King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:17 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 23:17 · KJV

Context

15

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

16

And the three mighty men 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: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.

17

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.

18

And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three. and slew them: Heb. slain

19

Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.

Read 2 Samuel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident reveals David's unwillingness to value his comfort above his soldiers' lives. Theological themes include the importance of final testimonies, the eternal nature of God's covenant, the value of faithful servants, and the necessity of sacrificial leadership.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 23 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding legacy, faithful servants provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of legacy, faithful servants?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּ֡אמֶר1 of 17

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

חָלִילָה֩2 of 17

“Be it far”

H2486

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

לִּ֨י3 of 17
H0
יְהוָ֜ה4 of 17

“from me O LORD”

H3068

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

עָשׂ֔וּ5 of 17

“it These things did”

H6213

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

זֹ֗את6 of 17
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הֲדַ֤ם7 of 17

“this is not this 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

הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙8 of 17

“of the men”

H582

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

הַהֹֽלְכִ֣ים9 of 17

“that went”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּנַפְשׁוֹתָ֔ם10 of 17

“in 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

וְלֹ֥א11 of 17
H3808

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

אָבָ֖ה12 of 17

“therefore he would”

H14

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

לִשְׁתּוֹתָ֑ם13 of 17

“not drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

אֵ֣לֶּה14 of 17
H428

these or those

עָשׂ֔וּ15 of 17

“it These things did”

H6213

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

שְׁלֹ֖שֶׁת16 of 17

“these three”

H7969

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

הַגִּבֹּרִֽים׃17 of 17

“mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 23:17 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 2 Samuel 23:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 17:101 Samuel 2:302 Samuel 20:20Genesis 44:17Psalms 72:14John 6:52-54

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 23 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes