Who was Hezro in the Bible?

Hezro, also called Hezrai, was one of King David's elite warriors known as the 'Thirty' mighty men. He was from Carmel and is listed for his military valor and loyalty to David (2 Samuel 23:35, 1 Chronicles 11:37).

What does it mean that Hezro was a Carmelite?

Being a 'Carmelite' means Hezro was from the town of Carmel in Judah, not to be confused with Mount Carmel. This designation identifies his hometown and family origin, a common way of distinguishing individuals in biblical lists.

Why is Hezro significant in the Bible?

Hezro's significance lies in his inclusion among David's most trusted and courageous fighters, highlighting God's provision of loyal and skilled men to establish and protect David's kingdom. His brief mention preserves the legacy of those who served faithfully behind the scenes.

Hezro

Old TestamentUnited MonarchyMaleDavid's warrior

Hezro the Carmelite was one of David's mighty men, known for his valor and military prowess.

Hezro

Biography

Hezro the Carmelite was numbered among David's thirty mighty men, the elite corps of warriors whose extraordinary exploits are catalogued in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. His epithet "the Carmelite" identifies him as originating from Carmel, a town in the hill country of Judah south of Hebron, distinct from the famous Mount Carmel in the north. Though the biblical text preserves no individual deed specifically attributed to Hezro, his enrollment in this distinguished company places him among men whose courage and loyalty helped secure the kingdom for David. These warriors were forged during years of hardship and conflict, and their names were preserved as a lasting tribute to their service to Israel's greatest king.

Significance

The list of David's mighty men in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11 serves an important theological function: it honors the community of faithful individuals whose service made possible the establishment of the Davidic kingdom. Hezro's inclusion reminds readers that the unfolding of God's redemptive purposes often depends on the courage of those who labor faithfully without prominent recognition. The Davidic kingdom, which prefigures the messianic reign of Christ, was built not only by David's genius but by the devotion of men like Hezro. Their legacy encourages believers that steadfast, unheralded faithfulness holds genuine significance in God's larger story.

Verse Appearances (2)

2Sam

2Sam 23:35

1Chr

1Chr 11:37

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources