King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:19 Mean?

1 Chronicles 11:19 in the King James Version says “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 liv...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

1 Chronicles 11:19 · King James Version

Context

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.

21

Of the three, he was more honourable than the two; for he was their captain: howbeit he attained not to the first three.

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֹּ֡אמֶר1 of 21

“And said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חָלִילָה֩2 of 21

“forbid”

H2486

literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!

לִּ֨י3 of 21
H0
מֵֽאֱלֹהַ֜י4 of 21

“My God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עָשׂ֔וּ5 of 21

“it These things did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

זֹ֗את6 of 21

“this thing”

H2063

this (often used adverb)

הֲדַ֣ם7 of 21

“the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֩8 of 21

“of these men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הָאֵ֨לֶּה9 of 21
H428

these or those

לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֑ם10 of 21

“not drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

בְנַפְשׁוֹתָ֣ם11 of 21

“for with the jeopardy of their lives”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כִּ֣י12 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְנַפְשׁוֹתָ֣ם13 of 21

“for with the jeopardy of their lives”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הֱבִיא֔וּם14 of 21

“they brought”

H935

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

וְלֹ֥א15 of 21
H3808

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

אָבָ֖ה16 of 21

“it Therefore he would”

H14

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

לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֑ם17 of 21

“not drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

אֵ֣לֶּה18 of 21
H428

these or those

עָשׂ֔וּ19 of 21

“it These things did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת20 of 21

“these three”

H7969

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

הַגִּבּוֹרִֽים׃21 of 21

“mightiest”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

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 11:19 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 11:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 72:142 Samuel 23:171 Corinthians 15:30Leviticus 17:10Romans 16:4Romans 6:1-2

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