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Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> “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. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/23.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/23.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and he said, “Far be it from me, LORD, that I would do this! Should I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” So he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> and he said, &#8220Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?&#8221 Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and he said, “Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and he said, “Be it far from me, O Yahweh, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he was not willing to drink it. These things the three mighty men did. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And he said, “Far be it from me, O LORD, that I should drink this. [Is it not the same as] the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” So he would not drink it. These things the three mighty men did. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> David said, “LORD, I would never do such a thing! Is this not the blood of men who risked their lives? ” So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three warriors. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> David said, &#8220 LORD, I would never do such a thing! Is this not the blood of men who risked their lives?&#8221 So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three warriors. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he said, Be it far from me, O Jehovah, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and said to the LORD, "I can't drink this water! It's like the blood of these men who risked their lives to get it for me." The Three Warriors did these brave deeds. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "It's unthinkable that I would do this, LORD. This is the blood of men who risked their lives!" So he refused to drink it. These are the things which the three fighting men did. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> and said, "LORD, I could never drink this! It would be like drinking the blood of these men who risked their lives!" So he refused to drink it. Those were the brave deeds of the three famous soldiers. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> and said, "The LORD forbid that I drink this—this is the blood of men who endangered their own lives!" The Three elite warriors did these things. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> saying, ?Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?? So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. <a href="/net/2_samuel/23.htm">NET Bible</a> and said, "O LORD, I will not do this! It is equivalent to the blood of the men who risked their lives by going." So he refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three elite warriors. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He said, "Far be it from me, LORD, that I should do this. Shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?" Therefore he would not drink it. The Three warriors did these things. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/2_samuel/23.htm">World English Bible</a> He said, “Be it far from me, Yahweh, that I should do this! Isn’t this the blood of the men who risked their lives to go?” Therefore he would not drink it. The three mighty men did these things. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and says, “Far be it from me, O YHWH, to do this; is it the blood of the men who are going with their lives?” And he was not willing to drink it; the three mighty ones did these [things]. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and saith, 'Far be it from me, O Jehovah, to do this; is it the blood of the men who are going with their lives?' and he was not willing to drink it; these things did the three mighty ones. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say, Far be it to me, O Jehovah, my doing this the blood of the men going with their souls: and he would not drink them. These did the three mighty.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Saying: The Lord be merciful to me, that I may not do this: shall I drink the blood of these men that went, and the peril of their lives? therefore he would not drink. These things did these three mighty men. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> saying: “May the Lord be gracious to me, so that I may not do this. Should I drink the blood of these men who have set out to the peril of their own lives?” Therefore, he was not willing to drink. These things were accomplished by these three robust men. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/23.htm">New American Bible</a> saying: “The LORD forbid that I do such a thing! Could I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” So he refused to drink it. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> for he said, “The LORD forbid that I should do this. Can I drink the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. The three warriors did these things.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he said, Far be it from me, on account of the LORD, that I should do this; because these men went at the risk of their lives. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three valiant men. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said: “Forbid me from before LORD JEHOVAH that I would do this by the blood of their lives!” These men went and he was unwilling to drink them. These things the three Warriors did<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he said: 'Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this; shall I drink the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?' therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he said, O Lord, forbid that I should do this, that I should drink of the blood of the men who went at the risk of their lives: and he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/23-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=7247" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/23.htm">David's Mighty Men</a> …16So 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, 17<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2486.htm" title="2486: ḥā·lî·lāh (Interjection:: 3fs) -- Far be it! Or chalilah; a directive from chalal; literal for a profaned thing; used Far be it!">“Far be it</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">from me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">O LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: mê·‘ă·śō·ṯî (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf:: 1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">to do</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: zōṯ (Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">this!</a> <a href="/hebrew/1818.htm" title="1818: hă·ḏam (Art:: N-msc) -- Blood. From damam; blood of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively bloodshed.">Is this not the blood</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">of the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: ha·hō·lə·ḵîm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: bə·nap̄·šō·w·ṯām (Prep-b:: N-fpc:: 3mp) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">who risked their lives?