterated Hebron	proper noun; location; with a directional hê	Strong’s #2275 BDB #289

Translation: Then, all Israel gathered together with David at Hebron,... Personally, I would think that all Israel (and, as we find in 2Sam. 5:1, all the tribes of Israel) corresponds to what we have already studied in 1Chron. 12:22–40, where the number of soldiers who came from each tribe is listed. Otherwise, what we have here are two very large meetings which take place around the same time—all of the tribes come to David in Hebron and then, all of the soldiers from the same areas come to David.

1Chronicles 11:1b
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
lâmed (ל) (pronounced l^e)	to, for, towards, in regards to	directional/relational preposition	No Strong’s # BDB #510
âmar (ר ַמ ָא) [pronounced aw-MAHR]	to say, to speak, to utter; to say [to oneself], to think	Qal infinitive construct	Strong’s #559 BDB #55
hinnêh (הֵ ̣ה) [pronounced hin-NAY]	lo, behold, or more freely, observe, look here, look, listen, note, take note; pay attention, get this, check this out	interjection, demonstrative particle; with the 1^st person plural suffix	Strong’s #2009 (and #518, 2006) BDB #243
׳etsem (ם∵צ∵ע) [pronounced ģeh-TSEM]	bone, substance, self; self-same; corporeality, duration, existence, and therefore identity	feminine singular substantive; with the 2^nd person masculine singular suffix	Strong’s #6106 BDB #782
w^e (or v^e) (ו) [pronounced weh]	and, even, then; namely; when; since, that, so that; though	simple wâw conjunction	No Strong’s # BDB #251
bâsâr (ר ָ ָ) [pronounced baw-SAWR]	flesh; body; animal meat	masculine singular noun with a 2^nd person masculine singular suffix	Strong's #1320 BDB #142
ănach^enûw (נח-נֲא) [pronounced uh-NAHKH-noo]	we; (sometimes a verb is implied)	1^st person plural pronoun	Strong’s #587 BDB #59

Translation: ...and said [to him], “Look at us [lit., behold]; we [are] your bone and your flesh. If you will recall, Abner, a relative of Saul’s, first backed one of Saul’s sons, and then threw his considerable influence over to David, because he and Ishbosheth (Saul’s son) had a falling out over a woman. Abner went so far as to go to the various tribes throughout northern Israel and get a pledge of support from each one of them in support of David over Ishbosheth. However, through a bit of political intrigue, both Ishbosheth and Abner are assassinated, making all of his efforts almost a waste of time. Even though his speaking to a variety of tribes increased their support of David, after the death of Ishbosheth, these tribes really had no one else to look to for leadership.

Interestingly enough, we find this phrase (or something very similar to it) in several passages: Gen. 29:14 Deut. 17:15 Judges 9:2 2Sam. 19:12–13 Eph. 5:30.

Also yesterday, also 3 days ago also in was Saul king, you the leading out and the bringing in Israel. And so says Y^ehowah your Elohim to you, ‘You [even] you will shepherd My people Israel and you [even] you will be a prince over My people Israel.’ ”

1Chronicles

11:2

In the past, when Saul was king, you led out and [you] brought in Israel. [Even] then, Y^ehowah your Elohim said to you, ‘You [even] you will shepherd My people; [you will shepherd] Israel; and you will be a prince over My people Israel.’ ”

In the past, even when Saul was king, it was you who led Israel’s army out and brought them back in; and even then, Jehovah your God said to you, ‘You specifically will shepherd my people, you will shepherd Israel, and you will be a prince over My people Israel.’ ”

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:

Masoretic Text Also yesterday, also 3 days ago also in was Saul king, you the leading out and the bringing in Israel. And so says Y^ehowah your Elohim to you, ‘You [even] you will shepherd My people Israel and you [even] you will be a prince over My people Israel.’ ”

Septuagint And yesterday and the third day when Saul was king, you were he that led Israel in and out, and the Lord of Israel said to you, “You will feed my people Israel, and you will be for a ruler over Israel.

Significant differences: Although it appears as there is a difference of verbs (to feed in the Greek; to shepherd in the Hebrew), the Hebrew verb may be translated in both ways. The Greek also has the word for before ruler, which is how the text in 1Samuel reads.

Thought-for-thought translations; paraphrases:

CEV ...and we know that you have led our army into battle, even when Saul was still our king. The LORD God has promised that you would rule our country and take care of us like a shepherd.

The Message In the past, yes, even while Saul was king, you were the real leader of Israel. GOD told you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel; you are to be the ruler of my people Israel.' "

NLT For a long time, even while Saul was our king, you were the one who really led Israel. And the Lord your God has told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be their leader.’ ”

REB In the past, while Saul was still king, it was you that led the forces of Israel on their campaigns. To you the Lord your God said, “You are to be shepherd of my people Israel; you are to be their prince.” ’

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

God’s Word™ "Even in the past when Saul ruled, you were the one who led Israel on its campaigns to war. The LORD your God has said to you, 'You will be shepherd of my people Israel, the leader of my people Israel.'"

HCSB Even when Saul was king, you led us out to battle and brought us back. The LORD your God also said to you, 'You will shepherd My people Israel and be ruler over My people Israel.'"

JPS (Tanakh) Long before now, even when Saul as king, you were the leader of Israel; and the Lord your God said to you: You shall shepherd My people Israel; you shall be ruler of My people Israel.”

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

LTHB And also in time past, even when Saul was king, you were he that led out and brought in Israel. And Jehovah your God said to you, You shall feed My people Israel, and you shall be ruler over My people Israel.

Young’s Updated LT Even in time past, even in Saul’s being king, it is you who are taking out and bringing in Israel, and Jehovah your God says to you: You feed My people Israel, and you are leader over My people Israel.”

What is the gist of this verse? These representatives tell David that, even when Saul was in power, it was David who led the army out to battle and brought them back in. Furthermore, Jehovah God told David that he would shepherd Israel and be a ruler over Israel.

1Chronicles 11:2a
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
gam (ם ַ) [pronounced gahm]	also, furthermore, in addition to, even, moreover	adverb	Strong’s #1571 BDB #168
eth^emôwl (למ ׃∵א) [pronounced eth^e-MOHL]	yesterday; and is used figuratively for recently, formerly	adverb	Strong’s #865 (and #8543) BDB #1069
There are apparently different spellings of this adverb, a slightly different spelling used in the same essential phrase is found in 2Sam. 3:17.
gam (ם ַ) [pronounced gahm]	also, furthermore, in addition to, even, moreover	adverb	Strong’s #1571 BDB #168
shil^eshôwm (םש ׃ל ̣ש) [pronounced shil-SHOHM]	three days ago, the day before yesterday	adverb	Strong’s #8032 BDB #1026
Literally, these adverbs read also yesterday, even three days ago or both yesterday and three days ago. The lexicons give the meaning as formerly, so formerly, so more recently. The more literal translators in our passage render this in times past (HNV, MKJV, NASB, NKJV, the Tanakh—1917, WEB); in the past (HCSB); before now (LTHB); for some time now (God’s Word™); for some time past (ESV); all along (the Tanakh—1985); heretofore (Young). I think the idea is recently and persistently (or, continuously). Let me add the translation, for awhile now.
gam (ם ַ) [pronounced gahm]	also, furthermore, in addition to, even, moreover	adverb	Strong’s #1571 BDB #168
b^e (׃) [pronounced b^eh]	in, into, at, by, near, on, with, before, against, by means of, among, within	a preposition of proximity	No Strong’s # BDB #88
hâyâh (ה ָי ָה) [pronounced haw-YAW]	to be, is, was, are; to become, to come into being; to come to pass	Qal infinitive construct	Strong's #1961 BDB #224
The infinitive construct, when combined with the bêyth preposition, can often take on a temporal meaning and may be rendered when [such and such happens]. It can serve as a temporal marker that denotes an event which occurs simultaneously with the action of the main verb.
Shâûwl (לאָש) [pronounced shaw-OOL]	which is transliterated Saul; it means asked for	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #7586 BDB #982
melek^e ( ∵ל ∵מ) [pronounced MEH-lek]	king, ruler, prince	masculine singular noun with the definite article	Strong’s #4428 BDB #572

