2 Samuel 17:29
New International Version
honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows’ milk for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become exhausted and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness.”

New Living Translation
honey, butter, sheep, goats, and cheese for David and those who were with him. For they said, “You must all be very hungry and tired and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness.”

English Standard Version
honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

Berean Standard Bible
honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

Berean Literal Bible
and honey, and curds, and sheep, and cheese of the herd, they brought near for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

King James Bible
And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

New King James Version
honey and curds, sheep and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

New American Standard Bible
honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him, to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and exhausted and thirsty in the wilderness.”

NASB 1995
honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him, to eat; for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

NASB 1977
honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him, to eat; for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

Legacy Standard Bible
honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him, to eat; for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

Amplified Bible
honey, cream, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and the people who were with him, to eat; for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

Berean Annotated Bible
honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David (beloved) and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.

Christian Standard Bible
honey, curds, sheep, goats, and cheese from the herd for David and the people with him to eat. They had reasoned, “The people must be hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and the people with him to eat. They had reasoned, “The people must be hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the desert.”

American Standard Version
and honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people are hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

English Revised Version
and honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
honey, buttermilk, sheep, and calves. They brought these things because they thought, "The troops in the desert are hungry, exhausted, and thirsty."

International Standard Version
honey, cheeses, sheep, and cheese made from cow's milk for David and his entourage because they had been reasoning, "The people are hungry, tired, and thirsty there in the wilderness."

NET Bible
honey, curds, flocks, and cheese. For they said, "The people are no doubt hungry, tired, and thirsty there in the desert."

New Heart English Bible
and honey, and curd of the flock, and cheese of the herd. And they presented them to David and to the people who were with him to eat. For they said, "The people are hungry and tired and thirsty in the wilderness."

Webster's Bible Translation
And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of cows, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people are hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

World English Bible
honey, butter, sheep, and cheese of the herd, for David and for the people who were with him to eat; for they said, “The people are hungry, weary, and thirsty in the wilderness.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of cows; they have brought [these] near for David, and for the people who [are] with him to eat, for they said, “Your people [are] hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.”

Berean Literal Bible
and honey, and curds, and sheep, and cheese of the herd, they brought near for David and the people who were with him to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”

Young's Literal Translation
and honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, have brought nigh for David, and for the people who are with him to eat, for they said, 'Thy people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And honey and curdled milk, and sheep, and cheeses of kine, they brought near for David and for the people which Are with him, to eat; for they said the people are hungry and faint and thirsty in the desert.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And honey, and butter, and sheep, and fat calves, and they gave to David and the people that were with him, to eat: for they suspected that the people were faint with hunger and thirst in the wilderness.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and honey, and butter, sheep and fattened calves. And they gave these to David and to the people who were with him to eat. For they suspected that the people were faint with hunger and thirst in the desert.

New American Bible
honey, and butter and cheese from the flocks and herds, for David and those who were with him to eat; for they said, “The people will be hungry and tired and thirsty in the wilderness.”

New Revised Standard Version
honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat; for they said, “The troops are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And honey and butter and sheep and cheese of cows, and offered them to David, and to the people who were with him, to eat; for they said, The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they brought honey and butter and sheep and cheese of cows to David to eat and to the people who were with him, because they said: “The people are hungry and exhausted and parched with thirst in the wilderness!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and honey, and curd, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat; for they said: 'The people is hungry, and faint, and thirsty, in the wilderness.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheeses of kine: and they brought them to David and to his people with him to eat; for one said, The people is faint and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Hushai's Warning Saves David
28They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, 29honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

Cross References
honey,

1 Samuel 14:25-27
Then all the troops entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. / And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. / Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened.

Psalm 81:16
But I would feed you the finest wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

Deuteronomy 8:8
a land of wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey;
curds,

Genesis 18:8
Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.

Judges 5:25
He asked for water, and she gave him milk. In a magnificent bowl she brought him curds.

Isaiah 7:22
and from the abundance of milk they give, he will eat curds; for all who remain in the land will eat curds and honey.
sheep,

1 Samuel 25:18
Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys

2 Chronicles 18:2
And some years later he went down to visit Ahab in Samaria, where Ahab sacrificed many sheep and cattle for him and the people with him and urged him to march up to Ramoth-gilead.

