Lexical Summary
Abishay: Abishai
Original Word:אֲבִישַׁי
Part of Speech:Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration:Abiyshay
Pronunciation:ah-vee-SHY
Phonetic Spelling:(ab-ee-shah'ee)
KJV: Abishai
NASB:Abishai, Abshai
Word Origin:[fromH1 (אָב - father) andH7862 (שַׁי - gifts)]
1. father of a gift (i.e. probably generous)
2. Abishai, an Israelite
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Abishai
Or (shorter) Abshay {ab-shah'ee}; from'ab andshay; father of a gift (i.e. Probably generous); Abishai, an Israelite -- Abishai.
see HEBREW'ab
see HEBREWshay
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
ab and
shayDefinition"my father is Jesse," an Isr. name
NASB TranslationAbishai (21), Abshai (4).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
(
my father is Jesse; Lag
BN 75 thinks from (= + compare
1 Samuel 26:6) —
1 Samuel 26:6 (twice in verse) + 17 t. 1 & 2Samuel =
2 Samuel 10:10 5t. 1Chronicles — grandson of Jesse; son of Zeruiah & brother of Joab
1 Samuel 26:6 (twice in verse);
1 Samuel 26:7,8,9;
2 Samuel 2:18;
2 Samuel 2:24 +
2 Samuel 20:6 (where read Th We Dr) + 12 t. 2Sam +
2 Samuel 20:7 (where insert We Dr) + 5 t. 1Chron.
Topical Lexicon
Family BackgroundAbishai was the eldest son of Zeruiah, sister of David (1 Chronicles 2:16). His brothers were Joab, later commander-in-chief of the army, and Asahel, renowned for his speed. Growing up in Bethlehem within the tribe of Judah, the three brothers formed a formidable military triad that stood by David from his wilderness years through the consolidation of the united monarchy.
Companion of David in Exile
While David was hunted by Saul, Abishai volunteered for the daring night raid into the royal camp. “David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, ‘Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?’ ‘I will go with you,’ answered Abishai” (1 Samuel 26:6). Inside the camp he urged David to permit a fatal spear thrust: “God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear” (1 Samuel 26:8). David restrained him, sparing the LORD’s anointed. The scene reveals Abishai’s fearless zeal alongside a willingness to submit to righteous restraint.
Pursuit of Abner and the Cost of Vengeance
After Saul’s death, conflict erupted between the house of Saul and the house of David. Abishai’s brother Asahel was slain by Abner; Joab and Abishai later avenged him (2 Samuel 3:30). This act satisfied family honor yet complicated David’s efforts to unify Israel, illustrating how personal vengeance can hinder national reconciliation.
Chief among the Thirty
Abishai distinguished himself in combat to the point of being placed over the elite corps known as “the Thirty.” “Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Thirty. He wielded his spear against three hundred men and killed them, winning a name among the Thirty” (2 Samuel 23:18). Though not of “the Three,” he nevertheless enjoyed pre-eminence over the broader band of warriors, reflecting tested courage and sustained leadership.
Campaign against Ammon and Aram
When the Ammonite and Aramean coalition threatened Israel, Joab divided the host, giving a wing to Abishai. “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to come to my help; and if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come to help you” (2 Samuel 10:11). Their mutual support and the invocation of divine aid (verse 12) secured victory.1 Chronicles 19:11-15 parallels the account, underscoring Abishai’s strategic trustworthiness.
Role during Absalom’s Rebellion
As David fled Jerusalem, Shimei cursed the king along the road. Abishai offered immediate retribution (2 Samuel 16:9; 19:21). David again stayed his hand, choosing clemency over bloodshed. Later, when the decisive battle loomed, David arranged the forces under Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, charging them, “Deal gently with the young man Absalom for my sake” (2 Samuel 18:5). Abishai’s disciplined obedience preserved unity in a moment of internal crisis.
Suppression of Sheba’s Revolt
When Sheba son of Bichri incited northern tribes, David told Abishai, “Now Sheba... will do us more harm than Absalom; take your lord’s servants and pursue him” (2 Samuel 20:6). Though Joab soon commandeered the pursuit, Abishai’s appointment again demonstrates the king’s confidence in his reliability.
Deliverer of David from a Philistine Giant
In later years David grew weary in battle against the Philistines. “Then Ishbi-Benob… said he would kill David. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to the king’s aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him” (2 Samuel 21:16-17). By saving the aged monarch, Abishai preserved the lamp of Israel during a vulnerable moment.
Character Traits and Spiritual Insights
• Courage: Engaged giants, infiltrated enemy camps, and stood in the thickest fighting.
• Loyalty: Consistently aligned with David, whether on the run or enthroned.
• Impulsiveness: Quick to wield the sword against Saul and Shimei, yet willing to yield to David’s spiritual judgment.
• Submission to Authority: His repeated deference to David’s restraint shows respect for divinely ordered leadership.
Theological Significance
Abishai’s life illustrates the tension between zeal and obedience. He models the believer who is ready to advance the kingdom forcefully, yet must temper action with reverence for God’s established order. His willingness to stand in harm’s way for God’s anointed foreshadows loyal devotion to the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ, while David’s restraint reminds readers that vengeance belongs to the LORD.
Legacy
Though overshadowed by Joab’s political prominence, Abishai’s steadfast valor earned enduring honor among Israel’s mighty men. Each appearance across Samuel and Chronicles reinforces the consistency of Scripture’s portrait: a warrior-servant whose brave exploits, tempered by submission, contributed significantly to the stability of David’s reign and the unfolding redemptive narrative.
Forms and Transliterations
אֲבִישַׁ֔י אֲבִישַׁ֖י אֲבִישַׁ֣י אֲבִישַׁ֤י אֲבִישַׁ֨י אֲבִישַׁי֙ אַבְשַׁ֛י אַבְשַׁ֣י אבישי אבשי וְאַבְשַׁ֣י וַאֲבִישַׁ֖י וַאֲבִישַׁ֞י וַאֲבִישַׁ֣י וַאֲבִישַׁ֥י ׀ ואבישי ואבשי ’ă·ḇî·šay ’aḇ·šay ’ăḇîšay ’aḇšay aviShai avShai vaaviShai veavShai wa’ăḇîšay wa·’ă·ḇî·šay wə’aḇšay wə·’aḇ·šay
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