Translation: In the past, when Saul was king,... Although a great number of Israelites have come to David, only a small portion are going ot meet with him personally and speak with him. There is the possibility that David is speaking to a smaller group in front of a large crowd. We don’t know all of the particulars here.

1Chronicles 11:2b
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
attâh (הָ-א) [pronounced aht-TAW]	you (often, the verb to be is implied)	2^nd person masculine singular, personal pronoun	Strong’s #859 BDB #61
yâtsâ (אָצָי) [pronounced yaw-TZAWH]	to cause to go out, to lead out, to bring out, to carry out, to draw out, to take out; [of money:] to put forth, to lay out, to exact; to promulgate; to produce	Hiphil participle with the definite article	Strong's #3318 BDB #422
w^e (or v^e) (ו) [pronounced weh]	and, even, then; namely; when; since, that, so that; though	simple wâw conjunction	No Strong’s # BDB #251
bôw (א) [pronounced boh]	to take in, to bring, to come in with, to carry	Hiphil participle with the definite article	Strong’s #935 BDB #97
êth (ת ֵא) [pronounced ayth]	generally untranslated; occasionally to, toward	indicates that the following substantive is a direct object	Strong's #853 BDB #84
Yis^erâêl (לֵאָר ׃̣י) [pronounced yis-raw-ALE]	transliterated Israel	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #3478 BDB #975

Translation: ...you led out and [you] brought in Israel. This refers back to the time when David was a general in Saul’s army and he used to lead the armies in and out. This means that he would take them out to battle and then return them home, as their leader.

1Chronicles 11:2c
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore; because	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
âmar (ר ַמ ָא) [pronounced aw-MAHR]	to say, to speak, to utter; to say [to oneself], to think	3^rd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong’s #559 BDB #55
YHWH (הוהי) [pronunciation is possibly yhoh-WAH]	transliterated variously as Jehovah, Yahweh, Y^ehowah	proper noun	Strong’s #3068 BDB #217
Ělôhîym (מי̣הֹלֱא) [pronounced el-o-HEEM]	gods, foreign gods, god; God; rulers, judges; superhuman ones, angels; transliterated Elohim	masculine plural noun with the 2^nd person masculine singular suffix	Strong's #430 BDB #43
lâmed (ל) (pronounced l^e)	to, for, towards, in regards to	directional/relational preposition; with the 2^nd person masculine singular suffix	No Strong’s # BDB #510
attâh (הָ-א) [pronounced aht-TAW]	you (often, the verb to be is implied)	2^nd person masculine singular, personal pronoun	Strong’s #859 BDB #61
râ׳âh (ה ָעָר) [pronounced raw-ĢAWH]	to shepherd, to pasture, to tend to graze, to feed; to rule?	2^nd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong’s #7462 BDB #944
êth (ת ֵא) [pronounced ayth]	generally untranslated; occasionally to, toward	indicates that the following substantive is a direct object	Strong's #853 BDB #84
׳am (ם ַע) [pronounced ģahm]	people; race, tribe; family, relatives; citizens, common people; companions, servants; entire human race; herd [of animals]	masculine singular collective noun with the 1^st person singular suffix	Strong’s #5971 BDB #766
êth (ת ֵא) [pronounced ayth]	generally untranslated; occasionally to, toward	indicates that the following substantive is a direct object	Strong's #853 BDB #84
Yis^erâêl (לֵאָר ׃̣י) [pronounced yis-raw-ALE]	transliterated Israel	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #3478 BDB #975

Translation: [Even] then, Yehowah your Elohim said to you, ‘You [even] you will shepherd My people; [you will shepherd] Israel;... You may ask, God anointed David king; what was Israel thinking by setting up Ishbosheth as king? What was Abner thinking when he went from tribe to tribe to set up Ishbosheth as king? It is man’s nature to oppose God. If we thought that God can simply anoint David, and that everyone would fall into step, that simply isn’t true. After being anointed, recall that Saul fired up his army to go chasing David all over Israel. They went along with it, and we can rest assured that most of them paid for this bad decision with their lives. These people were partially convinced by Abner, and most of them had a deep, abiding respect for David.

1Chronicles 11:2d
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
w^e (or v^e) (ו) [pronounced weh]	and, even, then; namely; when; since, that, so that; though	simple wâw conjunction	No Strong’s # BDB #251
attâh (הָ-א) [pronounced aht-TAW]	you (often, the verb to be is implied)	2^nd person masculine singular, personal pronoun	Strong’s #859 BDB #61
hâyâh (ה ָי ָה) [pronounced haw-YAW]	to be, is, was, are; to become, to come into being; to come to pass	2^nd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong's #1961 BDB #224
nâgîyd (די̣גָנ) [pronounced naw-GEED]	prince, crown-prince, leader, ruler, noble	masculine singular noun	Strong's #5057 BDB #617
׳al (ל ַע) [pronounced ģahl ]	upon, beyond, on, against, above, over, by, beside	preposition of proximity	Strong’s #5921 BDB #752
׳am (ם ַע) [pronounced ģahm]	people; race, tribe; family, relatives; citizens, common people; companions, servants; entire human race; herd [of animals]	masculine singular collective noun with the 1^st person singular suffix	Strong’s #5971 BDB #766
Yis^erâêl (לֵאָר ׃̣י) [pronounced yis-raw-ALE]	transliterated Israel	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #3478 BDB #975

Translation: ...and you will be a prince over My people Israel.’ ” This is God’s promise to David and to Israel, and these people have finally decided to go along with it. The end result is going to be two generations of great blessing for Israel.

Application: This is going to seem quite basic, but, when you go along with God’s plan, things get better; your life gets better.

And so come all elders of Israel unto the king Hebron-ward; and so he cuts to them the King David a covenant in Hebron to faces of Y^ehowah. And so they anoint David to king over Israel according to a word of Y^ehowah in a hand of Samuel.

1Chronicles

11:3

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and he made a covenant with them in Hebron before Y^ehowah. Therefore, they anointed David as the king over [all] Israel according to the word of Y^ehowah by the hand of Samuel.

