1 Chronicles 11:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian’s hand was a spear like a weaver’s beam; and he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and slew him with his own spear.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Benaiah faced a towering Egyptian armed with a massive spear, went against him with only a staff, wrested the spear away, and killed him with it.
What Does 1 Chronicles 11:23 Mean?
The chronicler dwells on Benaiah's most striking victory. He confronted a giant Egyptian, five cubits tall, wielding a spear as thick as a weaver's beam. Benaiah went down to him armed with nothing but a staff, tore the great spear from the giant's grip, and killed him with his own weapon.
The scene echoes David against Goliath: the lightly armed servant of God overcoming the towering foe. Size and weaponry do not decide the outcome when God is at work. Benaiah's staff against a spear reminds us that the LORD delights to win through what looks weak, turning the enemy's own strength against him. The God who fells giants is not impressed by stature.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Chronicles 11:23
What does 1 Chronicles 11:23 mean?
Benaiah faced a towering Egyptian armed with a massive spear, went against him with only a staff, wrested the spear away, and killed him with it.