New International Version David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” New Living Translation David remarked longingly to his men, “Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.” English Standard Version And David said longingly, “Oh, that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” Berean Standard Bible David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” Berean Literal Bible And David craved and he said, “Who will give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate?” King James Bible 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! New King James Version And David said with longing, “Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” New American Standard Bible And David had a craving and said, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate!” NASB 1995 David had a craving and said, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate!” NASB 1977 And David had a craving and said, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate!” Legacy Standard Bible Then David had a craving and said, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” Amplified Bible And David had a craving and said, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” Berean Annotated Bible David (beloved) longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem (house of bread)! Christian Standard Bible David was extremely thirsty and said, “If only someone would bring me water to drink from the well at the city gate of Bethlehem! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible David was extremely thirsty and said, “If only someone would bring me water to drink from the well at the city gate of Bethlehem!” American Standard Version And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate! Contemporary English Version and he was very thirsty. He said, "I wish I had a drink from the well by the gate at Bethlehem." English Revised Version And David longed and said, Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Beth-lehem which is by the gate! GOD'S WORD® Translation When David became thirsty, he said, "I wish I could have a drink of water from the well at the city gate of Bethlehem." Good News Translation David grew homesick and said, "How I wish someone would bring me a drink of water from the well by the gate at Bethlehem!" International Standard Version David expressed his longing, "Oh, how I wish someone would get me a drink of water from the Bethlehem well that's by the city gate!" NET Bible David was thirsty and said, "How I wish someone would give me some water to drink from the cistern in Bethlehem near the gate!" New Heart English Bible And David had a craving and said, "Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate." Webster's Bible Translation And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate! Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleDavid longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” World English Bible David said longingly, “Oh that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand David longs and says, “Who gives me a drink of the water of the well of Beth-Lehem, which [is] by the gate?” Berean Literal Bible And David craved and he said, “Who will give me a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate?” Young's Literal Translation and David longeth and saith, 'Who doth give me a drink of the water of the well of Beth-Lehem, which is by the gate?' Smith's Literal Translation And David will desire and say, Who will give me to drink waters from the well of the House of Bread, which is in the gate? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd David longed, and said: O that some man would get me a drink of the water out of the cistern, that is in Bethlehem, by the gate. Catholic Public Domain Version Then David desired, and he said, “If only someone would give me a drink of the water from the cistern, which is in Bethlehem beside the gate!” New American Bible Now David had a craving and said, “If only someone would give me a drink of water from the cistern by the gate of Bethlehem!” New Revised Standard Version David said longingly, “O that someone would give me water to drink from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd David longed for water and said, O that one would give me a drink of water from the great well which is in the city of Beth-lehem! Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And David lusted and he said: “I am desiring that I would drink water from the great well that is in the city Bayth Lekhem!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And David longed, and said: 'Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate!' Brenton Septuagint Translation And David longed, and said, Who will give me water to drink out of the well that is in Bethleem by the gate? now the band of the Philistines was then in Bethleem. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context David's Mighty Men…14At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. 15David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 16So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD,… Cross References David longed for water 1 Chronicles 11:17 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” Psalm 42:1-2 For the choirmaster. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. / My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence? Psalm 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water. and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water John 4:7-10 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” / (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) / “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) … 1 Kings 17:10-11 So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.” Genesis 24:17-20 So the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jar.” / “Drink, my lord,” she replied, and she quickly lowered her jar to her hands and gave him a drink. / After she had given him a drink, she said, “I will also draw water for your camels, until they have had enough to drink.” … from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 1 Chronicles 11:18 So the Three broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, Ruth 4:1 Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. 