So, all the elders of northern Israel came to King David at Hebron and he made a covenant [or, treaty] with them. So they anointed David as king over all Israel, just as God had promised through Samuel.

2Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:

Masoretic Text And so come all elders of Israel unto the king Hebron-ward; and so cuts to them the king David a covenant in Hebron to faces of Y^ehowah. And so they anoint David to king over Israel in a hand of Samuel.

Septuagint And all the elders of Israel came to the king to Chebron; and king David made a covenant with them in Chebron before the Lord: and they anointed David to be king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Samuel.

Significant differences: None.

Thought-for-thought translations; paraphrases:

CEV So we have come to crown you king of Israel." David made an agreement with the leaders and asked the LORD to be their witness. Then the leaders poured olive oil on David's head to show that he was now king of Israel. This happened just as the LORD's prophet Samuel had said.

NAB Then all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and there David made a covenant with them in the presence of the Lord; and they anointed him king over Israel, in accordance with the word of the Lord as revealed through Samuel.

NJB So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a pact with them in Yahweh’s presence at Hebron, and they anointed David as king of Israel, in accordance with the word of Yahweh through Samuel.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

God’s Word™ All the leaders of Israel had come to Hebron. David made an agreement with them at Hebron in front of the LORD. So they anointed David king of Israel, as the LORD had spoken through Samuel.

HCSB So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron. David made a covenant with them at Hebron in the LORD's presence, and they anointed David king over Israel, in keeping with the LORD's word through Samuel.

JPS (Tanakh) All the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a pact with them in Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word fo the Lord through Samuel.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

MKJV And all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron. And David made a covenant with them in Hebron before Jehovah. And they anointed David king over Israel, according to the Word of Jehovah by Samuel.

Young’s Updated LT And all the elders of Israel come in to the king to Hebron, and David makes with them a covenant in Hebron before Jehovah, and they anoint David for king over Israel, according to the word of Jehovah by the hand of Samuel.

What is the gist of this verse? A delegation of elders (possibly different than those spoken of in the previous two verses), come to David and make a covenant with him, making him king over all Israel.

1Chronicles 11:3a
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
bôw (א) [pronounced boh]	to come in, to come, to go in, to go, to enter	3^rd person masculine plural, Qal imperfect	Strong’s #935 BDB #97
kôl (לֹ) [pronounced kohl]	every, each, all of, all; any of, any	masculine singular construct not followed by a definite article	Strong’s #3605 BDB #481
zâkên (ן ֵקָז) [pronounced zaw-KANE]	elders	masculine plural construct	Strong’s #2205 BDB #278
Owen lists this as an adjective.
Yis^erâêl (לֵאָר ׃̣י) [pronounced yis-raw-ALE]	transliterated Israel	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #3478 BDB #975
el (ל∵א) [pronounced el]	unto; into, among, in; toward, to; against; concerning, regarding; besides, together with; as to	directional preposition (respect or deference may be implied)	Strong's #413 BDB #39
melek^e ( ∵ל ∵מ) [pronounced MEH-lek]	king, ruler, prince	masculine singular noun with the definite article	Strong’s #4428 BDB #572
Cheb^erôwn (ןר׃ב∵ח) [pronounced khe^bv-ROHN]	association, league, joined; transliterated Hebron	proper noun; location; with a directional hê	Strong’s #2275 BDB #289

Translation: So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron,... This sounds like a different meeting, as I have pointed out in 2Sam. 5:3. It may have occurred immediately after the agreement which was apparently struck; but, in any case, it does appear to be different.

1Chronicles 11:3b
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore; because	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
kârath (תַרָ) [pronounced kaw-RAHTH]	to cut off, to cut down; to kill, to destroy; to make a covenant	3^rd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong's #3772 BDB #503
lâmed (ל) (pronounced l^e)	to, for, towards, in regards to	directional/relational preposition; with the 3^rd person masculine plural suffix	No Strong’s # BDB #510
Dâvid (ד̣וָ); also Dâvîyd (די.וָ) [pronounced daw-VEED]	beloved and is transliterated David	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #1732 BDB #187
b^erîyth (תי .ר) [pronounced b^ereeth]	pact, alliance, treaty, alliance, covenant	feminine singular noun	Strong’s #1285 BDB #136
b^e (׃) [pronounced b^eh]	in, into, at, by, near, on, with, before, against, by means of, among, within	a preposition of proximity	No Strong’s # BDB #88
Cheb^erôwn (ןר׃ב∵ח) [pronounced khe^bv-ROHN]	association, league, joined; transliterated Hebron	proper noun; location	Strong’s #2275 BDB #289
lâmed (ל) (pronounced l^e)	to, for, towards, in regards to	directional/relational preposition	No Strong’s # BDB #510
pânîym (םי̣נָ) [pronounced paw-NEEM]	face, faces, countenance; presence	masculine plural construct (plural acts like English singular)	Strong’s #6440 BDB #815
Together, they mean upon the face of, before, before the face of, in the presence of, in the sight of, in front of. When used with God, it can take on the more figurative meaning in the judgment of. This can also mean forwards; the front part [or, the edge of a sword]. L^epânîym (םי.נָפל) can take on a temporal sense as well: before, of old, formerly, in the past, in past times.
YHWH (הוהי) [pronunciation is possibly yhoh-WAH]	transliterated variously as Jehovah, Yahweh, Y^ehowah	proper noun	Strong’s #3068 BDB #217

Translation: ...and he made a covenant with them in Hebron before Y^ehowah. When David agrees to be a king over Israel, this is done by a pact or covenant. That is, they have to agree to some terms, and it really is not clear as to how detailed this contract is. When I was in real estate, our contracts got larger and larger, and the primary reason was, lawsuits—someone would sue someone else, and they would attempt to write a provision into the contract to clarify a point; and this would happen again and again.

It is possible, after the less formal recognition by the people, that the elders got together and discussed various issues and put together a contract for David to sign. This is speculation, but it does seem to make sense: that elders come to David and the make a pact with David.

