2 Samuel 23:14-24

14 At that time David was on a fortified hill, and a group of Philistines had occupied Bethlehem
15 David grew homesick and said, "How I wish someone would bring me a drink of water from the well by the gate at Bethlehem!"
16 The three famous soldiers forced their way through the Philistine camp, drew some water from the well, and brought it back to David. But he would not drink it; instead he poured it out as an offering to the Lord
17 and said, "Lord, I could never drink this! It would be like drinking the blood of these men who risked their lives!" So he refused to drink it. Those were the brave deeds of the three famous soldiers.
18 Joab's brother Abishai (their mother was Zeruiah) was the leader of "The Famous Thirty." He fought with his spear against three hundred men and killed them, and became famous among "The Thirty."
19 He was the most famous of "The Thirty" and became their leader, but he was not as famous as "The Three.
20 Benaiah son of Jehoiada from Kabzeel was another famous soldier; he did many brave deeds, including killing two great Moabite warriors. He once went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.
21 He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man who was armed with a spear. Benaiah attacked him with his club, snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with it
22 Those were the brave deeds of Benaiah, who was one of "The Thirty."
23 He was outstanding among them, but was not as famous as "The Three." David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
24 Other members of "The Thirty" included: 23:Asahel, Joab's brother23:Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem23:Shammah and Elika from Harod23:Helez from Pelet23:Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa23:Abiezer from Anathoth23:Mebunnai from Hushah23:Zalmon from Ahoh23:Maharai from Netophah23:Heleb son of Baanah from Netophah23:Ittai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin23:Benaiah from Pirathon23:Hiddai from the valleys near Gaash23:Abialbon from Arabah23:Azmaveth from Bahurim23:Eliahba from Shaalbon23:The sons of Jashen23:Jonathan23:Shammah from Harar23:Ahiam son of Sharar from Harar23:Eliphelet son of Ahasbai from Maacah23:Eliam son of Ahithophel from Gilo23:Hezro from Carmel23:Paarai from Arab23:Igal son of Nathan from Zobah23:Bani from Gad23:Zelek from Ammon23:Naharai from Beeroth, Joab's armorbearer23:Ira and Gareb from Jattir23:Uriah the Hittite. There were thirty-seven famous soldiers in all.

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. [One ancient translation] "The Thirty"; [Hebrew] "The Three."
  • [b]. [Probable text] "The Thirty"; [Hebrew] "The Three."
  • [c]. [Probable text] "The Thirty"; [Hebrew] "The Three."
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.