Original Word: ישֵׁב בַּשֶּׁבֶת
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Yosheb bash-Shebeth
Pronunciation: yo-SHEB bash-SHE-beth
Phonetic Spelling: (yo-shabe' bash-sheh'-beth)
KJV: that sat in the seat
NASB: Josheb-basshebeth
Word Origin: [from the active participle of H3427 (יָשַׁב - inhabitants) and H7674 (שֶׁבֶת - exterminated), with a preposition and the article interposed]

1. sitting in the seat
2. Josheb-bash-Shebeth, an Israelite

Josheb-bash-Shebeth, an Israelite

From the active participle of yashab and shebeth, with a preposition and the article interposed; sitting in the seat; Josheb-bash-Shebeth, an Israelite -- that sat in the seat.

see HEBREW yashab

see HEBREW shebeth

Word Origin
from yashab, a preposition prefix, the article, and shebeth
Definition
"sitting in the seat," one of David's heroes
NASB Translation
Josheb-basshebeth (1).

ישֵׁב בַּשֶּׁ֫בֶת proper name, masculine one of David's heroes 2 Samuel 23:8 ᵐ5 Ιεβοσθε, ᵐ5^L Ιεσβααλ ("" 1 Chronicles 11:11 has יָשָׁבְעָם, q. v. below שׁוּב); read אִישׁבּֿשֶׁת q. v.

Canonical Context

The individual designated by Strong’s Hebrew 3429 appears in the catalogues of David’s elite warriors (2 Samuel 23; 1 Chronicles 11). In Samuel he heads “the Three,” whereas Chronicles places him at the head of “the Thirty,” showing that the writers, while using differing group titles, both regard him as first among the champions who stood closest to the king.

Acts of Valor

2 Samuel 23:8 records that he “wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time.” 1 Chronicles 11:11 gives the number as three hundred. Rather than a contradiction, the difference reflects the normal ancient practice of using rounded or representative figures. Either number underscores overwhelming courage made possible only by divine enablement. The writer’s emphasis is not arithmetic precision but the unmistakable evidence that “the LORD brought about a great victory” (compare 2 Samuel 23:10).

Historical and Military Setting

Serving during the consolidation of David’s kingdom, he fought in the turbulent transition from tribal confederacy to monarchy. His battlefield exploits would have struck fear in Philistine ranks and rallied wavering Israelites to David’s side. Such champions embodied the ideal of covenant loyalty (ḥesed) to the anointed king, ensuring a stable throne from which God’s redemptive purposes could advance.

Character Portrait

1. Courage: Facing overwhelming odds, he refused retreat.
2. Skill: The spear, normally a line-of-battle weapon, became in his hand an instrument of surgical devastation.
3. Loyalty: By placing his gifts wholly at David’s disposal, he modeled the self-sacrifice expected of every follower of the true King.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Empowerment of Human Instruments

Scripture consistently attributes extraordinary victories to the Lord who strengthens His servants (Psalm 18:34). The hero’s feat exemplifies the pattern later verbalized by Zechariah 4:6, “ ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of Hosts.”
2. Foreshadowing Ultimate Deliverance

An anointed king surrounded by mighty men pictures the greater Son of David, who conquers the forces arrayed against God’s people. Just as the warriors’ triumphs guaranteed Israel’s security, so Christ’s definitive victory secures everlasting salvation.
3. Worship-Shaped Warfare

The narratives of the mighty men are placed near Davidic psalms of praise, reminding readers that adoration and warfare belong together; God is magnified when His servants trust Him in the face of impossible odds.

Lessons for Ministry Today

• Private Devotion Fuels Public Boldness: Behind spectacular exploits stands a heart convinced of God’s faithfulness.
• Faithfulness Precedes Promotion: His elevation to “chief” follows sustained loyalty, encouraging believers to serve diligently in obscurity.
• Corporate Victory, Personal Responsibility: While “the Three” share renown, each champion is individually accountable. The body of Christ advances as every member uses his or her gifts without comparison or envy.
• Stand Your Ground: Modern ministry often demands moral and doctrinal steadfastness against cultural tides. Imitating this warrior, leaders hold their position, trusting God for results.

Synthesis with Parallel Traditions

Chronicles, written for post-exilic readers, highlights temple worship and Levitical support, yet still features the warrior. The Chronicler thus affirms that spiritual renewal and national defense are complementary expressions of covenant fidelity. The presence of this hero in both histories unites Israel’s monarchy with its later hopes, reinforcing the continuity of God’s purposes across generations.

Conclusion

Whether called “chief of the Three” or “chief of the Thirty,” the man designated by Strong’s Hebrew 3429 stands as a timeless witness to God’s power displayed through courageous, covenant-loyal servants. His example summons believers to unwavering allegiance to the greater King, confident that the Lord who empowered past champions remains mighty in battle today.

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts