2 Samuel 23:17

2 Samuel 23:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he said, Far be it from me, O Lord, to do this; how may I take as my drink the life-blood of men who have put their lives in danger? So he would not take it. These things did the three great men of war.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Lord, never let me do this!” he said. “Isn't it like drinking the blood of these men who risked their lives?” So he did not drink it. These are just some of the things the Three leading warriors did.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And said, O Lord, be it farre from me, that I should doe this. Is not this the blood of the men that went in ieopardie of their liues? therefore he woulde not drinke it. These things did these three mightie men.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

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.

World English Bible WEB

He said, “Be it far from me, LORD, 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.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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.

Translation for Translators T4T

He said, “Yahweh, it would certainly not be right for me to drink this water! That would be like [RHQ] drinking the blood of these men who were willing/ready to die for me!” So he refused to drink it. That was one of the things that those three great warriors did.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 23:17

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 23:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֡אמֶר חָלִילָ/ה֩ לִּ֨/י יְהוָ֜ה מֵ/עֲשֹׂ֣תִ/י זֹ֗את הֲ/דַ֤ם הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁים֙ הַ/הֹלְכִ֣ים בְּ/נַפְשׁוֹתָ֔/ם וְ/לֹ֥א אָבָ֖ה לִ/שְׁתּוֹתָ֑/ם אֵ֣לֶּה עָשׂ֔וּ שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת הַ/גִּבֹּרִֽים

וַ/יֹּ֡אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

חָלִילָ/ה֩ châlîylâh H2486 forbid Part | Suff

לִּ֨/י Prep | Suff

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

מֵ/עֲשֹׂ֣תִ/י ʻâsâh H6213 to make Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

זֹ֗את zôʼth H2063 this Pron

הֲ/דַ֤ם dâm H1818 blood Part | N-ms

הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁים֙ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp

הַ/הֹלְכִ֣ים hâlak H1980 to go Art | V-Qal

בְּ/נַפְשׁוֹתָ֔/ם nephesh H5315 soul Prep | N-cp | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

אָבָ֖ה ʼâbâh H14 be willing V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לִ/שְׁתּוֹתָ֑/ם shâthâh H8354 to drink Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

אֵ֣לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Pron

עָשׂ֔וּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3cp

שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj

הַ/גִּבֹּרִֽים gibbôwr H1368 mighty man Art | Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 23:17

וַ/יֹּ֡אמֶר 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.

חָלִילָ/ה֩ châlîylâh H2486 "forbid" Part | Suff

This Hebrew word means to forbid or express strong disapproval, like saying 'God forbid' in shock or disgust, as seen in the Bible when someone wants to express a strong negative reaction.

Definition: far be it (from me), God forbid that, let it not be

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: be far, ([idiom] God) forbid. See also: Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 20:9; Job 34:10.

לִּ֨/י "" Prep | Suff

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

מֵ/עֲשֹׂ֣תִ/י ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

זֹ֗את zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

הֲ/דַ֤ם dâm H1818 "blood" Part | N-ms

Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.

Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.

הָֽ/אֲנָשִׁים֙ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הַ/הֹלְכִ֣ים hâlak H1980 "to go" Art | V-Qal

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

בְּ/נַפְשׁוֹתָ֔/ם nephesh H5315 "soul" Prep | N-cp | Suff

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

אָבָ֖ה ʼâbâh H14 "be willing" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To be willing or consent is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which involves being acquiescent or accepting. It is used in various contexts, including being willing to obey or follow.

Definition: 1) to be willing, consent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be willing 1a2) to consent, yield to, accept 1a3) to desire

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: consent, rest content will, be willing. See also: Genesis 24:5; 2 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 81:12.

לִ/שְׁתּוֹתָ֑/ם shâthâh H8354 "to drink" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

אֵ֣לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

עָשׂ֔וּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj

This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.

Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)

Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

הַ/גִּבֹּרִֽים gibbôwr H1368 "mighty man" Art | Adj

This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.

Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 23:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 23:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:17
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:17
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:17
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:17
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:17
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:17
Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:17

Context — David’s Mighty Men

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.

18Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. 19Was he not more honored than the Three? And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Leviticus 17:10	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.
2	Mark 14:24	He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
3	1 Corinthians 15:30	And why do we endanger ourselves every hour?
4	Psalms 72:14	He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their blood is precious in his sight.
5	2 Samuel 20:20	“Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!
6	1 Samuel 2:30	Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.
7	Genesis 9:4	But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it.
8	1 Kings 21:3	But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”
9	Genesis 44:17	But Joseph replied, “Far be it from me to do this. The man who was found with the cup will be my slave. The rest of you may return to your father in peace.”
10	Matthew 26:28	This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

2 Samuel 23:17 Summary

[David refused to drink the water brought by the three mighty men because it was obtained at great personal risk to their lives, and he considered it to be like drinking their blood, as seen in 2 Samuel 23:17. This shows that David valued the lives of his men and was unwilling to benefit from their risk. He poured out the water to the Lord, as an act of worship and gratitude, similar to the way we are called to honor God with our lives and sacrifices, as seen in Romans 12:1. By doing so, David demonstrated his humility and integrity, and set an example for us to follow, as we are encouraged to 'outdo one another in showing honor' in Romans 12:10.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David refuse to drink the water brought by the three mighty men?

David refused to drink the water because it was obtained at great personal risk to the lives of the three mighty men, and he considered it to be equivalent to drinking their blood, as seen in 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?'

What does this verse reveal about David's character?

This verse reveals that David was a man of great integrity and humility, who valued the lives of his men and was unwilling to benefit from their risk, as also seen in his actions in 1 Samuel 24:6 and 1 Samuel 26:9-11

How does this verse relate to the concept of sacrifice and loyalty?

This verse highlights the sacrifice and loyalty of the three mighty men, who risked their lives to bring David water, and David's refusal to drink it shows his appreciation for their sacrifice, echoing the sentiments expressed in John 15:13, where Jesus says 'Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends'

What can we learn from David's response to the three mighty men?

We can learn the importance of valuing and honoring the sacrifices of others, and being mindful of the risks and challenges they face, as seen in David's response in 2 Samuel 23:17, and also in other scriptures such as Romans 12:10, which encourages us to 'outdo one another in showing honor'

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I can show appreciation for the sacrifices of others in my life?
How can I cultivate a sense of humility and integrity, like David, in my own relationships and decision-making?
What are some risks or challenges that I am willing to take for the sake of others, and how can I demonstrate my loyalty and commitment to them?
In what ways can I honor God by valuing and respecting the lives and sacrifices of those around me?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 23:17

And he said, be it far from me, O Lord, that one should do this,.... Drink of the water these men had brought him: [is not this] the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 23:17

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:17

Is not this the blood of the men, i.e. the price of their blood or lives, which they rashly exposed to manifest hazard? These things did these three mighty men; either one of these three are here omitted, as one of the first three is not named, 1 Chronicles 11; or Abishai, who follows next, was one of these three.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:17

2 Samuel 23:17 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.Ver. 17. Is not this the blood of the men?] So, say we; Is not this the blood of the souls of our servants whom we keep from the ordinances, for our pleasure? It is reported of Dr Chatterton, master of Emmanuel College, that he was married fifty-three years, and yet in all that time he never kept any of his servants from church to prepare his dinner. Mr Clark, in his life.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:17

(17) Is not this the blood . . .?—The Hebrew here is simply an interrogative exclamation, “the blood of the men?” but in 1 Chronicles 11:19 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” (Leviticus 17:10-11). These three.—Rather, the three.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 23:17

17. is not this the blood] As the text stands, the sentence is simply an interrogative exclamation: The blood of the men …? But Sept., Vulg. and Chron. read: Shall I drink the blood …? The water fetched at the risk of his comrades’ lives seemed to him the very blood in which the life resides (Leviticus 17:10-11).

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 23:17

Better as in 1 Chronicles 11:19.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 23:17

17. Be it far from me — The tender hearted chieftain felt that it would be like drinking the blood of his men. The event shows both the affection and devotion of David’s soldiers for their leader, and his tenderness towards them.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 23:17

	Sermon	Description
	Consecrated, Not Constrained by Dean Taylor	Dean Taylor preaches on the importance of self-denial and consecration in the Christian life, using the story of David's men fetching water for him as an offering to the Lord as an
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:8-2:35 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's commandments, even the seemingly minor ones. He references four passages of scripture that forbid certain act
	It Is the Blood That Saves by Octavius Winslow	Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound significance of the blood of Jesus in his sermon 'It Is the Blood That Saves.' He explains that the blood represents the new covenant and i
	The Blood of the Covenant by G.W. North	G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the blood of the covenant in his sermon, noting the different perspectives of the Gospel writers on the cup and the blood. While Matthew a
	1 Corinthians 15:29 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of the resurrection of the dead, highlighting the significance of baptism as a symbol of belief in the resurrection and the assurance of
	The Power of God's Presence by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His glory. He leads the congregation in a prayer of surrender and asks the Holy Sp
	The Man God Tore Apart by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and concern for the state of the nation. He emphasizes that God's mercy and patience are running out, as they have crucified Jesu