Lexical Definition

‎אֲבִישַׁי‎ ʼĂbîyshay (ab-ee-shah'ee) Abishai N:N-M-P
or (shorter) אַבְשַׁי ʼAbshay (abshah'ee) ; from ‎אָב‎ and ‎שַׁי‎; father of a gift (i.e. probably generous)

Abishai.

1) grandson of Jesse, nephew of David via his sister Zeruiah, brother of Joab

Usage: 16 forms in 51 verses
Form Translated As     In Verse(s)
וַאֲבִישַׁ֥י and Abishai 1Sam.26.7
וַאֲבִישַׁ֣י and Abishai 2Sam.3.30 • 2Sam.20.10
וַאֲבִישַׁ֞י and Abishai 2Sam.23.18
וַאֲבִישַׁ֖י and Abishai 2Sam.2.18 • 2Sam.2.24
וְאַבְשַׁ֣י and Abishai 1Chr.11.20 • 1Chr.18.12
אַבְשַׁ֣י Abishai 2Sam.10.10 • 1Chr.19.11 • 1Chr.19.15
אַבְשַׁ֛י Abshai 1Chr.2.16
אֲבִישַׁי֙ Abishai 1Sam.26.8 • 2Sam.16.11
אֲבִישַׁ֨י Abishai 1Sam.26.6
אֲבִישַׁ֤י Abishai 2Sam.16.9 • 2Sam.18.2 • 2Sam.18.5 • 2Sam.18.12 • 2Sam.19.21
אֲבִישַׁ֣י Abishai 2Sam.21.17
אֲבִישַׁ֖י Abishai 1Sam.26.9
אֲבִישַׁ֔י Abishai 1Sam.26.6 • 2Sam.10.14 • 2Sam.20.6
Αβεσσαϊ Abishai LXX.1Sam.26.6 • LXX.1Sam.26.7 • LXX.1Sam.26.9 • LXX.2Sam.3.30 • LXX.1Chr.2.16 • LXX.1Chr.11.20
Abishai said LXX.1Sam.26.6 • LXX.1Sam.26.8
Αβεσσά Abishai LXX.2Sam.2.18 • LXX.2Sam.2.24 • LXX.2Sam.16.9 • LXX.2Sam.16.10 • LXX.2Sam.16.11 • LXX.2Sam.18.5 • LXX.2Sam.18.12 • LXX.2Sam.19.21 • LXX.2Sam.20.6 • LXX.2Sam.20.10 • LXX.2Sam.21.17 • LXX.2Sam.23.18
of Abishai LXX.2Sam.10.10 • LXX.2Sam.10.14 • LXX.2Sam.18.2
Αβεσαϊ Abishai LXX.1Chr.18.12
of Abishai LXX.1Chr.19.11 • LXX.1Chr.19.15

Extended Information

Brown-Driver-Briggs

‎אֲבִישַׁי‎ proper name, masculine (my father is Jesse; LagBN 75 thinks from ‎אֲבֶן‎ (= ‎בֶּן‎ + ‎ישׁי‎ compare ᵐ5 Ἀβεσσα[ι] 1Sam 26:6) — ‎׳‎‎א‎ 1Sam 26:6 (twice in verse) + 17 t. 1 & 2 Samuel = ‎אַבְשַׁי‎ 2Sam 10:10 + 5 t. 1 Chronicles — grandson of Jesse; son of Zeruiah & brother of Joab 1Sam 26:6 (twice in verse); 1Sam 26:7; 1Sam 26:8; 1Sam 26:9; 2Sam 2:18; 2Sam 2:24 + 2Sam 20:6 (where read ‎יואב‎ ᵑ6 Th We Dr) + 12 t. 2 Sam + 2Sam 20:7 (where insert ‎אבישׁי‎ ᵐ5 We Dr) + 5 t. 1 Chron.

Brown-Driver-Briggs References

Book Refs
1 Samuel 26:6 · 26:7 · 26:8 · 26:9
2 Samuel 2:18 · 2:24 · 10:10 · 20:6 · 20:7

Profile

Male • David's compatriot • David's nephew, one of his mighty men and commanders

David's compatriot living at the time of United Monarchy

Abishai, the son of Zeruiah and nephew of David, was a loyal commander and one of David's mighty men, known for his bravery and military prowess.

Abishai was the son of Zeruiah, King David's sister, making him David's nephew (1 Chronicles 2:16). He was the brother of Joab and Asahel, two other prominent figures in David's military ranks (2 Samuel 2:18). Abishai was one of David's mighty men and a trusted commander in his army.

During David's flight from King Saul, Abishai accompanied him and showed his loyalty by offering to kill Saul when they found him sleeping in the camp (1 Samuel 26:6-9). However, David refused to allow Abishai to harm the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 26:9-11).

Abishai played a significant role in many of David's military campaigns. He fought alongside Joab against Abner and the forces of Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 2:24). After Abner killed Asahel, Joab and Abishai pursued him but were convinced to halt their pursuit (2 Samuel 2:24-28). Later, Abishai supported Joab in avenging Asahel's death by killing Abner (2 Samuel 3:30).

In the battle against the Ammonites, Abishai led a division of the army and helped secure victory for Israel (2 Samuel 10:10-14; 1 Chronicles 19:11-15). He also accompanied David during the rebellion of Absalom and was one of the three commanders of David's forces (2 Samuel 18:2,5,12).

Abishai intervened to save David's life when a giant named Ishbi-benob threatened to kill the king (2 Samuel 21:17). He was also known for his bravery and military exploits, being credited with killing three hundred men with his spear (2 Samuel 23:18; 1 Chronicles 11:20).

Throughout David's reign, Abishai remained a loyal and trusted commander, playing a crucial role in maintaining David's kingdom and defending Israel against its enemies.

All entries for Abishai: אֲבִישַׁי