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.

2 SAMUEL 23:17KJV
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2 Samuel 23:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 23:17 mean?

2 Samuel 23:17 shows David refusing to drink water that his three mighty men risked their lives to bring him, saying it would be wrong because it represents the blood, or the very lives, of those men. David honors their sacrifice by pouring the water out to the LORD instead of drinking it himself.

David is speaking to the LORD, but also in the presence of his men, after three of his bravest warriors broke through enemy lines to fetch him water from Bethlehem. The verse highlights David’s deep respect for the lives of his men and his sense of what is right before God. Instead of treating their act as a personal favor, David recognizes the risk they took and offers the water as a kind of sacred act, not for his own use.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 23:17

  • "blood" (דָּם, dam): Here, "blood" is used to mean the lives or life-blood of the men, not just literal blood. David sees the water as precious because it symbolizes the risk to their lives.
  • "lives" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): This word often means "life" or "soul." David’s question, "Is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?" shows he views their act as putting their very selves at risk.
  • "drink" (שָׁתָה, shatah): David "would not drink it," meaning he refuses to benefit from something that came at such a high cost to others, showing reverence for their sacrifice.

Why 2 Samuel 23:17 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that David was careless or selfish about his men’s lives; instead, he is deeply moved by their loyalty and refuses to profit from their risk.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness with which David treats both human life and devotion to God, connecting personal actions with spiritual meaning.
  • It ties into the larger passage by highlighting the character and deeds of David’s mighty men, showing both their bravery and David’s leadership style.

Where else these words appear

“far” 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.

“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 11:18 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,