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,

1 CHRONICLES 11:18KJV
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1 Chronicles 11:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 11:18 mean?

1 Chronicles 11:18 describes how three of David’s mighty warriors broke through the Philistine army’s camp to draw water from a well near Bethlehem’s gate and brought it back to David, but instead of drinking it, David poured it out as an offering to the LORD. This act showed David’s deep respect for the sacrifice his men made and his devotion to God.

The verse is set during a time when David was hiding from the Philistines, who had taken control of Bethlehem. David, longing for water from his hometown, spoke of his desire, and three of his bravest men risked their lives to fulfill it. When they returned with the water, David felt it was too precious to drink because it represented the risk his men had taken, so he offered it to God instead.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 11:18

  • "Brake through" (בָּקַע, baqaʿ): This word means to split or break through forcefully. It highlights the danger and determination of the three warriors as they pushed through enemy lines.
  • "Host" (מַחֲנֶה, machaneh): This term refers to a camp or encampment, emphasizing that the Philistines were not just present but had a fortified position around Bethlehem.
  • "Poured it out" (נָסַךְ, nasakh): This word is often used for the act of pouring out a drink offering to God, showing that David treated the water as something sacred, not for ordinary use.

Why 1 Chronicles 11:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David did not command his men to get the water; their act was voluntary and courageous, which makes David’s refusal to drink it even more meaningful.
  • The story highlights the loyalty and bravery of David’s followers, as well as David’s humility and reverence for God.
  • The verse connects to the larger narrative by showing the kind of leadership David practiced—valuing the lives of his men and honoring God above his own desires.

Where else these words appear

“drew” Hebrew H7579 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 24:11 And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.
  • Genesis 24:44 And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my master's son.
  • Ruth 2:9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

“out” Hebrew H5258 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 35:14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.
  • Psalms 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
  • Jeremiah 19:13 And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.

“Bethlehem” Hebrew H1035 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 35:19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.
  • Ruth 1:2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
  • 2 Samuel 23:16 And the three mighty men 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: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.

“through” Hebrew H1234 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • 2 Chronicles 21:17 And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons.
  • Isaiah 48:21 And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.