1 Chronicles 11:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And said {H559}, My God {H430} forbid {H2486} it me, that I should do {H6213} this thing {H2063}: shall I drink {H8354} the blood {H1818} of these men {H582} that have put their lives in jeopardy {H5315}? for with the jeopardy of their lives {H5315} they brought {H935} it. Therefore he would {H14} not drink {H8354} it. These things did {H6213} these three {H7969} mightiest {H1368}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said, "My God forbid that I should do such a thing! Am I to drink the blood of these men who went and put their lives in jeopardy? They risked their lives to bring it!"- and he would not consent to drink it. These are the things the three warrior-heroes did.

Berean Standard Bible

saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

American Standard Version

and said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this: 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 the three mighty men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 11:19 powerfully illustrates King David's profound character and exemplary leadership. Following an extraordinary act of loyalty where three of his elite warriors risked their lives to retrieve water from Bethlehem's Philistine-occupied well, David utterly refused to drink it. He perceived their perilous endeavor as a sacred offering, equating the water with their very lifeblood, thus demonstrating an unparalleled respect for their sacrifice and a deep understanding of the cost of their devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a dramatic episode within the broader narrative of David's mighty men, detailed in [1 Chronicles 11:10-47](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David's Mighty Men"). Immediately preceding it, [1 Chronicles 11:17-18](/1_chronicles/11-17 "1 Chronicles 11:17-18 - David's Longing and His Men's Bravery") recounts David's casual longing for water from his hometown well in Bethlehem, then under Philistine control. Without explicit command, three of his most formidable warriors—Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah—demonstrated unparalleled bravery by breaking through enemy lines to fetch the water. David's reaction in verse 19 serves as the climax to this specific incident, revealing his profound moral and spiritual response to their self-sacrificial loyalty. A parallel account of this event is also found in [2 Samuel 23:15-17](/2_samuel/23-15-17 "2 Samuel 23:15-17 - The Parallel Account of David's Mighty Men"), underscoring its significance in the biblical portrayal of David's character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, water was a precious and often scarce commodity, particularly during military campaigns or sieges, making its procurement a dangerous task. Bethlehem, David's hometown, was strategically important and often contested, and at this time, it was occupied by a Philistine garrison, making any approach to its well extremely perilous. David's act of pouring out the water, rather than drinking it, would have been understood by his contemporaries as a profound religious and ethical gesture. It was an act of consecration, akin to a libation or offering to God, signifying that something obtained at such a high cost was too sacred for common use. This act would have resonated deeply within a culture that understood the value of life, loyalty, and the sanctity of blood, often linked to the divine.
* **Key Themes:** This passage powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "The Book of 1 Chronicles") and the broader Davidic narrative. It highlights the theme of **Exemplary Leadership**, showcasing David not merely as a military commander but as a compassionate and morally upright king who deeply valued the lives of his subjects, contrasting sharply with the self-serving leadership often seen in the ancient world. The theme of **Profound Sacrifice and Loyalty** is central, as the warriors' willingness to risk everything for a king's casual wish underscores the deep bonds of devotion within David's army. Furthermore, it speaks to the **Sanctity of Life**, as David equates the water with the very "blood" or life-force of his men, refusing to consume something obtained at such an immense personal cost, a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament law (cf. [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Sanctity of Blood and Life")). This act also subtly points to the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, as David attributes the preservation of his men's lives and the success of their daring feat to God, making the offering to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forbid (Hebrew, _châlîylâh'_):** This strong interjection (H2486) expresses a fervent wish that something should not happen, often translated as "God forbid!" or "Far be it from me!" It signifies a powerful moral or religious aversion, indicating David's immediate and absolute rejection of the idea of drinking the water. It's not merely a refusal but a declaration of abhorrence, elevating the act to a matter of profound ethical and spiritual principle, implying that such an act would profane something sacred.
* **Jeopardy (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** The Hebrew word _nephesh_ (H5315), often translated as "soul" or "life," is used here in a construct form (bə·nap̄·šō·w·ṯām) meaning "with their lives" or "at the risk of their lives." The KJV's "jeopardy" accurately captures the sense of extreme peril and risk to life. It emphasizes that the warriors put their very existence on the line, highlighting the ultimate cost of their loyalty. The repetition of this concept ("put their lives in jeopardy," "with the jeopardy of their lives") underscores the gravity of their sacrifice.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** While literally meaning "blood" (H1818), here it is used metaphorically to represent life itself. In ancient Israelite thought, blood was intrinsically linked to life and was considered sacred (cf. [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Sanctity of Blood and Life")). David's refusal to "drink the blood" of his men means he would not consume something that was obtained at the cost of their life-force, treating the water as if it were their very essence poured out. This powerful metaphor elevates the water from a mere thirst-quencher to a sacred representation of their living sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing:"** David's immediate and emphatic response. The phrase "My God forbid it me" (Hebrew: _ḥālîlāh lî ʾĕlōhāy_) is a strong expression of moral revulsion and a plea to God that he should not commit such an act. It indicates that David views drinking the water not merely as inappropriate but as an offense against God, given the circumstances of its acquisition. His personal God (My God) is invoked, making this a deeply personal and spiritual conviction.
* **"shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy?"** This rhetorical question underscores David's deep ethical dilemma and his profound respect for his warriors. The metaphorical "blood" signifies their life itself, emphasizing that the water was obtained at the ultimate risk. David recognizes that consuming it would be tantamount to disrespecting or trivializing their near-fatal sacrifice, effectively "drinking" their life-force.
* **"for with [the jeopardy of] their lives they brought it."** This clause provides the justification for David's refusal, reiterating the extreme cost. It emphasizes that the water was not simply fetched but was brought "with their lives," meaning it was obtained through an act that imperiled their very existence. The KJV's bracketed "the jeopardy of" clarifies the meaning of the Hebrew, which literally repeats "with their lives" (bə·nap̄·šō·w·ṯām), underscoring the profound personal cost.
* **"Therefore he would not drink it."** This straightforward statement confirms David's resolute decision. His refusal is not a momentary whim but a firm, principled stand, demonstrating his integrity and self-control. Instead of satisfying his personal desire, he prioritizes the honor and value of his men's lives, treating the water as a consecrated offering rather than a personal indulgence.
* **"These things did these three mightiest."** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful commendation and a summary of the extraordinary feat performed by the three warriors. It highlights their exceptional strength, courage, and loyalty, underscoring why David held their sacrifice in such high regard. It also sets this specific act apart as one of the defining moments of their "might," solidifying their place among David's elite.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. Most prominently, **Metaphor** is used when David equates the water with the "blood" of his men. This isn't a literal claim but a powerful symbolic representation, where "blood" stands for life itself, emphasizing the extreme cost and the sanctity of the sacrifice. This **Hyperbole** (exaggeration for effect) further amplifies the gravity of their act and David's reverence for it. The rhetorical question, "shall I drink the blood of these men...?" serves as a form of **Apostrophe**, a direct address to the moral implications of his potential action, and functions as a powerful **Rhetorical Question** to underscore the obvious ethical answer. The entire episode also serves as a **Narrative Exemplum**, providing a moral lesson through the actions of David, showcasing ideal leadership and the profound value of loyalty and sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's refusal to drink the water from Bethlehem is a profound theological statement about the sanctity of life and the nature of true leadership. It demonstrates a deep reverence for human life, viewing it as something so precious that even a king's casual desire cannot justify its endangerment or trivialization. By pouring out the water as an offering, David implicitly acknowledges that the lives of his men, and indeed all life, ultimately belong to God. This act of self-denial and consecration elevates the warriors' sacrifice from a mere military feat to a sacred offering, aligning with the biblical principle that life, symbolized by blood, is sacred and belongs to the Creator. It also foreshadows a deeper understanding of costly devotion and the ultimate sacrifice required for true redemption.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Sanctity of Blood and Life")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Considering Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David and the water from Bethlehem offers timeless lessons for contemporary life, challenging us to re-evaluate our priorities and the way we interact with others. It calls us to cultivate a profound sense of gratitude, recognizing and honoring the sacrifices, small and large, that others make on our behalf. In a world often driven by self-interest and consumption, David's act of self-denial serves as a powerful counter-cultural example. It compels leaders in all spheres—family, community, business, and ministry—to embody humility, prioritize the well-being and dignity of those they lead, and never take their contributions for granted. Ultimately, it encourages us to consider the "cost" of our desires and to discern when our personal wants might inadvertently devalue the efforts or lives of others, prompting us instead towards acts of honor, appreciation, and even sacrificial generosity. This story reminds us that true leadership is not about what we gain, but what we are willing to give up for the sake of those entrusted to our care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently taking others' sacrifices or efforts for granted?**
* **How can I, as a leader (in any capacity), better demonstrate humility and a genuine valuing of those I lead?**
* **What "costly water" have others brought to me, and how can I honor their sacrifice in a meaningful way?**
* **How does David's act of self-denial challenge my own immediate desires and consumeristic tendencies?**

