18Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests.8:18 Or were chief officials (see Septuagint and Targum; see also 1 Chron. 18:17)
18Benaiah the son of Jehoiada 8:18 See 1 Chr 18:17; MT and the Cherethiteswas over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David’s sons were 8:18 Lit priestschief ministers.
18Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was [head] over both the Cherethites and Pelethites [the king’s bodyguards]; and David’s sons were 8:18 Lit priests. Even though the Hebrew word for priests is used in this verse, David’s sons would not serve as priests because they were from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. The ancient rabbis interpreted the statement to mean that the sons enjoyed some priestly privileges.chief [confidential] advisers (officials) [to the king]. [1 Chr 18:17]