2 Samuel 23:15
2 Samuel 23:15 in Multiple Translations
David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”
And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate!
And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate!
And David, moved by a strong desire, said, If only someone would give me a drink of water from the water-hole of Beth-lehem, by the doorway into the town!
David was feeling really thirsty, and he said, “If only someone could bring me a drink of water from the well beside the entrance gate to Bethlehem!”
And Dauid longed, and said, Oh, that one would giue me to drinke of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate.
and David longeth and saith, 'Who doth give me a drink of the water of the well of Beth-Lehem, which [is] by the gate?'
David said longingly, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!”
And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate!
And David longed, and said: O that some man would get me a drink of the water out of the cistern, that is in Bethlehem, by the gate.
One day David very much wanted some water to drink, and said “I wish that someone would bring me some water from the well near the gate at Bethlehem!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 23:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 23:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּתְאַוֶּ֥ה
דָוִ֖ד
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
מִ֚י
יַשְׁקֵ֣/נִי
מַ֔יִם
מִ/בֹּ֥אר
בֵּֽית
לֶ֖חֶם
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בַּ/שָּֽׁעַר
וַ/יִּתְאַוֶּ֥ה
ʼâvâh
H183
to desire
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ֚י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יַשְׁקֵ֣/נִי
shâqâh
H8248
to water
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
מַ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
מִ/בֹּ֥אר
bôʼr
H877
cistern
Prep | N-ms
בֵּֽית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
N-proper
לֶ֖חֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
Bethlehem
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בַּ/שָּֽׁעַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 23:15
וַ/יִּתְאַוֶּ֥ה
ʼâvâh
H183
"to desire"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
To desire means to strongly wish for something, and can be used to describe physical or emotional longings. This word is used in the Bible to describe feelings of coveting or lusting after something.
Definition: 1) desire, incline, covet, wait longingly, wish, sigh, want, be greedy, prefer 1a) (Piel) to desire, crave (food and drink) 1b) (Hithpael) to desire, long for, lust after (of bodily appetites)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after). See also: Numbers 11:4; Psalms 132:13; Psalms 45:12.
דָוִ֖ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מִ֚י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יַשְׁקֵ֣/נִי
shâqâh
H8248
"to water"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
מַ֔יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מִ/בֹּ֥אר
bôʼr
H877
"cistern"
Prep | N-ms
A cistern is a pit or well, used to store water. This word is used in the Bible to describe a man-made water container.
Definition: cistern, pit, well
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: cistern. See also: 2 Samuel 23:15; 2 Samuel 23:16; Jeremiah 2:13.
בֵּֽית
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
לֶ֖חֶם
Bêyth Lechem
H1035
"Bethlehem"
N-proper
Beth-lehem means house of bread, a place in Zebulun. The name describes a location known for its food production, later becoming famous as Jesus' birthplace in the New Testament.
Definition: § Beth-lehem = "house of bread (food)" a place in Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Bethlehem. See also: Genesis 35:19; 1 Samuel 17:15; Jeremiah 41:17.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בַּ/שָּֽׁעַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 23:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 23:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:15
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:15
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:15
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:15
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:15
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:15
Context — David’s Mighty Men
13At 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.
14At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem.
15David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”
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, 17saying, “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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 4:14 | But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.” |
| 2 | Psalms 42:1–2 | As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence? |
| 3 | Isaiah 41:17 | The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. |
| 4 | John 4:10 | Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” |
| 5 | Psalms 63:1 | O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water. |
| 6 | Isaiah 44:3 | For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. |
| 7 | Numbers 11:4–5 | Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. |
| 8 | John 7:37 | On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:81 | My soul faints for Your salvation; I wait for Your word. |
2 Samuel 23:15 Summary
[David was feeling thirsty and wished someone could get him a drink of water from a special well in his hometown of Bethlehem, which shows that even leaders have simple desires and cravings, just like we do, as seen in 1 Kings 19:4-8. This desire might have been nostalgic for him, reminding him of his life before becoming king, as in 1 Samuel 16:1. David's statement is an expression of his humanity and his longing for comfort, which is something we can all relate to, and it's a reminder that we can bring our desires and needs before God in prayer, as in Philippians 4:6. By looking at David's desire, we can learn to be honest about our own desires and to trust God to provide for us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of David longing for water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem?
David's longing for water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem shows his deep desire for something that reminds him of his hometown and possibly his simpler life before becoming king, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:1 where he was anointed by Samuel.
