Verse (Click for Chapter) 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, Berean Literal Bible And the Three broke through the camp of the Philistines, and they drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and they lifted it and brought it to David. And David would not drink it, and he poured it out to YHWH, 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]; Berean Annotated Bible So the Three broke through the Philistine (immigrants) camp, drew water from the well (house of bread) at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David (beloved). But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD {YHWH}, 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 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, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo 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, 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 VersionAnd 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, Berean Literal Bible And the Three broke through the camp of the Philistines, and they drew water from the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and they lifted it and brought it to David. And David would not drink it, and he poured 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 BibleAnd 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 BibleAnd 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 1917And 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 So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, 2 Samuel 23:13-14 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. 2 Samuel 5:17-20 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. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” … 1 Samuel 14:6 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.” drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, 2 Samuel 23:15-16 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” / 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, Ruth 4:1-2 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. / Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. 1 Samuel 17:12 Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons. And in the days of Saul, Jesse was old and well along in years. and brought it back to David. 2 Samuel 17:27-29 When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. / They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, / honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.” 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 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. / They spent three days there eating and drinking with David, for their relatives had provided for them. / And their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen—abundant supplies of flour, fig cakes and raisin cakes, wine and oil, oxen and sheep. Indeed, there was joy in Israel. 1 Samuel 25:27-28 Now let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow you. / Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the LORD will surely make a lasting dynasty for my lord, because he fights the LORD’s battles. May no evil be found in you as long as you live. But he refused to drink it; 2 Samuel 23:17 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. 1 Chronicles 21:24 “No,” replied King David, “I insist on paying the full price, for I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you, nor will I offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” Genesis 14:22-23 But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / that I will not accept even a thread, or a strap of a sandal, or anything that belongs to you, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ instead, he poured it out to the LORD, 1 Samuel 7:6 When they had gathered at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted, and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the Israelites at Mizpah. Numbers 28:7 The drink offering accompanying each lamb shall be a quarter hin. Pour out the offering of fermented drink to the LORD in the sanctuary area. Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 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, 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 WayJump to Next 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 Way1 Chronicles 11 1. David Becomes King over All Israel4. Jerusalem 10. David's Mighty Men So the Three broke through the Philistine camp The "Three" refers to the three mighty warriors of David, known for their exceptional bravery and loyalty. This event occurs during a time when the Philistines, a perennial enemy of Israel, had encamped in Bethlehem, David's hometown. The act of breaking through the Philistine camp demonstrates not only the courage of these warriors but also their deep commitment to David. This reflects the broader biblical theme of loyalty and sacrifice, reminiscent of Jonathan's loyalty to David (1 Samuel 18:3). 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who is in the stronghold and expresses a longing for water from the well of Bethlehem. 2. The Three Mighty Warriors These are part of David's elite group of warriors, known for their bravery and loyalty. They risk their lives to fulfill David's wish. 3. Philistine Camp The enemy encampment surrounding Bethlehem, posing a significant threat to David and his men. 4. Bethlehem David's hometown, where the well is located. It holds sentimental value for David. 