And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.

1 CHRONICLES 11:19KJV
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1 Chronicles 11:19 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 11:19 mean?

1 Chronicles 11:19 describes King David refusing to drink water that his three warriors had risked their lives to bring him, saying it would be like drinking their blood because of the danger they faced. David honors their bravery by pouring out the water as an offering to God instead of drinking it himself.

In this verse, David is speaking to God and to those around him after his men have brought him water from Bethlehem, which was under enemy control. The situation highlights the loyalty and courage of David’s warriors, as well as David’s deep respect for their sacrifice. By refusing to drink and instead offering the water to God, David shows that he values their lives more than his own desires.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 11:19

  • "forbid" (חָלִילָה, ḥalilah): This word is often used as a strong expression meaning "far be it from me" or "God forbid," showing David’s horror at the idea of misusing the sacrifice of his men.
  • "blood" (דָּם, dam): David uses this word to make a vivid point, equating the water with the very lives (or blood) of his men, stressing how precious and costly their act was.
  • "jeopardy" / "lives" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): This word means "life" or "soul." The repetition emphasizes that the men risked their very lives, not just their safety, to fulfill David’s wish.

Why 1 Chronicles 11:19 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that David was careless with the lives of his followers; instead, it shows his deep respect for their well-being and his unwillingness to benefit from their dangerous actions.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of sacrifice and loyalty, both from the warriors and from David’s response, which sets a tone for leadership marked by humility and reverence.
  • In the wider passage, this story highlights the extraordinary devotion of David’s mighty men and helps explain why they were remembered as heroes in Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“forbid” Hebrew H2486 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
  • 1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:
  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.

“thing” Hebrew H2063 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • Leviticus 16:3 Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.
  • 2 Samuel 6:22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.

“would” Hebrew H14 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 24:5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
  • 1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
  • 1 Chronicles 10:4 Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.