Is David's statement in this verse a command or a wish?
David's statement seems to be more of a wish or an expression of desire rather than a direct command, as he says 'Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water' without explicitly ordering anyone to do so, similar to the way he expressed his desires to God in Psalm 42:1-2.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in 2 Samuel 23?
This verse sets the stage for the brave act of the three mighty men who risk their lives to fetch water for David, highlighting their loyalty and devotion to him, which is a recurring theme in 2 Samuel, such as in 2 Samuel 15:14-37 where his men stand by him during a time of crisis.
What can we learn from David's desire for something as simple as a drink of water?
David's desire for water shows that even in the midst of leadership and battle, he is still human with everyday desires and cravings, reminding us that our leaders are not superhuman, as seen in 1 Kings 19:4-8 where Elijah also has a simple desire for rest and food.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in your life that you deeply long for, and how do these desires reflect your values and priorities?
- How can you, like the three mighty men, show loyalty and devotion to those in authority over you, whether in your family, church, or community?
- In what ways can you relate to David's desire for something that reminds him of his past, and how can you find comfort in memories of simpler times?
- How does David's expression of desire in this verse encourage you to be honest about your own desires and needs, and to bring them before God in prayer, as in Philippians 4:6?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:15
And David longed, and said,.... It being harvest time, the summer season, and hot weather, and he thirsty: oh, that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which [is] by the gate!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:15
And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! The well of Beth-lehem.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:15
Being hot and thirsty, he expresseth how acceptable a draught of that water would be to him, as is usual with men to do in such cases; but was far from desiring or expecting that any of his men should hazard their lives to procure it, as appears from .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:15
2 Samuel 23:15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which [is] by the gate!Ver. 15. Oh that one would give me drink of the water,] q.d., If wishing were anything, I had as lief as any good, &c. Id certe mallem, quam multum argenti accipere. He had like longings after God. Joseph.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:15
(15) The well of Bethlehem.—There are now no wells of living water at Bethlehem itself, the town being supplied by an aqueduct. Robinson could find none in the neighbourhood, and was assured that none existed (Bib. R. ii. 157-163); but Ritter (Geog. of Pal. iii. 340) says that a little north of the town “is” David’s well, “with its deep shaft and its clear cool water.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:15
Verse 15. The water of the well of Bethlehem] This was David's city, and he knew the excellence of the water which was there; and being near the place, and parched with thirst, it was natural for him to wish for a draught of water out of that well. These three heroes having heard it, though they received no command from David, broke through a company of the Philistines, and brought away some of the water. When brought to David he refused to drink it: for as the men got it at the hazard of their lives, he considered it as their blood, and gave thereby a noble instance of self-denial. There is no evidence that David had requested them to bring it; they had gone for it of their own accord, and without the knowledge of David.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:15
15. the well of Beth-lehem] The traditional “David’s well” is half a mile N.N.E. of Beth-lehem. Ritter (Geogr. of Pal. III. 340) speaks of its “deep shaft and clear cool water;” but it is too far from the town to be described as “at the gate.”
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:15
A cistern of deep, clear, cool water, is called by the monks, David’s Well, about three-quarters of a mile to the north of Bethlehem. Possibly the old well has been filled up since the town was supplied with water by the aqueduct.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:15
15. Which is by the gate — Well known to David, who had spent all his boyhood near the place.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Knowing God's Way) 14. Valuing the Church by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the immense value of the church, illustrating that just as Christ sacrificed Himself for the church, we too should be willing to give up our lives for our fel |
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A Jug of Water by Richard Wurmbrand | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a man who had forgotten his purpose in life and became consumed by worldly desires. The man had a happy life with a wealthy wife and |
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From Negative to Positive by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the "father's cup" and its connection to the devil. He emphasizes that going far in understanding this concept means recognizin |
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The Meaning of Life - 6. I Will Do It Through You by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God in their lives and the lives of others. They emphasize the importance of understanding and knowin |
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How a Christian Gives Himself Away by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a different approach to church programs and gatherings. He highlights the story of Gideon and how God used a small number of men |
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Dating: God's Way by Joshua Harris | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of living differently in order to avoid negative consequences in relationships. He shares a story about a young boy who cheats |
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Unity That Brings Revival by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being absorbed in Christ and His Word. He believes that God cannot bless or bring revival to a church unless its members ar |