5. The Well near the Gate of Bethlehem The specific location from which the water is drawn, symbolizing David's deep connection to his roots and his longing for home. Teaching Points Sacrificial LeadershipDavid's refusal to drink the water and instead pouring it out to the LORD demonstrates a leader's heart of sacrifice and reverence for God. Leaders should prioritize God's honor over personal desires. Loyalty and Courage The actions of the three mighty warriors exemplify loyalty and courage. Believers are called to exhibit similar dedication and bravery in their service to God and others. Value of Worship David's act of pouring out the water as an offering highlights the importance of worship and recognizing God's sovereignty in all aspects of life. Longing for Home David's desire for water from Bethlehem reflects a deeper longing for spiritual fulfillment and connection with God, reminding believers of their eternal home in Christ. Symbolism of Water Water in Scripture often symbolizes life and refreshment. This passage encourages believers to seek spiritual nourishment from God, the source of living water. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 11:18?2. How does 1 Chronicles 11:18 demonstrate loyalty and bravery among David's men? 3. What can we learn about sacrificial service from David's men in this passage? 4. How does this act of bravery connect to Jesus' teachings on servanthood? 5. In what ways can we show similar devotion to God in our lives? 6. How does David's response in 1 Chronicles 11:18 reflect his reverence for God? 7. Why did David refuse to drink the water from the well of Bethlehem in 1 Chronicles 11:18? 8. What does 1 Chronicles 11:18 reveal about the value of sacrifice and loyalty? 9. How does the bravery of the three mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11:18 inspire modern faith? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 11? 11. In 1 Chronicles 11:15-19, is it plausible that three men could breach heavily guarded Philistine territory just to draw water for David? 12. (2 Samuel 23:8 vs 1 Chronicles 11:11) Why do the records conflict on the number of enemies killed (eight hundred vs three hundred)? 13. Psalm 63:9-10 depicts David's enemies meeting violent ends--where is historical or archeological evidence of such events? 14. What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)? What Does 1 Chronicles 11:18 Mean The Three break through the Philistine campThe narrative picks up while David is holed up in the stronghold of Adullam and “a garrison of the Philistines was then at Bethlehem” (1 Chronicles 11:16). His elite warriors—same “Three” described in 2 Samuel 23:13–17—hear David’s longing for water from his hometown. Undeterred by enemy lines, they launch a daring raid, mirroring earlier episodes where God’s people faced Philistine aggression (1 Samuel 14:6–15; 1 Samuel 17:1–54). Their courage underscores steadfast loyalty to God’s anointed king—loyalty that reflects the call for God’s people to stand firm even when opposition looks overwhelming (Ephesians 6:10–13). They draw water from the well at Bethlehem’s gate Bethlehem’s gate well is no ordinary cistern; it is the very source David drank from as a boy. By securing that water, the Three reclaim a place the Philistines had seized, much as later generations would reclaim territory during Nehemiah’s rebuilding (Nehemiah 4:14–20). The act foreshadows Jesus’ offering of “living water” in John 4:10–14—water that satisfies deepest thirst. Yet here the water also represents the cost of devotion; every drop is won at the risk of life. They bring the water to David With the same single-minded service that characterized Ruth’s commitment in Ruth 1:16–17, these men place the precious water in David’s hands. Their gift says, “Nothing is too risky when our king desires it.” It illustrates Paul’s later exhortation in Philippians 2:17 to be “poured out like a drink offering” for Christ’s sake. What moves David most is not the water itself but the self-sacrifice behind it. David pours the water out to the LORD “Far be it from me before my God to do this,” David insists (1 Chronicles 11:19). Seeing the water as the blood of his men, he treats it as holy and offers it as a libation, the way Moses poured out drink offerings in Numbers 28:7–8. David’s act acknowledges that only the LORD is worthy of such costly devotion (Psalm 51:17; Romans 12:1). This moment teaches that when human loyalty reaches its pinnacle, it must be redirected upward so that God alone receives the glory. summary 1 Ch 11:18 highlights heroic loyalty to God’s king, the reclaiming of what the enemy holds, and the truth that the highest sacrifices belong to the LORD alone. The Three’s courage and David’s reverent response call believers to fearless obedience and wholehearted worship, recognizing that every costly act offered to serve Christ is, ultimately, an offering poured out to God. (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 Threeהַשְּׁלֹשָׁ֜ה (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 Links 1 Chronicles 11:18 NIV1 Chronicles 11:18 NLT 1 Chronicles 11:18 ESV 1 Chronicles 11:18 NASB 1 Chronicles 11:18 KJV 1 Chronicles 11:18 BibleApps.com 1 Chronicles 11:18 Biblia Paralela 1 Chronicles 11:18 Chinese Bible 1 Chronicles 11:18 French Bible 1 Chronicles 11:18 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Chronicles 11:18 The three broke through the army (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr) |
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