Definition: Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the [first] three.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Chronicles 11:21. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering verse about leadership and pride. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that this person (we don't know who exactly, but we understand they were a leader) was more honorable than both the two previous leaders – the two previous captains of the tribe. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Of the three…” : This refers to three people who were leading in the tribe. “…he was more honourable than the two…” : This is the core point. The person in question was significantly better in their character and integrity than the two leaders before them. They weren’t just good, they were more righteous and virtuous. “for he was their captain:” : "Captain" means a leader or commander. This suggests they held a position of power – perhaps leading armies, managing resources, or overseeing important decisions. “howbeit he attained not to the [first] three.” : This is the tricky part. “Howbeit” means "but" or "yet." The word "attained" means to reach or achieve something. So, this phrase means he didn’t reach the first three leaders . What does it mean in a bigger picture? This verse is often interpreted as a warning against excessive pride and arrogance. It suggests that a leader who believes they are superior to others, even unintentionally, can lead to problems. It's about recognizing your own fallibility – that everyone makes mistakes and has weaknesses. Important Context: The Book of Chronicles: This passage is from the Old Testament book of Chronicles, which tells the story of the Israelites’ leadership after Moses died. The Focus on Pride: Throughout the Old Testament, the Bible emphasizes the dangers of pride (hubris). It's a recurring theme that shows how pride can lead to disaster. In essence, this verse is saying that this leader was too proud and didn’t fully acknowledge their own shortcomings, which ultimately contributed to a negative outcome. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Give an example of how this principle applies in real life?