Benaiah בְּנָיָ֫הוּ
A Pirathonite, one of David's mighty warriors.
Who is Benaiah in the Bible?
Benaiah the Pirathonite was one of David's thirty mighty warriors, a select group of men renowned for their exceptional bravery and military skill (2 Samuel 23:30, 1 Chronicles 11:31). He served as the leader of the Ephraimites, commanding one of the twelve divisions of David's army that rotated monthly duties protecting the kingdom (1 Chronicles 27:14). His elevation to this leadership position demonstrates both his martial prowess and the deep trust King David placed in him. Benaiah's prominence among David's elite warriors underscores his significance as a loyal military commander who played an important role in establishing and maintaining David's kingdom during a formative period in Israel's history.
Biography
Benaiah the Pirathonite is mentioned in 2Sa.23.30 and 1Ch.11.31 as one of David's thirty mighty warriors. These men were known for their exceptional bravery, military skills, and loyalty to King David. Benaiah's inclusion in this elite group highlights his prowess as a warrior and his dedication to serving the king. In 1Ch.27.14, Benaiah is listed as the leader of the Ephraimites, one of the twelve divisions of David's army. Each division served the king for one month out of the year, and Benaiah's appointment as a leader demonstrates his leadership abilities and the trust placed in him by David. The fact that he hailed from Pirathon, a town in the territory of Ephraim, further underscores his connection to the tribe of Ephraim.
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 1 verse
- 2 Samuel 23:30
"Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai from the brooks of Gaash,"
1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 11:31
"Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites, Benaiah the Pirathonite,"
- 1 Chronicles 27:14
"The eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | בְּנָיָ֫הוּ |