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">So he refused</a> <a href="/hebrew/14.htm" title="14: ’ā·ḇāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To be willing, to consent. A primitive root; to breathe after, i.e. to be acquiescent."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: liš·tō·w·ṯām (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3mp) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">to drink it.</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: ’êl·leh (Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">Such</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">were the exploits</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šeṯ (Number-msc) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">of the three</a> <a href="/hebrew/1368.htm" title="1368: hag·gib·bō·rîm (Art:: Adj-mp) -- Strong, mighty. Or gibbor; intensive from the same as geber; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant.">mighty men.</a> 18Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-19.htm">1 Chronicles 11:19</a> 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. <a href="/1_chronicles/11-18.htm">1 Chronicles 11:18</a> 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, <a href="/1_chronicles/11-15.htm">1 Chronicles 11:15-17</a> 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!” <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">1 Samuel 26:11</a> But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” <a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a> So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” <a href="/1_samuel/24-10.htm">1 Samuel 24:10</a> Behold, this day you have seen with your own eyes that the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. I was told to kill you, but I spared you and said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my lord, since he is the LORD’s anointed.’ <a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9</a> But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” <a href="/1_samuel/26-23.htm">1 Samuel 26:23</a> May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. For the LORD delivered you into my hand today, but I would not extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. <a href="/genesis/9-4.htm">Genesis 9:4</a> But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it. <a href="/leviticus/17-10.htm">Leviticus 17:10-14</a> If anyone from the house of Israel or a foreigner living among them eats any blood, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from among his people. / For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for your souls upon the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul. / Therefore I say to the Israelites, ‘None of you may eat blood, nor may any foreigner living among you eat blood.’ ... <a href="/deuteronomy/12-16.htm">Deuteronomy 12:16</a> but you must not eat the blood; pour it on the ground like water. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-23.htm">Deuteronomy 12:23</a> Only be sure not to eat the blood, because the blood is the life, and you must not eat the life with the meat. <a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Acts 15:20</a> Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. <a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Acts 15:29</a> You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell. <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Acts 21:25</a> As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.Be it far<a href="/2_samuel/20-20.htm">2 Samuel 20:20</a> And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.<a href="/genesis/44-17.htm">Genesis 44:17</a> And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.<a href="/1_samuel/2-30.htm">1 Samuel 2:30</a> Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.the blood<a href="/genesis/9-4.htm">Genesis 9:4</a> But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.<a href="/leviticus/17-10.htm">Leviticus 17:10</a> And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.<a href="/psalms/72-14.htm">Psalm 72:14</a> He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.jeopardy<a href="/judges/5-18.htm">Judges 5:18</a> Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-30.htm">1 Corinthians 15:30</a> And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/20-12.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-16.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-16.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-20.htm">Exploits</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-20.htm">Far</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-12.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-13.htm">Jeopardy</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-16.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-19.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">Risk</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-16.htm">Three</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-35.htm">War</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-29.htm">Willing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">Blood</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-10.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-23.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-25.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-22.htm">Exploits</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-2.htm">Far</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-22.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-19.htm">Jeopardy</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-20.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-8.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-19.htm">Risk</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm">Three</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-22.htm">War</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-49.htm">Willing</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 23</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/23-1.htm">David, in his last words, professes his faith in God's promises</a> 6. <a href="/2_samuel/23-6.htm">The different state of the wicked</a> 8. <a href="/2_samuel/23-8.htm">A catalogue of David's mighty men</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! David's response reflects a deep reverence for God and a recognition of the sanctity of the actions taken by his men. This phrase indicates David's understanding of the holiness associated with the offering, reminiscent of the Levitical laws where certain offerings were considered sacred. It also echoes the sentiment found in <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">1 Samuel 26:11</a>, where David refuses to harm Saul, the Lord's anointed, showing his respect for God's will and order.Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” David acknowledges the sacrifice and bravery of his warriors, who risked their lives to bring him water from Bethlehem. This phrase highlights the value of life and the seriousness of their actions. In biblical culture, blood symbolizes life (<a href="/leviticus/17-11.htm">Leviticus 17:11</a>), and David equates the water with the blood of his men, emphasizing the gravity of their sacrifice. This act of valor is a testament to the loyalty and courage of David's mighty men, paralleling the dedication seen in other biblical figures who risked their lives for God's purposes, such as Esther (<a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a>).So he refused to drink it. David's refusal to drink the water is an act of respect and honor towards his men, acknowledging their sacrifice as too precious to be consumed for personal satisfaction. This decision reflects a leader who values the lives of his followers above his own desires, a characteristic that aligns with the servant leadership model exemplified by Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. This phrase serves as a summary of the extraordinary deeds performed by David's elite warriors, known as the "Three." Their exploits are recorded to highlight their exceptional bravery and loyalty. The narrative of the mighty men is part of a larger tradition of heroic literature in the ancient Near East, where the deeds of great warriors were celebrated. These exploits also foreshadow the ultimate victory and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the true King, who would accomplish the greatest act of deliverance for humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The King of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his leadership. In this passage, he demonstrates reverence and respect for the sacrifices of his men. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_three_mighty_men.htm">The Three Mighty Men</a> A group of David's elite warriors known for their bravery and loyalty. They risked their lives to bring David water from Bethlehem. 3. <a href="/topical/b/bethlehem.htm">Bethlehem</a> The birthplace of David and later Jesus Christ. It was under Philistine control at the time of this event. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_philistines.htm">The Philistines</a> A recurring enemy of Israel, who occupied Bethlehem during this event. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_well_of_bethlehem.htm">The Well of Bethlehem</a> The specific location where the mighty men drew water for David, symbolizing their devotion and courage.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_sacrifice.htm">Reverence for Sacrifice</a> David's refusal to drink the water shows a deep respect for the lives and sacrifices of his men. We should honor and value the sacrifices others make for us. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_integrity.htm">Leadership and Integrity</a> David demonstrates integrity by not taking advantage of his position. Leaders should act with humility and respect for those they lead. <a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_water_and_blood.htm">Symbolism of Water and Blood</a> The water represents the blood of the men, highlighting the sacredness of life. This can remind us of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was shed for our salvation. <a href="/topical/c/courage_and_loyalty.htm">Courage and Loyalty</a> The actions of the mighty men exemplify courage and loyalty. We are called to be courageous and loyal in our faith and relationships. <a href="/topical/g/godly_discernment.htm">Godly Discernment</a> David's decision reflects discernment and a heart aligned with God's values. We should seek God's wisdom in our decisions, especially when they affect others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 23</a> <a href="/q/who_were_the_mighty_men_of_david.htm">Who were the mighty men of David?</a> <a href="/q/who_killed_goliath__david_or_elhanan.htm">Who killed Goliath? David (I Samuel 17:23, 50) Elhanan (2 Samuel 21:19)</a> <a href="/q/why_is_ahithophel's_suicide_unique.htm">Why does 2 Samuel 17:23 describe Ahithophel's suicide differently from any later biblical references to suicides, and are there historical precedents for such a response?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_water-fetching_story_credible.htm">(2 Samuel 23:13-17) How credible is the story of warriors breaking through enemy lines just to draw water and then pouring it out?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Is not this the blood . . .?--The Hebrew here is simply an interrogative exclamation, "the blood of the men?" but in <a href="/1_chronicles/11-19.htm" title="And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.">1Chronicles 11:19</a> the text reads, "Shall I drink the blood of these men?" &c., and so the LXX. and Vulg. translate here. To David the water gained only at the risk of life, "seemed the very blood in which the life resides" (<a href="/context/leviticus/17-10.htm" title="And whatever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eats any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people.">Leviticus 17:10-11</a>).These three.--Rather, the three. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/23-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>saying, וַיֹּ֡אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Far be it חָלִילָה֩ (ḥā·lî·lāh) Interjection | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2486.htm">Strong's 2486: </a> For, a profaned thing, far be it! from me, לִּ֨י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> O LORD, יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel to do מֵעֲשֹׂ֣תִי (mê·‘ă·śō·ṯî) Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make this! זֹ֗את (zōṯ) Pronoun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, Is [this not] the blood הֲדַ֤ם (hă·ḏam) Article | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1818.htm">Strong's 1818: </a> Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed of the men הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> Man, mankind who risked their lives?” בְּנַפְשׁוֹתָ֔ם (bə·nap̄·šō·w·ṯām) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion So he refused וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no to drink it. לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֑ם (liš·tō·w·ṯām) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> To imbibe Such אֵ֣לֶּה (’êl·leh) Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those were the exploits עָשׂ֔וּ (‘ā·śū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make of the three שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת (šə·lō·šeṯ) Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice mighty men. הַגִּבֹּרִֽים׃ (hag·gib·bō·rîm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1368.htm">Strong's 1368: </a> Powerful, warrior, tyrant <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/23-17.htm">2 Samuel 23:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/23-17.htm">2 Samuel 23:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/23-17.htm">2 Samuel 23:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/23-17.htm">2 Samuel 23:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/23-17.htm">2 Samuel 23:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/23-17.htm">2 Samuel 23:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/23-17.htm">2 Samuel 23:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/23-17.htm">2 Samuel 23:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/23-17.htm">2 Samuel 23:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/23-17.htm">2 Samuel 23:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-17.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 23:17 He said Be it far from me (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/23-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 23:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 23:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/23-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 23:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 23:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>