### FAQ
**Why did David pour out the water instead of drinking it?**

Answer: David poured out the water as a sacred offering to the Lord because he considered it too precious and too costly to drink. His three mighty men had risked their lives, breaking through enemy lines, to retrieve it from the well of Bethlehem. David viewed their act as a profound sacrifice, equating the water with their very "blood" or life-force. To drink it would have trivialized their immense loyalty and the danger they faced. By pouring it out, he consecrated it to God, acknowledging that such a life-threatening endeavor, and the lives of his men, belonged ultimately to the Lord. This act demonstrated his deep respect for his men, his humility, and his recognition of God's sovereignty over life, transforming a personal desire into an act of worship.

**Was David's longing for water a sin?**

Answer: David's initial longing for water from Bethlehem, as described in [1 Chronicles 11:17](/1_chronicles/11-17 "1 Chronicles 11:17 - David's Thirst"), was not inherently sinful. It appears to have been a casual, perhaps wistful, expression of a desire for something familiar and comforting from his hometown. The sin, if any, would have been in carelessly expressing a desire that led others to put their lives in extreme jeopardy without a direct command or necessity. However, David's immediate and profound reaction in [1 Chronicles 11:19](/1_chronicles/11-19 "1 Chronicles 11:19 - David's Refusal to Drink") demonstrates his deep regret and recognition of the immense cost his casual wish incurred. His refusal to drink and his act of pouring the water out show his moral sensitivity and his commitment to valuing his men's lives above his own comfort, transforming a potentially thoughtless moment into an act of exemplary leadership and devotion.

**What does this story teach us about leadership?**

Answer: This story provides a powerful model for ethical and empathetic leadership. It teaches that true leaders do not take the sacrifices of their subordinates for granted but deeply value their lives and contributions. David's humility is striking; despite being king, he did not feel entitled to the water obtained at such a high cost. Instead, he demonstrated self-denial and a profound respect for his men, fostering loyalty and trust. The narrative underscores that effective leadership involves a willingness to prioritize the well-being of others, to acknowledge and honor their efforts, and to lead by example in moral integrity and selflessness. It moves beyond mere command to genuine care and appreciation, solidifying the bonds between leader and led and inspiring greater devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound self-denial and reverence for life displayed by King David in 1 Chronicles 11:19 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David refused to drink water obtained at the jeopardy of his men's lives, viewing it as their "blood," and instead poured it out as an offering to God. This act foreshadows the infinitely greater sacrifice of Christ, who did not merely refuse a costly drink but willingly poured out His own "blood"—His very life—not for a casual longing, but to secure eternal life for humanity. Just as David valued the lives of his warriors, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for His sheep (cf. [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). He did not consider His divine privilege something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, even to the point of death on a cross (cf. [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Sacrifice")). The water, symbolic of life obtained at immense cost, points to the "living water" that Jesus offers freely, purchased by His ultimate sacrifice (cf. [John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). Thus, David's act of consecration and self-denial, while noble, pales in comparison to the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world by shedding His own precious blood (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood")), ensuring that we might drink deeply from the wellspring of eternal life, a gift freely given through His costly love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 23:17

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.

Psalms 72:14

He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

Mark 14:24

And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

Romans 6:1

¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Romans 6:2

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Judges 9:17

(For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:

Job 31:31

If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied.