2 Samuel 23 17

2 Samuel 23:17 kjv

And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

2 Samuel 23:17 nkjv

And he said, "Far be it from me, O LORD, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?" Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men.

2 Samuel 23:17 niv

"Far be it from me, LORD, to do this!" he said. "Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?" And David would not drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors.

2 Samuel 23:17 esv

and said, "Far be it from me, O LORD, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?" Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did.

2 Samuel 23:17 nlt

"The LORD forbid that I should drink this!" he exclaimed. "This water is as precious as the blood of these men who risked their lives to bring it to me." So David did not drink it. These are examples of the exploits of the Three.

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 17 Meaning

2 Samuel 23:17 portrays King David’s profound reverence for human life and his deep respect for the sacrificial act of his three mighty men. When these men risked their lives to retrieve water from Bethlehem for him, David considered the water akin to their spilled blood, too sacred for his own consumption. He would not drink it, instead pouring it out as an offering to the Lord, an act that honored both God and the extreme cost borne by his devoted warriors. This decision underscores David’s piety, humility, and his value for those who served him.

2 Samuel 23 17 Context

This verse is embedded in 2 Samuel 23, which primarily lists David’s mighty men and their heroic exploits. Immediately preceding this verse (23:13-16), it recounts an episode where David, while holding out in the cave of Adullam during a time of Philistine occupation of Bethlehem, expresses a deep longing for water from the well of Bethlehem near the gate. Three of his elite warriors, hearing his wistful desire, risked their lives, breaking through the Philistine guard to fetch this water. David, far from simply gratifying his thirst, is confronted by the sheer cost of their devotion. His response highlights his moral character as a leader who cherishes the lives of his subjects, distinguishing himself from many kings of the ancient Near East who would casually expend lives for their pleasure.

2 Samuel 23 17 Word analysis

• and said: A narrative connector, simply introducing David’s profound verbal response.

• ‘Far be it from me, O Lord, (חָלִילָה לִּי יְהוָה - chalilah li Yahweh): This is a strong Hebrew idiom, literally "Profane/unholy for me, O LORD," often translated as "God forbid!" or "The LORD forbid." It expresses vehement moral or spiritual revulsion. David is not just saying "No," but asserting that to do so would be an affront to God and to moral righteousness. It immediately grounds his refusal in a divine context, indicating a worshipful and God-fearing stance. It is an expression of deep reverence and acknowledging God's sovereignty over life.

• that I should do this! (לַעֲשֹׂות זֹאת - la’asot zot): Refers directly to the action of drinking the water. David sees the act of drinking, under these circumstances, as morally objectionable and unacceptable.

• Is this not the blood (הֲדַם - hadam): A rhetorical question. The prefix 'הֲ' (ha-) forms a question. 'דַּם' (dam) means "blood." In biblical thought, blood is synonymous with life itself (Lev 17:11, Deut 12:23). David views the water, not just as water, but as representing the lives of the men who risked everything to obtain it. It is a powerful metaphorical statement, elevating the value of their sacrifice beyond mere physical effort.

• of the men (הָאֲנָשִׁים - ha’anashim): Refers specifically to the three mighty men, highlighting their individual worth and agency, not just as nameless soldiers.

• who went (אֲשֶׁר הָלְכוּ - asher hal’chu): Simple verb of movement, but here, it implies a courageous and determined penetration of enemy lines.

• at the risk of their lives?’ (בְּנַפְשׁוֹתָם - b’nafshotehem): Literally "with their souls" or "with their lives." The Hebrew word nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ) means soul, life, or inner being. This phrase emphasizes the ultimate stakes involved—they put their very existence on the line. Their bravery was absolute.

• Therefore he would not drink it. (וְלֹא אָבָה לִשְׁתּוֹתָהּ - velo avah lishtotah): A direct and resolute consequence of David’s conviction. His strong moral and spiritual objection led to a decisive action of abstinence.

• These things did (אֵלֶּה עָשׂוּ - ’elleh ‘asu): A summary statement, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the acts described, underscoring the valor and loyalty.

• the three mighty men. (שְׁלֹשֶׁת הַגִּבֹּרִים - sheloshet hagibborim): Confirms the identity of the heroes, stressing their status as "mighty ones" or "warriors." This narrative moment showcases their unique devotion and courage.

• ‘Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this!’: This opening phrase showcases David’s immediate internal conflict and his rapid spiritual discernment. He connects the heroic, sacrificial act of his men directly to God, understanding that taking such a life-costly gift for personal indulgence would be an offense against divine reverence for life. It is not just a refusal but a moral outcry that grounds his decision in his relationship with the Almighty.

• ‘Is this not the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?’: This rhetorical question is central to the verse’s meaning. It profoundly redefines the 'water' from a simple physical refreshment into a potent symbol of sacrificial life. David perceives the deep commitment and ultimate danger the men faced, realizing that their act transcended mere service; it bordered on offering their lives. The water, thus, becomes a sacred representation of their essence.

• Therefore he would not drink it.: This marks the definitive culmination of David’s conviction. His profound respect for his men’s lives, interpreted as 'blood' poured out, compelled a complete refusal to consume the water. This immediate and resolute action speaks volumes about his character and the value he places on the lives of others, particularly those under his charge.

• These things did the three mighty men. This concluding statement acts as both a factual summary and a testament. It acknowledges the exceptional bravery and loyalty of the warriors, validating their actions while simultaneously underscoring David’s response as fitting for such a high act of devotion.

2 Samuel 23 17 Bonus section

This act of David’s is frequently contrasted with common leadership styles in the ancient world where kings were seen as absolute, with their desires easily met, often at the expense of their subjects. David's humility and the act of pouring out the water highlight his role as a shepherd-king who truly cares for his flock, echoing God’s own heart for humanity. The narrative here showcases that true greatness in leadership is found in honoring the lives of those being led and in valuing service and sacrifice. David’s action of pouring out the water prefigures, in a small way, the ultimate pouring out of life for others, culminating in Christ's ultimate sacrifice. This incident serves as a counter-narrative to self-serving ambition often found among leaders, presenting an example of selfless honor rooted in piety.

2 Samuel 23 17 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:17 offers a poignant insight into King David's character, revealing his deep respect for human life and his spiritual sensibilities. When his valiant mighty men, hearing his wistful longing for water from Bethlehem, undertook a perilous mission to fetch it, David perceived the water not merely as liquid, but as representing their very lives, almost like their "blood." To drink it would have been to profane their sacrifice for a moment of personal gratification. His declaration, "Far be it from me, O Lord," anchors his decision in his reverence for God, indicating that such an act would be morally and spiritually wrong in the sight of the Lord.

Instead of drinking, David poured the water out as an offering to God. This act parallels ritual drink offerings in the tabernacle/temple, signifying that something extremely precious, too sacred for human consumption, was being consecrated entirely to the divine. It was an act of worship, transforming a private desire into a public expression of humility and profound gratitude. This demonstrates David's spiritual maturity, his valuing of people over his own comfort, and his understanding of sacrificial devotion. He modeled for his warriors, and for future leaders, that true authority values and honors the lives and sacrifices of its people. The incident underscores the sanctity of life, the profound nature of loyalty, and the proper response to costly service. It reminds believers that certain gifts, though offered with good intent, may be too precious for self-indulgence and instead should be consecrated back to God, who is the giver of all life.