1 Kings 4:23
ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry.
and cheese from the herd

Deuteronomy 32:14
with curds from the herd and milk from the flock, with the fat of lambs, with rams from Bashan, and goats, with the choicest grains of wheat. From the juice of the finest grapes you drank the wine.

Job 10:10
Did You not pour me out like milk, and curdle me like cheese?

1 Samuel 17:18
Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander of their unit. Check on the welfare of your brothers and bring back an assurance from them.
for David and his people to eat.

2 Samuel 16:1-2
When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. / “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”

2 Samuel 19:32-33
Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. / The king said to Barzillai, “Cross over with me, and I will provide for you at my side in Jerusalem.”
For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

Psalm 107:4-5
Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell. / They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them.

Exodus 16:3
“If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!”


Treasury of Scripture

And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of cows, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

cheese of kine

1 Samuel 17:18
And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

for David

Luke 8:3
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

Philippians 4:15-19
Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only…

to eat

2 Samuel 17:2
And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:

Psalm 34:8-10
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him…

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

The people

Judges 8:4-6
And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them

Ecclesiastes 11:1,2
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days…

Isaiah 21:14
The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.

in the wilderness

2 Samuel 16:2,14
And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink…

Jump to Previous
Butter Cheese Cows Cream Curd Curds David Desert Drink Eat Faint Food Herd Honey Hungry Kine Milk Needing Nigh Rest Sheep Thirsty Tired Waste Weary Wilderness
Jump to Next
Butter Cheese Cows Cream Curd Curds David Desert Drink Eat Faint Food Herd Honey Hungry Kine Milk Needing Nigh Rest Sheep Thirsty Tired Waste Weary Wilderness
2 Samuel 17
1. Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai's
15. Secret intelligence is sent unto David
23. Ahithophel hangs himself
25. Amasa is made captain
27. David at Mahanaim is furnished with provisions












honey,

Honey was a valued source of sweetness and energy, fitting the urgent needs of men weakened by travel and flight. Its inclusion shows the care taken to provide nourishing food for David’s company.

1Sa 14:25-27 Then all the troops entered the forest…
Psa 81:16 But I would feed you the finest wheat; with honey from the rock…
Deu 8:8 a land of wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates;…

curds,

Curds supplied protein and strength and were a familiar part of pastoral life. Along with the other provisions, they offered practical relief to a large group facing hunger and fatigue.

Gen 18:8 Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf…
Jdg 5:25 He asked for water, and she gave him milk.…
Isa 7:22 from the abundance of milk they give, he will eat curds;…

sheep,

Sheep represented a costly gift, since they provided meat as well as wool and milk. David’s supporters gave from their own resources, demonstrating loyalty during Absalom’s rebellion.

1Sa 25:18 Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread…
2Ch 18:2 And some years later he went down to visit Ahab…
1Ki 4:23 ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen,…

and cheese from the herd

Cheese from cattle or goats was portable, sustaining food for travelers. The variety of provisions indicates thoughtful preparation for David’s people in their depleted condition.

Deu 32:14 with curds from the herd and milk from the flock,…
Job 10:10 Did You not pour me out like milk, and curdle…
1Sa 17:18 Take also these ten portions of cheese to the commander.…

for David and his people to eat.

Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai recognized that David and those with him needed immediate assistance. Their hospitality strengthened the king and his followers while they remained east of the Jordan.

2Sa 16:1-2 When David had gone a little beyond the summit,…
2Sa 19:32-33 Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age,…

For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

David’s flight had left his company worn down and vulnerable. The wilderness route was harsh, but God supplied what they needed through faithful allies.

Psa 107:4-5 Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path…
Exo 16:3 If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!…
Deu 8:15-16 He led you through the vast and terrifying wilderness…

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The anointed king of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom during a time of rebellion.

2. Absalom
David's son, who has usurped the throne and is pursuing David.

3. Wilderness
The harsh environment where David and his followers find themselves, symbolizing trials and testing.

4. Supporters of David
Individuals who provide sustenance to David and his men, demonstrating loyalty and compassion.

5. The People
Refers to David's followers who are enduring hardship alongside him.
Teaching Points
God's Provision in Times of Need
Just as God provided for David and his men through the generosity of others, He continues to provide for His people today. Trust in God's provision, even in difficult circumstances.

