He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
Joab was over Israel’s entire army; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites;
Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty warriors.
Among the Thirty were: Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,
From Tebah and Berothai, towns that belonged to Hadadezer, King David took a great quantity of bronze.
This was the Benaiah who was a mighty warrior among the Thirty and was over the Thirty. His son Ammizabad was in charge of his division.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ahimelek answered the king, “Who of all your servants is as loyal as David, the king’s son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard and highly respected in your household?