1Chronicles 11:3c
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore; because	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
mâshach (ח -ש ָמ) [pronounced maw-SHAHKH]	to smear, to anoint	3^rd person masculine plural, Qal imperfect	Strong’s #4886 BDB #602
êth (ת ֵא) [pronounced ayth]	generally untranslated; occasionally to, toward	indicates that the following substantive is a direct object	Strong's #853 BDB #84
Dâvid (ד̣וָ); also Dâvîyd (די.וָ) [pronounced daw-VEED]	beloved and is transliterated David	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #1732 BDB #187
lâmed (ל) (pronounced l^e)	to, for, towards, in regards to	directional/relational preposition	No Strong’s # BDB #510
The meanings of the lâmed preposition broken down into groups: ➊ to, towards, unto; it is used both to turn one’s heart toward someone as well as to sin against someone; ➋ to, even to; in this sense, it can be used with a number to indicate the upper limit which a multitude might approach (nearly). ➌ Lâmed can be equivalent to the Greek preposition eis (εἰς), meaning into, as in transforming into something else, changing into something else (Gen. 2:7). This use of lâmed after the verb hâyâh (ה ָי ָה) [pronounced haw-YAW] (Strong’s #1961 BDB #224) is one thing becoming another (Gen. 2:7). ➍ Its fourth use is the mark of a dative, after verbs of giving, granting, delivering, pardoning, consulting, sending, etc. This type of dative is broken down into several categories, but one includes the translation by, which would be apropos here. ➎ With regards to, as to. Similar to the Greek preposition eis (εἰς) plus the dative. [Numbering from Gesenius]. ➏ On account of, because, propter, used of cause and reason (propter means because; Gesenius used it). ➐ Concerning, about, used of a person or thing made the object of discourse, after verbs of saying. ➑ On behalf of anyone, for anyone. ➒ As applied to a rule or standard, according to, according as, as though, as if. ➓ When associated with time, it refers to the point of time at which or in which anything is done; or it can refer to the space of time during which something is done (or occurs); at the time of.
melek^e ( ∵ל ∵מ) [pronounced MEH-lek]	king, ruler, prince	masculine singular noun	Strong’s #4428 BDB #572
׳al (ל ַע) [pronounced ģahl ]	upon, beyond, on, against, above, over, by, beside	preposition of proximity	Strong’s #5921 BDB #752
Yis^erâêl (לֵאָר ׃̣י) [pronounced yis-raw-ALE]	transliterated Israel	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #3478 BDB #975

Translation: Therefore, they anointed David as the king over [all] Israel... As a result of coming to an agreement, David was made king over all Israel.

1Chronicles 11:3d
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
kaph or k^e ( ׃) [pronounced k^e]	as, like, according to; about, approximately	preposition of comparison or approximation	No Strong’s # BDB #453
dâbâr (רָבָ) [pronounced daw^b-VAWR]	word, saying, doctrine, thing, matter, command	masculine singular construct	Strong's #1697 BDB #182
YHWH (הוהי) [pronunciation is possibly yhoh-WAH]	transliterated variously as Jehovah, Yahweh, Y^ehowah	proper noun	Strong’s #3068 BDB #217
b^e (׃) [pronounced b^eh]	in, into, at, by, near, on, with, before, against, by means of, among, within	a preposition of proximity	No Strong’s # BDB #88
yâd (דָי) [pronounced yawd]	generally translated hand	feminine singular construct	Strong's #3027 BDB #388
This combination of the bêyth preposition and hand literally means in [the] hand of; and can be rendered in the power of; by the power of; with; through, by, by means of; before, in the sight of.
Sh^emûwêl (ל̤אמש) [pronounced sh^e-moo-ALE]	which means heard of El [God]; it is transliterated Samuel	proper masculine noun	Strong’s #8050 BDB #1028

Translation: ...according to the word of Y^ehowah by the hand of Samuel. In v. 3, there is a match word for word with 2Sam. 5:3, except for the addition of this phrase. David was anointed according to the word of Jehovah through Samuel. The author obviously had access here to the book of Samuel (as this is written a few hundred years later), and he is referring back to 1Sam. 15:28 16:13 28:17.

In 2Sam. 5:4–5, we read: David [was] 30 years old when he [began to] reign; [and] he reigned [for] 40 years. He ruled over Judah from Hebron seven years and six months; and in Jerusalem he ruled for 33 years over both Israel and Judah. We find these same verses in 1Chron. 29:26–27 (at the end of David’s reign). So Chronicles retains this passage, but they place it elsewhere. Then 1Chron. 11 and 2Sam. 5 are in alignment again.

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It might do us well to compare these different documents. They are so close as to demand that Chronicles was taken from Samuel, or that they had the same source material. I will note the additional words in each text with boldface.
A Side-by-Side Comparison of 2Sam. 5:1–3 and 1Chron. 11:1–3
2Sam. 5:1–3	1Chron. 11:1–3	Commentary
Then, all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, “Observe us; we [are] your bone and your flesh. In the past, when Saul was king over us, you [even] you led out and brought in Israel. [Even] then, Y^ehowah said to you, ‘You [even] you will shepherd My people; [you will shepherd] Israel; and you will be a prince over Israel.’ ”	Then, all Israel gathered together with David at Hebron, and said [to him], “Look at us [lit., behold]; we [are] your bone and your flesh. In the past, when Saul was king, you led out and [you] brought in Israel. [Even] then, Y^ehowah your Elohim said to you, ‘You [even] you will shepherd My people; [you will shepherd] Israel; and you will be a prince over My people Israel.’ ”	In both texts, it is obvious that we are dealing with a lot of people here. Interestingly enough, 1Chronicles, which was written much later, has more additional text. This suggests (1) minor corruption in the Samuel text (a few words dropped out); (2) The writer of Chronicles, inspired by God the Holy Spirit, added text which is accurate; (3) Chronicles was taken from another source, the same source that Samuel was taken from.
So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and he made a covenant with them in Hebron before Y^ehowah. Therefore, they anointed David as the king over [all] Israel.	So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and he made a covenant with them in Hebron before Y^ehowah. Therefore, they anointed David as the king over [all] Israel according to the word of Y^ehowah by the hand of Samuel.	The additional text here could be legitimately added, since it is true and based upon the history of Samuel and David.

The reasons for the text being different are given as commentary with the first 2 verses.

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David Conquers Jerusalem, Making it the Capital City of United Israel

2Samuel 5:6–10

And so goes David and all Israel [to] Jerusalem (this [is] Jebus) and there the Jebusite inhabitants of the land.

1Chronicles

11:4

And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (then called [lit., this] Jebus) and the Jebusites inhabited the land there.

Later David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (then known as Jebus) where Jebusites inhabited the land.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:

Masoretic Text And so goes David and all Israel [to] Jerusalem (this [is] Jebus) and there the Jebusite inhabitants of the land.

Septuagint And the king and his men went to Jerusalem, this is Jebus; and there the Jebusites the inhabitants of the land said to David,...

Significant differences: The Greek reads Jebusites, inhabitants of the land only once (in this verse); it is repeated in the Hebrew in the next (along with the fact that they speak to David). Although that is considerably different, it has no effect on the overall meaning.

Thought-for-thought translations; paraphrases:

CEV Jerusalem was called Jebus at the time, and David led Israel's army to attack the town.

The Message David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (it was the old Jebus, where the Jebusites lived).

NAB Then David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, that is, Jebus, where the natives of the land were called jebusites.

NLT Then David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (or Jebus, as it used to be called), where the Jebusites, original inhabitants of the land, lived.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

God’s Word™ David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus). The Jebusites were living in that region.

HCSB David and all Israel marched to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus); the Jebusites who inhabited the land were there.

JPS (Tanakh) The king and all Israel set out for Jerusalem, that is Jebus, where the Jebusite inhabitants of the land lived.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

ESV And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, that is Jebus, where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land.

Young’s Updated LT And David goes, and all Israel, to Jerusalem—it is Jebus—and there the Jebusite, the inhabitants of the land.

What is the gist of this verse? David takes some men to Jerusalem to possibly take it as his royal city, known then as Jebus. It is occupied by Jebusites.

