Old Testament
1 Chronicles 11:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So the 3 warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well by the gate of Bethlehem, and carried it back to David. But David refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the LORD,
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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,
What 1 Chronicles 11:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this story, three brave warriors risk their lives to fetch water from a well in Bethlehem, which is under enemy control. They know how much David longs for that water, a symbol of home and comfort. When they bring it back to him, David is deeply moved by their sacrifice. However, instead of drinking it, he pours it out as an offering to God. This act shows his respect for the warriors' bravery and the value of their sacrifice. David recognizes that the water, though precious, represents something greater than himself. He honors God by giving it back, demonstrating that true devotion often requires putting others before oneself. This moment highlights the importance of selflessness and the recognition of what truly matters in life, beyond personal desires. David's actions remind us that sometimes, the greatest honor we can give is to acknowledge the sacrifices of others and to dedicate our blessings to a higher purpose. It’s a powerful lesson in humility and gratitude.
How to apply 1 Chronicles 11:18 to your life
Consider the sacrifices others make for you and how you can honor them. Reflect on what it means to put others first in your life. Sometimes, the best way to show appreciation is to dedicate your blessings to a greater purpose, just as David did. Embrace humility and gratitude in your daily actions. Think about how you can serve others selflessly today!
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
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Illustrated scene from David's story: Water from Bethlehem (1 Chronicles 11:15–19)
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David
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying 1 Chronicles 11:18
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 11:18 mean?
1 Chronicles 11:18 describes a moment when three warriors risk their lives to fetch water from a well in Bethlehem for David. Instead of drinking the water, David pours it out as an offering to God, showing his respect for their sacrifice and highlighting the importance of selflessness.
What is the significance of the water in 1 Chronicles 11:18?
The water in 1 Chronicles 11:18 symbolizes home and comfort for David, representing his longing for Bethlehem. By pouring it out as an offering, David acknowledges the bravery of his warriors and prioritizes his devotion to God over personal desires.
What does David's action in 1 Chronicles 11:18 teach us?
David's decision to pour out the water instead of drinking it teaches us about humility and gratitude. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of others, and that true devotion often involves putting others before oneself.
What themes are present in 1 Chronicles 11:18?
Key themes in 1 Chronicles 11:18 include sacrifice, bravery, devotion, selflessness, and honor. The verse illustrates how acts of courage can lead to deeper spiritual lessons about prioritizing God and the well-being of others.
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