1 Chronicles 11:18
New International Version
So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD.

New Living Translation
So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But David refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the LORD.

English Standard Version
Then the three mighty men broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it. He poured it out to the LORD

Berean Standard Bible
So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,

King James Bible
And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

New King James Version
So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless David would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water from the well of Bethlehem which was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David; however, David would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD;

NASB 1995
So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water from the well of Bethlehem which was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David; nevertheless David would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD;

NASB 1977
So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, and drew water from the well of Bethlehem which was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David; nevertheless David would not drink it, but poured it out to the LORD;

Legacy Standard Bible
So the three broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water from the well of Bethlehem which was by the gate, and carried it and brought it to David. Nevertheless, David was not willing to drink it, but poured it out to Yahweh;

Amplified Bible
Then the three [mighty men] broke through the camp of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem which was next to the gate, and brought it to David. But David would not drink it; he poured it out to the LORD [as an offering];

Christian Standard Bible
So the Three broke through the Philistine camp and drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem. They brought it back to David, but he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out to the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So the Three broke through the Philistine camp and drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem. They brought it back to David, but he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out to the LORD.

American Standard Version
And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto Jehovah,

Contemporary English Version
The Three Warriors sneaked through the Philistine camp and got some water from the well near Bethlehem's gate. They took it back to David, but he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured out the water as a sacrifice to the LORD

English Revised Version
And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So the three burst into the Philistine camp and drew water from the cistern. They brought it to David, but he refused to drink it. He poured it out [as an offering] to the LORD

Good News Translation
The three famous soldiers forced their way through the Philistine camp, drew some water from the well, and brought it back to David. But he would not drink it; instead he poured it out as an offering to the LORD

International Standard Version
So the Three Warriors broke through the Philistine ranks, drew some water from the Bethlehem well that was next to the city gate, and brought it back to David. But David refused to drink it, poured it out in the LORD's presence, and

Majority Standard Bible
So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,

NET Bible
So the three elite warriors broke through the Philistine forces and drew some water from the cistern in Bethlehem near the city gate. They carried it back to David, but David refused to drink it. He poured it out as a drink offering to the LORD

New Heart English Bible
The Three broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

Webster's Bible Translation
And the three broke through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

World English Bible
The three broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, took it, and brought it to David; but David would not drink any of it, but poured it out to Yahweh,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the three break through the camp of the Philistines, and draw water from the well of Beth-Lehem that [is] at the gate, and carry and bring [it] to David, and David has not been willing to drink it, and pours it out to YHWH,

Young's Literal Translation
And the three break through the camp of the Philistines, and draw water from the well of Beth-Lehem, that is at the gate, and bear and bring in unto David, and David hath not been willing to drink it, and poureth it out to Jehovah,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the three will break forth into the camp of the rovers, and draw waters from the well of the house of bread which is in the gate, and they will lift up and bring to David: and David would not drink them, and he will pour them forth to Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And these three broke through the midst of the camp of the Philistines, and drew water out of the cistern of Bethlehem, which was in the gate, and brought it to David to drink: and he would not drink of it, but rather offered it to the Lord,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, these three broke through to the midst of the camp of the Philistines, and they drew water from the well of Bethlehem, which was at the gate. And they took it to David, so that he might drink. But he was not willing; and instead, he offered it as a libation to the Lord,

New American Bible
Thereupon the Three broke through the encampment of the Philistines, drew water from the cistern by the gate of Bethlehem, and carried it back to David. But David refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out to the LORD,

New Revised Standard Version
Then the Three broke through the camp of the Philistines, and drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and they brought it to David. But David would not drink of it; he poured it out to the LORD,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And as soon as three men heard it, they broke through the camp of the Philistines, and went and drew water out of the cistern of Bethlehem that was by the gate of the city, and took it and brought it to David; but David would not drink of it, but poured it out in the presence of the LORD,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And at that moment the three men heard, and they tore through and they entered into the camp of the Philistines, and they went and filled up waters from the great well that is in Bayth Lekhem, in the gate of the city, and they took and they brought and they gave to David, and he chose not to drink them and he poured them out before LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the three broke through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David; but David would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the three broke through the camp of the Philistines, and they drew water out of the well that was in Bethleem, which was in the gate, and they took it, and came to David: but David would not drink it, and poured it out to the Lord, and said,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Mighty Men
17David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 18So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, 19saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 23:16
So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,

1 Chronicles 11:15-17
Three of the thirty chief men went down to David, to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. / At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. / David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”

1 Chronicles 11:19
saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

2 Samuel 23:13-15
At harvest time, three of the thirty chief men went down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. / At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. / David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”

1 Chronicles 12:17-18
And David went out to meet them, saying, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free of violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge you.” / Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.

1 Chronicles 12:38
All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king.

1 Chronicles 14:8-11
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went out to face them. / Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.” ...

1 Chronicles 20:4-8
Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. / Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. / And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, ...

1 Chronicles 21:18-26
Then the angel of the LORD ordered Gad to tell David to go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. / So David went up at the word that Gad had spoken in the name of the LORD. / Now Ornan was threshing wheat when he turned and saw the angel; and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. ...