1Chronicles 11:4a
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
hâlak^e ( ַל ָה) [pronounced haw-LAHK^e]	to go, to come, to depart, to walk; to advance	3^rd person masculine plural, Qal imperfect	Strong’s #1980 (and #3212) BDB #229
Dâvid (ד̣וָ); also Dâvîyd (די.וָ) [pronounced daw-VEED]	beloved and is transliterated David	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #1732 BDB #187
w^e (or v^e) (ו) [pronounced weh]	and, even, then; namely; when; since, that; though	simple wâw conjunction	No Strong’s # BDB #251
kôl (לֹ) [pronounced kohl]	every, each, all of, all; any of, any	masculine singular construct not followed by a definite article	Strong’s #3605 BDB #481
Yis^erâêl (לֵאָר ׃̣י) [pronounced yis-raw-ALE]	transliterated Israel	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #3478 BDB #975
Y^erûwshâlayim (ם̣יַלָשר׃י) [pronounced yroo-shaw-LAH-yim]	possibly means founded upon peace or city of the Jebusites (or both); it is transliterated Jerusalem	Proper singular noun, location	Strong’s #3389 BDB #436

Translation: And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem... Jerusalem is a city of Israel. It had not been completely conquered, but it was within the borders of Israel and David had a right to this city. He takes, apparently, a rather large army with him, an army consisting of men from both northern and southern Israel (or so the text appears to say).

1Chronicles 11:4b
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
hîy (אי.ה) [pronounced hee]	she, it; also used as a demonstrative pronoun: that, this	3^rd person feminine singular, personal pronoun	Strong’s #1931 BDB #214
Y^ebvûwç (סב׃י) [pronounced ye^bVOOS]	[place of the] Jebusites	proper noun/location	Strong’s #2982 BDB #101

Translation: ...(then called [lit., this] Jebus)... The name of Jerusalem was originally Jebus, so named for the Jebusites who controlled it. It is possible that some Israelites even lived in this city; however, it is possible that they had been forced out as well. Although we covered a history of Jerusalem back in 2Sam. 5:9, we are only speculating about the population. That David is kept out and that these Jebusites have great confidence in their walls, suggests to me that, at this time, no Israelite lived inside Jerusalem.

1Chronicles 11:4c
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
w^e (or v^e) (ו) [pronounced weh]	and, even, then; namely; when; since, that; though	simple wâw conjunction	No Strong’s # BDB #251
shâm (ם ָש) [pronounced shawm]	there; at that time, then; therein, in that thing	adverb	Strong’s #8033 BDB #1027
Y^ebûçîy (י ̣סֻב׃י) [pronounced y^evoo-SEE]	an inhabitant or descendant of Jebus; transliterated Jebusite	adjective gentilis with the definite article	Strong’s #2983 BDB #101
yâshab (בַשָי) [pronounced yaw-SHAHBV]	inhabiting, staying, remaining, dwelling, sitting	masculine plural construct, Qal active participle	Strong's #3427 BDB #442
erets (ץ ∵ר ∵א) [pronounced EH-rets]	earth (all or a portion thereof), land, ground, soil	feminine singular noun; with the definite article	Strong's #776 BDB #75

Translation: ... and the Jebusites inhabited the land there. We also studied the Jebusites back in 2Sam. 5:6, and they were apparently a small tribe of heathen left in the land by God to test Israel (Judges 1:21 2:21–23).

And so say inhabitants of Jebus to David, “You will not come in here.” And so takes David a stronghold of Zion (this, a city of David).

1Chronicles

11:5

The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You will not come in here.” Nevertheless [lit., and so] David captured the stronghold of Zion (also known [today] as the city of David).

Although the inhabitants of Jebus warned David, “You will not come in here,” David still captures the stronghold of Zion and it became known as the City of David.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:

Masoretic Text And so say inhabitants of Jebus to David, “You will not come in here.” And so takes David a stronghold of Zion (this, a city of David).

Septuagint You will not enter in hither. But he took the strong hold of Sion: this is the city of David.

Significant differences: The Greek has the inhabitants of Jebus in the previous verse (the Hebrew has this phrase twice).

Thought-for-thought translations; paraphrases:

CEV The Jebusites said, "You won't be able to get in here!" But David captured the fortress of Mount Zion, which is now called the City of David.

The Message The citizens of Jebus told David, "No trespassing--you can't come here." David came on anyway and captured the fortress of Zion, the City of David.

NAB The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You shall not enter here.” David nevertheless captured the fortress of Sion, which is the City of David.

NLT The people of Jebus said to David, “You will never get in here!” But David captured the fortress of Zion, now called the City of David.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

God’s Word™ They told David, "You will never get in here." But David captured the fortress Zion (that is, the City of David).

JPS (Tanakh) David was told by the inhabitants of Jebus, “You will never get in here!” But David captured the stronghold of Zion; it is now the City of David.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

ESV The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, "You will not come in here." Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.

Young’s Updated LT And the inhabitants of Jebus say to David, “You will not come in here;” and David captures the fortress of Zion—it is the city of David.

What is the gist of this verse? Even though David is told that he would not even enter the city, he captures it—even the fortress of Zion—and it becomes known as the city of David.

1Chronicles 11:5a
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore; because	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
âmar (ר ַמ ָא) [pronounced aw-MAHR]	to say, to speak, to utter; to say [to oneself], to think	3^rd person masculine plural, Qal imperfect	Strong’s #559 BDB #55
yâshab (בַשָי) [pronounced yaw-SHAHBV]	inhabiting, staying, remaining, dwelling, sitting	masculine plural construct, Qal active participle	Strong's #3427 BDB #442
Y^ebvûwç (סב׃י) [pronounced ye^bVOOS]	[place of the] Jebusites	proper noun/location	Strong’s #2982 BDB #101
lâmed (ל) (pronounced l^e)	to, for, towards, in regards to	directional/relational preposition	No Strong’s # BDB #510
Dâvid (ד ̣וָ); also Dâvîyd (די.וָ) [pronounced daw-VEED]	beloved and is transliterated David	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #1732 BDB #187

Translation: The inhabitants of Jebus said to David,... In Samuel, there is one person speaking to David; however, no doubt, a delegation of Jebusites met David in front of the city, and there was a discussion. My opinion is, and I am pretty firm here, is David told them that he wanted the city as his capital city, but that, they could work things out together. That is, David did not go to them with only the intention of killing them and taking the city. I think the fact that they are all standing here talking makes that abundantly clear. If David had intended to just attack and take the city, then there would be no reason to have this preliminary conversation. However, we have a conversation taking place here. We know from the Mosaic Law that Israel was to offer terms of peace to the people that they invaded, and we may reasonably suppose that David spent enough time in the Scriptures to know this. Otherwise, this conversation here makes no sense. Let’s assume for a moment, that David is going to attack these Jebusites, without offering any terms of peace. Why would he stop and chat with Jebusites to begin with? One of the great tactics of war is suprise, so why would David, a great warrior, give up this advantage just to chat? You see, that approach makes little or no sense.