The Importance of Community Support
The support David received highlights the importance of community and fellowship. In times of trial, believers are called to support one another, reflecting the love of Christ.

Faithfulness in Adversity
David's reliance on God and the loyalty of his followers serve as examples of faithfulness during adversity. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's plan.

Generosity as a Reflection of God's Love
The generosity shown to David and his men is a model for how Christians should act towards others. Acts of kindness and generosity are tangible expressions of God's love.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 17:29?

2. How does 2 Samuel 17:29 demonstrate God's provision through others' generosity?

3. What can we learn about hospitality from 2 Samuel 17:29?

4. How does this verse connect to Philippians 4:19 on God's provision?

5. How can we apply the generosity shown in 2 Samuel 17:29 today?

6. What role does community support play in fulfilling God's plans, as seen here?

7. What historical context surrounds 2 Samuel 17:29 and its significance in David's life?

8. How does 2 Samuel 17:29 reflect God's provision for His people?

9. What does 2 Samuel 17:29 reveal about the character of David's supporters?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 17?


(29) Cheese of kine.--A word occurring only here, and of uncertain meaning. The English follows the Chald., Syr., and Rabbinic interpretation; the Vulg. has "fat calves," and Theod. "sucking calves."

Verse 29. - Sheep. This is the only kind of flesh food mentioned. The change in the meaning of the word "meat," which still in America is used simply for "food," as in the Authorized Version, bears witness to the great change in our diet which has taken place in recent times. Cheese of kine. The word occurs only here, but the Syriac and the Targum both support the rendering of the Authorized Version. The Bedaween, after removing the butter, make a kind of cheese from the remaining milk. It is as hard as the cheese made from skimmed milk in Dorsetshire, but wholesome. It must, however, be soaked before eating, or softened with butter. Generally in the East, cow's milk is regarded as coarse, and camel's milk is used for drinking, while that of sheep and goats, and cheese made from it, holds the next place in general estimation. It is curious that "butter" literally means "cheese of kine."

Every item in 2 Samuel 17:29 showcases God’s timely, literal provision. Honey supplied quick strength, curds deep nourishment, sheep sustaining protein, and cheese lasting reserves—all expressly for David and his weary followers. Loving friends recognized hunger, exhaustion, and thirst, and God used their generosity to refresh His people. The verse invites us to trust the same faithful Provider who meets practical needs while advancing His redemptive plan.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
honey,
וּדְבַ֣שׁ (ū·ḏə·ḇaš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1706: Honey, syrup

curds,
וְחֶמְאָ֗ה (wə·ḥem·’āh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2529: Curdled milk, cheese

sheep,
וְצֹאן֙ (wə·ṣōn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

and cheese
וּשְׁפ֣וֹת (ū·šə·p̄ō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8194: Perhaps cream

from the herd
בָּקָ֔ר (bā·qār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd

for David
לְדָוִ֛ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and his people
וְלָעָ֥ם (wə·lā·‘ām)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

to eat.
לֶאֱכ֑וֹל (le·’ĕ·ḵō·wl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398: To eat

For
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they said,
אָמְר֔וּ (’ā·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“The people
הָעָ֗ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

have become hungry,
רָעֵ֛ב (rā·‘êḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7457: Hungry

exhausted,
וְעָיֵ֥ף (wə·‘ā·yêp̄)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5889: Faint, weary

and thirsty
וְצָמֵ֖א (wə·ṣā·mê)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6771: Thirsty

in the wilderness.”
בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃ (bam·miḏ·bār)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech


Additonal Resources
2 Samuel 17:29 Blue Letter Bible
2 Samuel 17:29 Bible Gateway
2 Samuel 17:29 Bible.com

2 Samuel 17:29 NIV
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2 Samuel 17:29 KJV

2 Samuel 17:29 Study Bible
2 Samuel 17:29 Biblia Paralela
2 Samuel 17:29 Chinese Bible
2 Samuel 17:29 French Bible
2 Samuel 17:29 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Samuel 17:29 And honey and butter and sheep (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)

2 Samuel 17:28
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