King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 11:19 Mean?

“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?”

Context

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!

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,

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?

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.

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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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **Shall I drink the blood of** these **men?**—Literally, *the blood of these men should I drink in their lives* (souls)? **Their lives** appears to be spurious here, as it occurs again immediately, and is read only once in Samuel. David regards the water as blood: it had been obtained at the hazard of life, and “the life is the blood” (Genesis 9:4). The question in Samuel runs: “The blood of the men who went in (= at the risk of) their lives?” The verb seems to have fallen out by accident. **For with the jeopardy of their** **lives they** **brought it.**—Literally, *in their lives.* This remark is not found in Samuel, and looks like an explanation of the words, “shall I drink the blood of these men?” **These things did these three mightiest.**—Rather, *these things did the three mighty men* (or, *warriors*)*.* The Hebrew text of this narrative presents only a few verbal differences from 2Samuel 23:13-17.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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.