1 Samuel 17:12 Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons. And in the days of Saul, Jesse was old and well along in years. Judges 15:18-19 And being very thirsty, Samson cried out to the LORD, “You have accomplished this great deliverance through Your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” / So God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned, and he was revived. That is why he named it En-hakkore, and it remains in Lehi to this day. Numbers 20:11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink. John 4:13-14 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. / But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.” Isaiah 12:3 With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation, John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. / Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Treasury of Scripture 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! longed Numbers 11:4,5 And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? … Psalm 42:1,2 To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God… Psalm 63:1 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Jump to Previous Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Craving David Desire Doorway Drink Gate Longed Moved Someone Strong Water Water-HoleJump to Next Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Craving David Desire Doorway Drink Gate Longed Moved Someone Strong Water Water-Hole2 Samuel 23 1. David, in his last words, professes his faith in God's promises6. The different state of the wicked 8. A catalogue of David's mighty men David longed for water While David was in the stronghold and the Philistines held Bethlehem, he remembered the water from his hometown. His desire reflects both physical thirst and the loss of access to the place closely tied to his family and early life. 1Ch 11:17 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone… and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water David voiced a personal wish, not an order. His men acted out of devotion to him, willingly risking themselves to fulfill what he had only expressed aloud. Jhn 4:7-10 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water,… from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” The well stood near Bethlehem’s gate, a central and familiar place in the city David could not safely enter while the Philistines occupied it. The request shows the cost of Israel’s conflict with the Philistines and sets up David’s refusal to drink water obtained at such danger. 1Ch 11:18 So the Three broke through the Philistine camp,… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his leadership. At this point, he is reflecting on his past and expressing a longing for something from his youth. 2. Bethlehem David's hometown, a significant location in biblical history, known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The well near the gate symbolizes a source of life and sustenance. 3. The Well Represents a place of refreshment and nostalgia for David, symbolizing his longing for simpler times and the sustenance that only God can provide. 4. The Three Mighty Warriors Although not mentioned directly in this verse, they are the ones who later risk their lives to fulfill David's longing, demonstrating loyalty and bravery. 5. The Philistine Garrison The enemy forces occupying Bethlehem at the time, representing the obstacles and challenges faced by David and his men. Teaching Points Longing for GodJust as David longed for water from Bethlehem, we should cultivate a deep longing for God and His presence in our lives. Sacrificial Love and Loyalty The actions of David's mighty men teach us about the importance of loyalty and sacrificial love in our relationships, both with God and others. Overcoming Obstacles The Philistine garrison represents the challenges we face in life. With faith and courage, we can overcome these obstacles to fulfill God's purposes. Nostalgia and Spiritual Reflection Reflecting on past experiences can remind us of God's faithfulness and inspire us to seek Him more earnestly. The True Source of Satisfaction Earthly desires and longings point us to the deeper spiritual truth that only God can truly satisfy our souls. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 23:15?2. What does David's longing for water reveal about his heart's desires? 3. How can we identify and resist our own "longings" that may lead us astray? 4. How does 2 Samuel 23:15 connect to Jesus as the Living Water? 5. What sacrifices are we willing to make for the desires of our heart? 6. How can we ensure our desires align with God's will and purpose? 7. Why did David long for water from Bethlehem's well in 2 Samuel 23:15? 8. What does David's request in 2 Samuel 23:15 reveal about his leadership qualities? 9. How does 2 Samuel 23:15 illustrate the loyalty of David's mighty men? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 23? (15) The well of Bethlehem.--There are now no wells of living water at Bethlehem itself, the town being supplied by an aqueduct. Robinson could find none in the neighbourhood, and was assured that none existed (Bib. R. ii. 157-163); but Ritter (Geog. of Pal. iii. 340) says that a little north of the town "is" David's well, "with its deep shaft and its clear cool water."Verse 15. - The well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate. Bethlehem is now supplied with water by an aqueduct, and the wells close to the town have ceased to exist. The cistern of "deep, clear, cool water," descsribed by Ritter, in his 'Geography of Palestine,' and now called David's Well, is three quarters of a mile to the north of Bethlehem, and too distant to be that which David meant. David’s passing wish for water from Bethlehem, voiced while hiding from Philistine forces, reveals his physical need, homesickness, and spiritual thirst all at once. His devoted men turn that wish into a daring mission, and David’s refusal to drink what they risked their lives to bring shows deep reverence for the sanctity of life and for God, to whom he ultimately directs his longing. The verse therefore teaches about the power of words, the cost of true devotion, and the way everyday desires can point us to the greater refreshment found in the Lord. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Davidדָוִ֖ד (ḏā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse longed [for water] וַיִּתְאַוֶּ֥ה (way·yiṯ·’aw·weh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 183: To incline, desire and said, וַיֹּאמַ֑ר (way·yō·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Oh, that someone מִ֚י (mî) Interrogative Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix would get me a drink יַשְׁקֵ֣נִי (yaš·qê·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 8248: To quaff, to irrigate, furnish a, potion to of water מַ֔יִם (ma·yim) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen from the well מִבֹּ֥אר (mib·bōr) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 877: A cistern, pit, well near the gate בַּשָּֽׁעַר׃ (baš·šā·‘ar) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate of Bethlehem!” לֶ֖חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun Additonal Resources 2 Samuel 23:15 Blue Letter Bible2 Samuel 23:15 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 23:15 Bible.com 2 Samuel 23:15 NIV |
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