BANAIA (Hebrew Bénajáh[il]). — Son of the priest Joiada, the most illustrious of the thirty champions who formed the bodyguard of David (II Sam. 23:20 ff.; I Chron. 11:22–24). Among his deeds of valour were the slaying of a lion and that of a giant Egyptian warrior. David entrusted him with the command of the Cherethites and Pelethites (II Sam. 8:18). At David’s death he helped to secure the accession of Solomon (I Kings 1:38), who appointed him commander-in-chief in place of Joab (I Kings 2:34–35). He carried out several executions at the beginning of Solomon’s reign (I Kings 2:25, 34–46).
Among the thirty champions there was another B. (II Sam. 23:30). A priest (I Chron. 16:6) and a Levite (I Chron. 15:18, 20) of the same name are also recorded.