King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:18 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:18 in the King James Version says “And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the ga...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 11:18 · KJV

Context

16

And David was then in the hold, and the Philistines' garrison was then at Bethlehem.

17

And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!

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,

19

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. that have: Heb. with their lives?

20

And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.

Read 1 Chronicles 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on David established as king and mighty men. The Hebrew term בְּרִית (berit) - covenant is theologically significant here, pointing to God's sovereign choice of leadership. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about God's sovereign choice of leadership. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: David as type of Christ, the Messianic King.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of David established as king and mighty men occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on God's sovereign choice of leadership challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does David as type of Christ, the Messianic King teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּבְקְע֨וּ1 of 22

“brake through”

H1234

to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open

הַשְּׁלֹשָׁ֜ה2 of 22

“And the three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

בְּמַֽחֲנֵ֣ה3 of 22

“the host”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים4 of 22

“of the Philistines”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

וַיִּֽשְׁאֲבוּ5 of 22

“and drew”

H7579

to bale up water

מַ֙יִם֙6 of 22

“water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

מִבּ֤וֹר7 of 22

“out of the well”

H953

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

בֵּֽית8 of 22
H0
לֶ֙חֶם֙9 of 22

“of Bethlehem”

H1035

beth-lechem, a place in palestine

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בַּשַּׁ֔עַר11 of 22

“that was by the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וַיִּשְׂא֖וּ12 of 22

“and took”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

וַיָּבִ֣אוּ13 of 22

“it and brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל14 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָוִיד֙15 of 22

“but David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְלֹֽא16 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָבָ֤ה17 of 22

“would”

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

דָוִיד֙18 of 22

“but David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֔ם19 of 22

“not drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַיְנַסֵּ֥ךְ20 of 22

“of it but poured it out”

H5258

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

אֹתָ֖ם21 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַֽיהוָֽה׃22 of 22

“to the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 11:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 11:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 21:132 Corinthians 5:14-15Acts 20:24Song of Solomon 8:61 Samuel 19:51 Samuel 7:6

Places in This Verse

Bethlehem 1Settlement · Modern: Bethlehem · 31.70°N, 35.21°E52 verses across 14 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 11 →

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