1 Chronicles 29:17
I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.

Matthew 2:1-2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

Mark 14:36
“Abba, Father,” He said, “all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.”

Luke 22:42
“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

John 4:6-7
Since Jacob’s well was there, Jesus, weary from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. / When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”


Treasury of Scripture

And the three broke through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD.

brake

1 Samuel 19:5
For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

Song of Solomon 8:6
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

poured

1 Samuel 7:6
And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh.

Jump to Previous
Army Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Brake Broke Camp Carried David Drew Drink Forcing Gate Host Instead Lines Mighty Nevertheless Offering Philistine Philistines Poured Refused Thereof Three Water Water-Hole Way
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Army Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Brake Broke Camp Carried David Drew Drink Forcing Gate Host Instead Lines Mighty Nevertheless Offering Philistine Philistines Poured Refused Thereof Three Water Water-Hole Way
1 Chronicles 11
1. David Becomes King over All Israel
4. Jerusalem
10. David's Mighty Men














So the three broke through the Philistine camp
The phrase "the three" refers to David's mighty warriors, a group of elite soldiers known for their bravery and loyalty. In Hebrew, these men are often referred to as "Gibborim," meaning "mighty ones" or "heroes." Their willingness to break through the Philistine camp demonstrates their extraordinary courage and dedication to David. Historically, the Philistines were a formidable enemy of Israel, often at odds with them during the time of the Judges and the early monarchy. The act of breaking through their camp signifies a bold and dangerous mission, underscoring the loyalty and valor of these warriors.

drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem
Bethlehem, known as the "House of Bread" in Hebrew, holds significant historical and theological importance. It is the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ. The well near the gate of Bethlehem symbolizes life and sustenance, a precious resource in the arid climate of the region. The act of drawing water from this well, especially during a time of conflict, highlights the personal risk taken by the warriors. It also reflects David's deep longing for his hometown, a place of personal and spiritual significance.

and brought it back to David
The act of bringing the water back to David is a testament to the devotion and respect the mighty men had for their leader. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such an act would be seen as a gesture of loyalty and service. It also illustrates the close bond between David and his men, a relationship built on mutual respect and shared hardship. This act of bringing water, a simple yet profound gesture, underscores the themes of sacrifice and service that are central to the narrative.

But he refused to drink it
David's refusal to drink the water is a pivotal moment in the story. It reflects his deep sense of humility and reverence for the sacrifices made by his men. In the cultural and historical context, a leader refusing such a gift would be seen as an act of honor, acknowledging the value of the lives risked to obtain it. David's refusal is not out of ingratitude but rather a recognition of the sacredness of their act.

instead, he poured it out to the LORD
Pouring the water out to the LORD is an act of worship and consecration. In the Hebrew tradition, libations were offerings made to God, symbolizing the pouring out of one's life and devotion. By offering the water to the LORD, David transforms a simple act of loyalty into a spiritual sacrifice. This action elevates the narrative from a account of personal bravery to one of divine worship, illustrating David's heart for God and his understanding of true leadership as service to the Almighty. This act serves as an inspirational reminder of the importance of dedicating our most cherished gifts and sacrifices to God, recognizing His sovereignty and grace in all aspects of life.

(18) Brake through the host.--Not the main army, but the outpost in front of Bethlehem. There were heroes before Agamemnon, and there was chivalry before the Crusades.

By the gate.--Heb., in.

Poured it out.--As a libation or drink-offering. The technical term is used, as in Genesis 35:14. An act of free sacrifice, done under a sudden impulse of thankfulness, and not according to any formal prescription of the Law.

Verse 18. - David... poured it out to the Lord. This was done after the nature of a libation (1 Samuel 7:6; Judges 6:20; Exodus 30:9; Genesis 35:14).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So the Three
הַשְּׁלֹשָׁ֜ה (haš·šə·lō·šāh)
Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

broke
וַיִּבְקְע֨וּ (way·yiḇ·qə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1234: To cleave, to rend, break, rip, open

through the Philistine
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים (p̄ə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

camp,
בְּמַחֲנֵ֣ה (bə·ma·ḥă·nêh)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

drew
וַיִּֽשְׁאֲבוּ־ (way·yiš·’ă·ḇū-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7579: To bale up water

water
מַ֙יִם֙ (ma·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

from the well
מִבּ֤וֹר (mib·bō·wr)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 953: A pit, cistern, well

at the gate
בַּשַּׁ֔עַר (baš·ša·‘ar)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

of Bethlehem,
לֶ֙חֶם֙ (le·ḥem)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun

and brought it
וַיָּבִ֣אוּ (way·yā·ḇi·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

back to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

David.
דָּוִ֑יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

But he
דָוִיד֙ (ḏā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

refused
וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to drink it;
לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֔ם (liš·tō·w·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

instead, he poured it out
וַיְנַסֵּ֥ךְ (way·nas·sêḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5258: To pour out, a libation, to cast, to anoint a, king

to the LORD,
לַיהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 11:18 The three broke through the army (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 11:17
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