Who was Jeiel in the Bible?

Jeiel, called the Mahavite, was one of King David's mighty men, a group of elite warriors known for their strength and loyalty. He is listed in the chronicles of David's military heroes in 1 Chronicles 11:46.

What does it mean that Jeiel was a 'Mahavite'?

The term 'Mahavite' likely refers to Jeiel's hometown or clan, identifying his origin. This designation, similar to others in the list of mighty men, highlights the diverse backgrounds of the warriors who united under David's leadership.

Why is Jeiel mentioned in 1 Chronicles?

Jeiel is included to document the complete roster of David's mighty men, honoring their service and demonstrating how God built David's kingdom through faithful and capable individuals. His mention, though brief, contributes to the historical record of Israel's united monarchy.

Jeiel

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleDavid's warrior

Jeiel the Mahavite was listed among David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles.

Jeiel

Biography

Jeiel the Mahavite is named in 1 Chronicles 11:44 among the roster of David's mighty men, the elite warriors known as the Gibborim who formed the military backbone of David's kingdom. His designation as "the Mahavite" likely identifies his geographic or clan origin, though the exact location of Mahaveh remains uncertain. The list of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11 catalogs soldiers renowned for extraordinary acts of valor, including single-handed victories against overwhelming odds. While no specific exploit is recorded for Jeiel personally, his inclusion in this distinguished roll of honor indicates that he had demonstrated military courage and loyalty sufficient to earn recognition alongside figures such as Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah.

Significance

Jeiel the Mahavite's inclusion among David's mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:44) reflects the biblical theme that God accomplishes his purposes through communities of committed, courageous individuals who pledge their gifts unreservedly to his anointed king. The Gibborim served David at the most vulnerable and formative phase of his rise, before the kingdom was consolidated. Their loyalty helped secure the platform from which Israel's golden age would emerge. Jeiel's place in this company affirms that faithful, skilled service, even when it generates no memorable individual narrative, has enduring significance in the larger story of God's redemptive work through the Davidic dynasty and, ultimately, through David's greater Son.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 11:44

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]

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