1Chronicles 11:5b
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
lô (אֹל or אל) [pronounced low]	not, no	negates the word or action that follows; the absolute negation	Strong’s #3808 BDB #518
bôw (א) [pronounced boh]	to come in, to come, to go in, to go, to enter	2^nd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong’s #935 BDB #97
hênnâh (הָ ֵה) [pronounced HAYN-naw]	hither, here	adverb	Strong’s #2008 BDB #244

Translation: .. .“You will not come in here,... David offers these Jebusites terms of peace, and they flat out tell him, “You can’t come into Jerusalem. It is too well fortified.” We 2Samuel, we find out that things are so well-fortified, that these Jebusites tell David that even blind and lame soldiers could keep David out (2Sam. 5:6–8).

1Chronicles 11:5c
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
The wâw consecutive can also be rendered so, that, yet, therefore. There are times when the wâw consecutive simply carries the action along and we do not need an English translation in order to indicate that.
lâkad (ד ַכ ָל) [pronounced law-KAHD]	to capture, to seize, to take, to choose [by lot]	3^rd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong’s #3920 BDB #539
Dâvid (ד ̣וָ); also Dâvîyd (די.וָ) [pronounced daw-VEED]	beloved and is transliterated David	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #1732 BDB #187
êth (ת ֵא) [pronounced ayth]	generally untranslated; occasionally to, toward	indicates that the following substantive is a direct object	Strong's #853 BDB #84
m^etsûwdâh (הָדצמ) [pronounced m^etzoo-DAW]	fortress, stronghold, top of a mountain; capture, prey, hunted; snare, net; transliterated Masada	feminine singular construct	Strong’s #4686 BDB #845
Tsâyôwn (ןיָצ) [pronounced tzaw-YOHN]	dry, parched ground; and is transliterated Zion	Proper noun/location	Strong’s #6726 BDB #851

Translation: Nevertheless [lit., and so] David captured the stronghold of Zion... We will be given a slightly different approach to David’s capture of Zion in Chronicles. This does not contradict the narrative in 2Sam. 5, but it complements it.

C. I. Scofield is a genius at presenting a condensed explanation, and this is what he had to say on Zion.

Scofield on Zion

Zion, the ancient Jebusite stronghold, is the southwest eminence in Jerusalem, called in Scripture the city of David, and associated with the Davidic royalty both historically and prophetically (1Chron. 11:7 Psalm 2:6 Isa. 2:3). The word is often used of the whole city of Jerusalem considered as the city of God (Psalm 48:2 Psalm 48:3) especially in passages referring to the future kingdom–age; (Isa. 1:27 2:3 4:1–6 Joel 3:16 Zech. 1:16–17 8:3–8 Rom. 11:26). In (Heb. 12:22) the word is used symbolically of heaven.

In (Deut. 4:48) the name is given to a projection or peak of Mount Hermon.

Actually, the word found in Deut. 4:48 is not Zion, a difference which is much more obvious in the Hebrew (see my exegesis of Deut. 4:48).

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We’ve covered the Doctrine of Zion in Psalm 110:2.

1Chronicles 11:5d
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
hîy (אי.ה) [pronounced hee]	she, it; also used as a demonstrative pronoun: that, this	3^rd person feminine singular, personal pronoun	Strong’s #1931 BDB #214
Several good translators rendered this that is; perhaps the connotation could be also known as.
׳îyr (רי ̣ע) [pronounced ģeer]	encampment, city, town	feminine singular construct	Strong's #5892 BDB #746
Dâvid (ד̣וָ); also Dâvîyd (די.וָ) [pronounced daw-VEED]	beloved and is transliterated David	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #1732 BDB #187

Translation: ...(also known [today] as the city of David). The writer of Chronicles puts this all together many years later, and simply tells us that Jerusalem is known today as the City of David.

And so says David, “Each of a striker of the Jebusite in the first is for a head and for a chief.” And so goes up in the first Joab son of Zeruiah and so he is head.

1Chronicles

11:6

Then David said, “Whoever strikes down the Jebusite first, he will be prince and commander.” Joab son of Zeruiah went up first and he is [now] a prince.

David promised, “Whoever first kills a Jebusite, he will be a crown prince and a chief.” So Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became a prince.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:

Masoretic text And so says David, “Each of a striker of the Jebusite in the first is for a head and for a chief.” And so goes up in the first Joab son of Zeruiah and so he is head.

Septuagint And David said, “Everyone striking the Jebusite, even he shall be chief and captain.” And Joab the son of Saruia went up first, and became chief.

Significant differences:

Thought-for-thought translations; paraphrases:

CEV David had told his troops, "The first soldier to kill a Jebusite will become my army commander." And since Joab son of Zeruiah attacked first, he became commander.

NAB David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be made the chief commander.” Joab, he son of Zeruiah, was the first to go up; and so he became chief.

TEV David said, “The first man to kill a Jebusite will be commander of the army!” Joab, whose mother was Zeruiah, led the attack and became commander.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

God’s Word™ Now, David said, "Whoever is the first to kill a Jebusite will be made a general and a prince." Zeruiah's son Joab was the first to go into Jerusalem, so he became the general.

HCSB David said, "Whoever is the first to kill a Jebusite will become commander-in-chief." Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became the chief.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

ESV David said, "Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander." And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief.

Young’s Updated LT And David says, “Whoever strikes the Jebusite first becomes head and prince;” and Joab son of Zeruiah goes up first and becomes head.

What is the gist of this verse? David promises that the first man to strike down a Jebusite will be named commander of David’s army.

1Chronicles 11:6a
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
âmar (ר ַמ ָא) [pronounced aw-MAHR]	to say, to speak, to utter; to say [to oneself], to think	3^rd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong’s #559 BDB #55
Dâvid (ד̣וָ); also Dâvîyd (די.וָ) [pronounced daw-VEED]	beloved and is transliterated David	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #1732 BDB #187
kôl (לֹ) [pronounced kohl]	every, each, all of, all; any of, any	masculine singular construct not followed by a definite article	Strong’s #3605 BDB #481
nâkâh (ה ָכ ָנ) [pronounced naw-KAWH]	to smite, to assault, to hit, to strike, to strike [something or someone] down, to defeat, to conquer, to subjugate	masculine singular construct, Hiphil participle	Strong #5221 BDB #645
Y^ebûçîy (י ̣סֻב׃י) [pronounced y^evoo-SEE]	an inhabitant or descendant of Jebus; transliterated Jebusite	adjective gentilis	Strong’s #2983 BDB #101
b^e () [pronounced b^eh]	in, into, through; at, by, near, on, upon; with, before, against; by means of; among; within	a preposition of proximity	No Strong’s # BDB #88
rîshôwnâh (הָןש̣ר) [pronounced ree-show-NAW]	first [in time, in degree, chief, former [in time], ancestors, former things; foremost; beginning	feminine singular adjective with the definite article	Strong’s #7223 BDB #911
With the bêyth preposition, rîshôwnâh means first, in front, in the first rank; before, formerly, aforetime.
hâyâh (ה ָי ָה) [pronounced haw-YAW]	to be, is, was, are; to become, to come into being; to come to pass	3^rd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong's #1961 BDB #224
lâmed (ל) (pronounced l^e)	to, for, towards, in regards to	directional/relational preposition	No Strong’s # BDB #510
rôsh (שאֹר) [pronounced rohsh]	head [of a man, city, state, nation, place, family, priest], top [of a mountain]; chief, prince, officer; front, choicest, best; height [of stars]; sum	masculine singular noun	Strong's #7218 BDB #910
w^e (or v^e) (ו) [pronounced weh]	and, even, then; namely; when; since, that; though	simple wâw conjunction	No Strong’s # BDB #251
lâmed (ל) (pronounced l^e)	to, for, towards, in regards to	directional/relational preposition	No Strong’s # BDB #510
sar (ר ַ) [pronounced sar]	chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince, leader, commander	masculine singular construct	Strong’s #8269 BDB #978

Translation: Then David said, “Whoever strikes down the Jebusite first, he will be prince and commander.”

