1 Chronicles 11:16
New International Version
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.

New Living Translation
David was staying in the stronghold at the time, and a Philistine detachment had occupied the town of Bethlehem.

English Standard Version
David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem.

Berean Standard Bible
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.

King James Bible
And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.

New King James Version
David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

New American Standard Bible
David was then in the stronghold, while the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

NASB 1995
David was then in the stronghold, while the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

NASB 1977
And David was then in the stronghold, while the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

Legacy Standard Bible
And David was then in the fortress, while the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

Amplified Bible
David was then in the stronghold, while the garrison of the Philistines was in Bethlehem.

Christian Standard Bible
At that time David was in the stronghold, and a Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At that time David was in the stronghold, and a Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.

American Standard Version
And David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.

Contemporary English Version
and had taken over Bethlehem. David was in a fortress,

English Revised Version
And David was then in the hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
While David was in the fortified camp, Philistine troops were in Bethlehem.

Good News Translation
At that time David was on a fortified hill, and a group of Philistines had occupied Bethlehem.

International Standard Version
David was living in that stronghold at the time, while a Philistine garrison was then at Bethlehem.

Majority Standard Bible
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.

NET Bible
David was in the stronghold at the time, while a Philistine garrison was in Bethlehem.

New Heart English Bible
David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Beth-lehem.

World English Bible
David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was in Bethlehem at that time.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David [is] then in the fortress, and the station of the Philistines [is] then in Beth-Lehem,

Young's Literal Translation
and David is then in the fortress, and the station of the Philistines is then in Beth-Lehem,

Smith's Literal Translation
And David then in the castle, and a garrison of the rovers then in the house of bread.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And David was in a hold, and the garrison of the Philistines in Bethlehem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now David was in a stronghold, and a garrison of the Philistines was in Bethlehem.

New American Bible
David was then in the stronghold, and a Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem.

New Revised Standard Version
David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David dwelt then in the tent, and the garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David was dwelling in a tent, and the men of the Philistines in Bayth Lekhem.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David was then in the hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethleem.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Mighty Men
15Three 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. 16At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. 17David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”…

Cross References
2 Samuel 23:14
At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.

1 Samuel 17:1-2
Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war at Socoh in Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah in Ephes-dammim. / Saul and the men of Israel assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, arraying themselves for battle against the Philistines.

2 Samuel 5:17-18
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim.

1 Samuel 22:1-2
So David left Gath and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. / And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.

1 Samuel 30:9-10
So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind / because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit.

2 Samuel 21:15
Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted.

2 Samuel 5:6-7
Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” / Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David).

1 Samuel 13:5
Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven.

1 Samuel 14:11-12
So the two of them showed themselves to the outpost of the Philistines, who exclaimed, “Look, the Hebrews are coming out of the holes in which they were hiding!” / So the men of the outpost called out to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come on up, and we will teach you a lesson!” “Follow me,” Jonathan told his armor-bearer, “for the LORD has delivered them into the hand of Israel.”

2 Samuel 23:13-17
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 Samuel 23:13-14
Then David and his men, about six hundred strong, set out and departed from Keilah, moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he declined to go forth. / And David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hill country of the Wilderness of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God would not deliver David into his hand.

1 Samuel 14:6-7
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

1 Samuel 17:54
David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put Goliath’s weapons in his own tent.

2 Samuel 2:1-3
Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD. / So David went there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. / David also took the men who were with him, each with his household, and they settled in the towns near Hebron.

1 Samuel 18:5-7
So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well. / As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other instruments. / And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”


Treasury of Scripture

And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.

in the hold

1 Samuel 22:1
David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him.

1 Samuel 23:25
Saul also and his men went to seek him. And they told David: wherefore he came down into a rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued after David in the wilderness of Maon.

Psalm 142:1
Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.

the Philistines

1 Samuel 10:5
After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

1 Samuel 13:4,23
And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal…

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1 Chronicles 11
1. David Becomes King over All Israel
4. Jerusalem
10. David's Mighty Men














At that time
This phrase sets the historical context, indicating a specific period during David's rise to power. The Hebrew root for "time" is "עֵת" (et), which often signifies a significant or appointed time. This was a pivotal moment in David's life, as he was transitioning from a fugitive to a king. It reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and He orchestrates events in our lives according to His divine plan.

David
David, whose name in Hebrew means "beloved," is a central figure in the Bible, representing a man after God's own heart. His life is a testament to God's grace and sovereignty. Despite his flaws, David's faith and leadership were instrumental in establishing Israel as a unified nation. His presence in the stronghold signifies his strategic and spiritual leadership during a time of conflict.

was in the stronghold
The "stronghold" refers to a fortified place of refuge, often associated with safety and protection. In Hebrew, the word is "מְצוּדָה" (metsudah), which can also mean a fortress. This imagery is powerful, symbolizing God's protection over David. Spiritually, it reminds believers that God is our stronghold, a refuge in times of trouble, as echoed in Psalms 18:2.

and the garrison of the Philistines
A "garrison" is a military post, indicating the presence of enemy forces. The Philistines were a persistent adversary of Israel, representing opposition and spiritual warfare. The Hebrew term "נְצִיב" (netsiv) suggests a stationed force, highlighting the ongoing conflict between God's people and their enemies. This serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles Christians face and the need for vigilance and reliance on God's strength.

was at Bethlehem
Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread" in Hebrew, is significant as the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ. Its mention here underscores the Philistines' encroachment on sacred territory, symbolizing the enemy's attempt to claim what is rightfully God's. Historically, Bethlehem's strategic location made it a target for control. Spiritually, it foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who would be born in this humble town, bringing salvation to the world.

(16) The hold.--The stronghold or rock-fortress of Adullam (2Samuel 5:17; 2Samuel 23:14).

The Philistines' garrison.--An outpost; for their army was camping near Jerusalem.

Verse 16. - David was then in the hold. This statement may, perhaps, sufficiently identify this occasion with that of 2 Samuel 5:17, 18; where it is expressly said that "David went down to the hold" (מְצוּדָה being the word found there as here). Garrison. The Hebrew here says "officer" (נְצִיב), but the parallel passage has "garrison" (מַצָּב); yet, according to Gesenius ('Thes.,' 903), the former word has both meanings. He is right, certainly, if he means that it has received both translations, for see 1 Kings 4:19 for the one, and our present passage supplies the other (1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Samuel 13:3).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
At that time
אָ֣ז (’āz)
Adverb
Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore

David
וְדָוִ֖יד (wə·ḏā·wîḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

was in the stronghold,
בַּמְּצוּדָ֑ה (bam·mə·ṣū·ḏāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4686: A net, capture, a fastness

and the garrison
וּנְצִ֣יב (ū·nə·ṣîḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5333: Something stationary, a prefect, a military post, a statue

of the Philistines
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים (pə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

was at Bethlehem.
לָֽחֶם׃ (lā·ḥem)
Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 11:16 David was then in the stronghold (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
1 Chronicles 11:15
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