Son of Jehoiada, a mighty warrior and loyal supporter of David and Solomon.
Benaiah
Named in 23 verses across 3 books, first in 2 Samuel 8:18.
בְּנָיָ֫הוּBenaiah
The name means “son of the Lord.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Benaiah Written by AI
Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was a prominent figure during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. He is first mentioned as one of David's mighty men, known for his bravery and military prowess (2 Samuel 23:20 to 23; 1 Chronicles 11:22 to 25). Benaiah's exploits included killing two warriors of Moab, a lion in a pit on a snowy day, and an Egyptian giant. He was highly respected and held leadership positions in David's army, such as being the head of the king's bodyguard (2 Samuel 8:18). During the succession crisis at the end of David's reign, Benaiah remained loyal to Solomon and played a crucial role in establishing him as king (1 Kings 1:8). He carried out Solomon's orders to execute Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, effectively removing potential threats to the new king's reign (1 Kings 2:25). Under Solomon's rule, Benaiah served as the commander of the army (1 Kings 4:4) and was part of the king's inner circle of advisors. His loyalty, military skills, and unwavering support for the Davidic dynasty made him an invaluable asset to both David and Solomon.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Benaiah, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Built up by Jehovah. (1.) The son of Jehoiada, chief priest (1 Chr. 27:5). He was set by David over his body-guard of Cherethites and Pelethites (2 Sam. 8:18; 1 Kings 1:32; 1 Chr. 18:17). His exploits are enumerated in 2 Sam. 23:20, 21, 22; 1 Chr. 11:22. He remained faithful to Solomon (1 Kings 1:8, 10, 26), by whom he was raised to the rank of commander-in-chief (1 Kings 2:25, 29, 30, 34, 35; 4:4).
(2.) 2 Sam. 23:30; 1 Chr. 11:31.
Read the rest of the entry
(3.) A musical Levite (1 Chr. 15:18, 20).
(4.) A priest (1 Chr. 15:24; 16:6).
(5.) The son of Jeiel (2 Chr. 20:14).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- 2 Samuel 8:18
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.
- 2 Samuel 20:23
Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;
- 2 Samuel 23:20
And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion.
- 2 Samuel 23:22
These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who won a name along with the three mighty men.
- 1 Kings 1:8
But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah.
- 1 Kings 1:10
But he did not invite Nathan the prophet, Benaiah, the mighty men, or his brother Solomon.
- 1 Kings 1:26
But me your servant he has not invited, nor Zadok the priest, nor Benaiah son of Jehoiada, nor your servant Solomon.
- 1 Kings 1:32
Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king.
- 1 Kings 1:36
“Amen,” replied Benaiah son of Jehoiada. “May the LORD, the God of my lord the king, so declare it.
- 1 Kings 1:38
Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon.
- 1 Kings 1:44
And with Solomon, the king has sent Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, and they have set him on the king’s mule.
- 1 Kings 2:25
So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.
- 1 Kings 2:29
It was reported to King Solomon: “Joab has fled to the tent of the LORD and is now beside the altar.” So Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down!”
- 1 Kings 2:30
And Benaiah entered the tent of the LORD and said to Joab, “The king says, ‘Come out!’” But Joab replied, “No, I will die here.” So Benaiah relayed the message to the king, saying, “This is how Joab answered me.”
- 1 Kings 2:34
So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness.
- 1 Kings 2:35
And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place.
- 1 Kings 2:46
Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.
- 1 Kings 4:4
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was in charge of the army; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;
- 1 Chronicles 11:22
And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion.
- 1 Chronicles 11:24
These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who won a name along with the three mighty men.
- 1 Chronicles 18:17
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side.
- 1 Chronicles 27:5
The third army commander, as chief for the third month, was Benaiah son of Jehoiada the priest. There were 24,000 men in his division.
- 1 Chronicles 27:6
This Benaiah was mighty among the Thirty and was over the Thirty, and his son Ammizabad was in charge of his division.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.