1Chronicles 11:6b
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
׳âlâh (ה ָל ָע) [pronounced ģaw-LAWH]	to go up, to ascend, to come up, to rise, to climb	3^rd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong's #5927 BDB #748
There appears to be a military component in the use of this verb in some contexts. That is, it sometimes does not mean to go up [in elevation] or to go up [in a northerly direction], but to go up against an enemy in battle or to go to a specific place in order to position oneself ready for war.
b^e () [pronounced b^eh]	in, into, through; at, by, near, on, upon; with, before, against; by means of; among; within	a preposition of proximity	No Strong’s # BDB #88
rîshôwnâh (הָןש̣ר) [pronounced ree-show-NAW]	first [in time, in degree, chief, former [in time], ancestors, former things; foremost; beginning	feminine singular adjective with the definite article	Strong’s #7223 BDB #911
With the bêyth preposition, rîshôwnâh means first, in front, in the first rank; before, formerly, aforetime.
Yôwâb (בָאי) [pronounced YOH-aw^bv]	Yah is father and is transliterated Joab	masculine singular proper noun	Strong’s #3097 BDB #222
bên (ן ֵ) [pronounced bane]	son, descendant	masculine singular construct	Strong’s #1121 BDB #119
Ts^erûwyâh (הָירצ) [pronounced tz^eroo-YAW]	transliterated Zeruiah	feminine singular proper noun	Strong’s #6870 BDB #863

Translation: Joab son of Zeruiah went up first.

1Chronicles 11:6c
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
hâyâh (ה ָי ָה) [pronounced haw-YAW]	to be, is, was, are; to become, to come into being; to come to pass	3^rd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong's #1961 BDB #224
lâmed (ל) (pronounced l^e)	to, for, towards, in regards to	directional/relational preposition	No Strong’s # BDB #510
rôsh (שאֹר) [pronounced rohsh]	head [of a man, city, state, nation, place, family, priest], top [of a mountain]; chief, prince, officer; front, choicest, best; height [of stars]; sum	masculine singular noun	Strong's #7218 BDB #910

Translation: ...and he is [now] a prince.

And so David lives in the stronghold upon so, they called to him a city of David.

1Chronicles

11:7

David lived in the strong hold; therefore, they called it the city of David.

David lived in the stronghold and it became known as the city of David.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:

Masoretic Text And so David lives in the stronghold; upon so they called to him a city of David.

Septuagint And David sat in the strong hold; therefore he called it the city of David.

Significant differences:

Thought-for-thought translations; paraphrases:

CEV Later, David moved to the fortress--that's why it's called the City of David.

The Message David took up residence in the fortress city; that's how it got its name, "City of David."

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

God’s Word™ David lived in the fortress, so it was called the City of David.

HCSB Then David took up residence in the stronghold; therefore, it was called the city of David.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

ESV And David lived in the stronghold; therefore it was called the city of David.

Young’s Updated LT And David lives in the fortress, therefore, they have called it “the City of David.”

What is the gist of this verse? David decides to live in Jerusalem, calling it the city of David. He also began several building projects around the city.

1Chronicles 11:7a
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
yâshab (בַשָי) [pronounced yaw-SHAH^BV]	to remain, to stay; to dwell, to live, to inhabit; to sit	3^rd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong's #3427 BDB #442
Dâvid (ד̣וָ); also Dâvîyd (די.וָ) [pronounced daw-VEED]	beloved and is transliterated David	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #1732 BDB #187
b^e () [pronounced b^eh]	in, into, through; at, by, near, on, upon; with, before, against; by means of; among; within	a preposition of proximity	No Strong’s # BDB #88
m^etsûwdâh (הָדצמ) [pronounced m^etzoo-DAW]	fortress, stronghold, top of a mountain; capture, prey, hunted; snare, net; transliterated Masada	feminine singular noun with the definite article; pausal form	Strong’s #4686 BDB #845

Translation: David lived in the strong hold;...

1Chronicles 11:7b
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
׳al (לַע) [pronounced ģahl ]	upon, beyond, on, against, above, over, by, beside	preposition of proximity	Strong’s #5921 BDB #752
kên (ן ֵ) [pronounced kane]	so or thus	adverb	Strong's #3651 BDB #485
Together, ׳al kên (ל-ע ן̤) mean so, upon the ground of such conditions, therefore, on this account, on account, for this reason.
qârâ (א ָר ָק) [pronounced kaw-RAW]	to call, to proclaim, to read, to call to, to call out to, to assemble, to summon; to call, to name [when followed by a lâmed]	3^rd person plural, Qal perfect	Strong's #7121 BDB #894
lâmed (ל) (pronounced l^e)	to, for, towards, in regards to	directional/relational preposition; with the 3^rd person masculine singular suffix	No Strong’s # BDB #510
׳îyr (רי ̣ע) [pronounced ģeer]	encampment, city, town	feminine singular construct	Strong's #5892 BDB #746
Dâvid (ד̣וָ); also Dâvîyd (די.וָ) [pronounced daw-VEED]	beloved and is transliterated David	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #1732 BDB #187

Translation: ...therefore, they called it the city of David.

And so he builds the city from round about from the Millo and as far as round about. And brought to life Joab a rest of the city.

1Chronicles

11:8

David [lit., he] built the city round about from Millo and round about. Joab brought the rest of the city back to life.

He also built all around the city from Millo and all around. Joab brought the rest of the city back to life.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:

Latin Vulgate And he built the city round about from Mello all round, and Joab built the rest of the city.

Masoretic Text And so he builds the city from round about from the Millo and as far as round about. And brought to life Joab a rest of the city.

Septuagint And he built the city round about.

Significant differences: The LXX interprets Millo as meaning a citadel; and interprets that David build his own house as a part of this building project.

Thought-for-thought translations; paraphrases:

The Message David fortified the city all the way around, both the outer bulwarks (the Millo) and the outside wall. Joab rebuilt the city gates.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

God’s Word™ He built the city of Jerusalem around it, starting from the Millo and making a complete circuit. Joab rebuilt the rest of the city.

HCSB He built up the city all the way around, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding parts, and Joab restored the rest of the city.

JPS (Tanakh) David also fortified the surrounding area, from Millo roundabout, and Joab rebuilt the rest of the city.

