Definition: Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the [first] three.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 23:19. It's a bit poetic and a little mysterious, but it essentially means this man was incredibly important and respected. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a king who was exceptionally good and admired by his people. He wasn't just powerful; he was also deeply valued for his character. Let’s unpack the words: “Was he not most honourable of three?” – This is asking if there was anyone more honorable than this man. “therefore he was their captain” – This means he held a leadership position, perhaps as commander or leader of something important. Think of it like a captain on a ship - they're in charge and have significant responsibility. “howbeit he attained not unto the [first] three.” – This is the tricky part. "Attained" means to achieve or reach a goal. The phrase “not unto” means "not to the..." It’s saying that despite his importance, he didn't fully achieve these three things. Putting it all together: This verse describes a king who was exceptionally good and respected. He held a prominent position of leadership, but he wasn’t perfect – he didn’t reach the very top three levels of respect or achievement. It suggests that while he was a significant figure, he wasn't at the pinnacle of his people’s admiration. Possible Interpretations (without deeper context): He wasn’t always perfect: The verse might be hinting that even with great success and importance, he had areas where he could improve or wasn’t completely flawless. He was a leader of a group: Perhaps he led a specific army, a religious movement, or some other important endeavor. Important Note: This is an ancient text, and the meaning has been debated by scholars for centuries. It's a beautiful example of biblical language that conveys a sense of admiration and respect without being overly explicit about his exact accomplishments. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Provide a more detailed explanation of why this verse is significant? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage?