2 Samuel 23:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:15 mean?

2 Samuel 23:15 describes a moment when David, feeling deep longing, wishes aloud for a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem. David is not making a command but expressing a heartfelt desire for something familiar from his hometown during a difficult time.

At this point in the story, David is hiding from his enemies, and Bethlehem is under enemy control. He speaks to those around him, likely his closest warriors, sharing a personal craving for the water he remembers from his youth. This verse sets the stage for the actions of his loyal men, who will risk their lives to fulfill his wish.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:15

• "longed" (וַיִּתְאַוֶּה, vayit’avveh): This word means to deeply desire or crave, showing that David’s wish is more than casual—it’s a strong emotional yearning.
• "drink" (וְשָׁתָה, v’shatah): The word for "drink" here points to the simple, physical act David is longing for, highlighting the very human side of his desire.
• "well" (הַבּוֹר, habor): This refers to a specific water source, not just any water, emphasizing David’s connection to a particular place in Bethlehem.
• "gate" (הַשַּׁעַר, hasha’ar): The mention of the gate situates the well at a known, central spot in Bethlehem, making David’s longing tied to a real and meaningful location.

Why 2 Samuel 23:15 matters

• This verse helps readers see David’s humanity—he is a king, but here he is simply a man missing home and the comforts of his past.
• The verse sets up the loyalty and bravery of David’s men, who act on his longing even though he never asks them to.
• Understanding the specific words for "longed" and "well" shows that David’s desire is both emotional and deeply personal, not just a physical thirst.