NIV Study Bible He built up the city around it, from the supporting terraces to the surrounding wall, while Joab restored the rest of the city.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

ESV And he built the city all around from the Millo in complete circuit, and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

Young’s Updated LT And David builds the city round about, from Millo and to the circumference, and Joab restores the rest of the city.

What is the gist of this verse? David begins several building projects around the city.

1Chronicles 11:8a
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore; because	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
bânâh (ה ָנ ָ) [pronounced baw-NAWH]	to build, to rebuild, to restore	3^rd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong’s #1129 BDB #124
׳îyr (רי ̣ע) [pronounced ģeer]	encampment, city, town	feminine singular noun with the definite article	Strong's #5892 BDB #746
min (ן ̣מ) [pronounced min]	from, off, out from, out of, away from, on account of, since, than, more than	preposition of separation	Strong's #4480 BDB #577
çâbîyb (בי̣בָס) [pronounced saw^b-VEE^BV]	around, surrounding, circuit, round about, encircle	adverb/preposition	Strong’s #5439 BDB #686
The min preposition and çâbîyb mean from round about, from every side.
min (ן ̣מ) [pronounced min]	from, off, out from, out of, away from, on account of, since, than, more than	preposition of separation	Strong's #4480 BDB #577
Millôw (א.מ) [pronounced mihl-LOW]	rampart; mound; transliterated Millo	Proper masculine singular noun; with the definite article	Strong’s #4407 BDB #571
w^e (or v^e) (ו) [pronounced weh]	and, even, then; namely; when; since, that, so that; though	simple wâw conjunction	No Strong’s # BDB #251
׳ad (דַע) [pronounced ģahd]	as far as, even to, up to, until	preposition	Strong’s #5704 BDB #723
çâbîyb (בי̣בָס) [pronounced saw^b-VEE^BV]	around, surrounding, circuit, round about, encircle	adverb/preposition	Strong’s #5439 BDB #686

Translation: David [lit., he] built the city round about from Millo and round about.

1Chronicles 11:8b
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
Yôwâb (בָאי) [pronounced YOH-aw^bv]	Yah is father and is transliterated Joab	masculine singular proper noun	Strong’s #3097 BDB #222
châyâh (הָיָח) [pronounced khaw-YAW]	to cause to live, to make alive; to keep alive; to call back to life; to restore life	3^rd person masculine singular, Piel imperfect	Strong's #2421 & #2425 BDB #310
êth (ת ֵא) [pronounced ayth]	generally untranslated; occasionally to, toward	indicates that the following substantive is a direct object	Strong's #853 BDB #84
sh^eâr (רָאש) [pronounced sh^e-AWR]	rest, remainder, residue, remnant	masculine singular construct	Strong’s #7605 BDB #984
׳îyr (רי ̣ע) [pronounced ģeer]	encampment, city, town	feminine singular noun with the definite article	Strong's #5892 BDB #746

Translation: Joab brought the rest of the city back to life.

And so goes David going great and Y^ehowah of armies [is] with him.

1Chronicles

11:9

And David greatly advanced and Y^ehowah of the armies [was] with him.

And David continued to move forward, always advancing, becoming greater in power and substance; and Jehovah of the armies was always with him.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:

Latin Vulgate And David went on growing and increasing, and the Lord of hosts was with him.

Masoretic Text And so goes David going great and Y^ehowah of armies [is] with him.

Septuagint And David continued to increase, and the Lord Almighty [was] with him.

Significant differences: In the first thought, the Hebrew uses the same verb twice; the Greek actually has 3 verbs here, two which have the same root and mean to advance; and a 3^rd which means to become great. There does not appear to be a strong difference in meaning. The Greek also has a slightly different title for God (the Lord Almighty instead of the Lord of the armies).

Thought-for-thought translations; paraphrases:

CEV David became a great and strong ruler, because the LORD All-Powerful was on his side.

REB David steadily grew more and more powerful, for the Lord of hosts was with him.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

God’s Word™ David continued to grow more powerful because the LORD of Armies was with him.

HCSB David steadily grew more powerful, and the LORD of Hosts was with him.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

ESV And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of hosts was with him.

WEB David grew greater and greater; for Yahweh of Hosts was with him.

Young’s Updated LT And David goes, going on and becoming great, and Jehovah of Hosts [is] with him.

What is the gist of this verse? David continues to advance in greatness (in prosperity, power and prestige); and God is with him.

1Chronicles 11:9a
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
wa (or va) (ַו) [pronounced wah]	and so, and then, then, and; so, that, yet, therefore	wâw consecutive	No Strong’s # BDB #253
hâlak^e ( ַל ָה) [pronounced haw-LAHK^e]	to go, to come, to depart, to walk; to advance	3^rd person masculine singular, Qal imperfect	Strong’s #1980 (and #3212) BDB #229
Dâvid (ד̣וָ); also Dâvîyd (די.וָ) [pronounced daw-VEED]	beloved and is transliterated David	masculine proper noun	Strong’s #1732 BDB #187
hâlak^e ( ַל ָה) [pronounced haw-LAHK^e]	to go, to come, to depart, to walk; to advance	Qal infinitive absolute	Strong’s #1980 (and #3212) BDB #229
A Qal infinitive absolute is a verb which can act like noun, a verb or an adverb. Generally it takes the place of a noun and serves to intensify meanings. When used as a complement of affirmation, it may be rendered surely, indeed, definitely; and when it is a complement of improbability and condition, we render it at all, freely, indeed. The Qal infinitive absolute can also serve as an adverbial complement; or, as a verb, it can replace finite verbs, imperatives, participles, and the infinitive constructs.
w^e (or v^e) (ו) [pronounced weh]	and, even, then; namely; when; since, that, so that; though	simple wâw conjunction	No Strong’s # BDB #251
gâdôwl (לד ָ) [pronounced gaw-DOHL]	large, great or mighty [in power, nobility, wealth; in number, or magnitude and extent], loud, older, important, distinguished; vast, unyielding, immutable, significant, astonishing	masculine singular adjective	Strong’s #1419 BDB #152

Translation: And David greatly advanced...

1Chronicles 11:9b
Hebrew/Pronunciation	Common English Meanings	Notes/Morphology	BDB and Strong’s Numbers
w^e (or v^e) (ו) [pronounced weh]	and, even, then; namely; when; since, that, so that; though	simple wâw conjunction	No Strong’s # BDB #251
YHWH (הוהי) [pronunciation is possibly yhoh-WAH]	transliterated variously as Jehovah, Yahweh, Y^ehowah	proper noun	Strong’s #3068 BDB #217
tsâbâ (א ָב ָצ) [pronounced tsaw^b-VAW]	army, war, or warfare	masculine plural noun; Owen lists this as a proper noun	Strong's #6635 DB #838
׳îm (ם̣ע) [pronounced ģeem]	with, at, by, near; like; from	preposition of nearness and vicinity; with the 3^rd person masculine singular suffix	Strong’s #5973 BDB #767

Translation: ...and Y^ehowah of the armies [was] with him.

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David’s Mighty Men

2Samuel 23:8–39