Translations
Modern
…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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
…and he said, “Far be it from me, my God, that I should do this; shall I drink the blood of these men with their lives? For with their lives they brought it.” And he would not drink it. These things were done by the three mighty men.
Latin
…dicens: Absit ut in conspectu Dei mei hoc faciam, et sanguinem istorum virorum bibam: quia in periculo animarum suarum attulerunt mihi aquam. Et ob hanc causam noluit bibere: hæc fecerunt tres robustissimi.
Original
Hebrew
English
…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.
Notes
This story about David's mighty warriors shows that Israel's best and bravest men supported him, along with all of Israel (compare 2 Samuel 23:8–39).
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
Glossary
Adullam, Adullamite Chronicles, Books of First and Second David Genealogy
Topics
Abishai: Obtains Water from the Well of Bethlehem for David Vampires