New International Versionhoney 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 Translationhoney, 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 Versionhoney 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 Biblehoney, 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.”
King James BibleAnd 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 Versionhoney 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 Biblehoney, 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 1995honey, 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 1977honey, 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 Biblehoney, 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 Biblehoney, 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.”
Christian Standard Biblehoney, 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 Biblehoney, 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 Versionand 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 Versionand 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® Translationhoney, buttermilk, sheep, and calves. They brought these things because they thought, "The troops in the desert are hungry, exhausted, and thirsty."
International Standard Versionhoney, 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 Biblehoney, curds, flocks, and cheese. For they said, "The people are no doubt hungry, tired, and thirsty there in the desert."
New Heart English Bibleand 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 TranslationAnd 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 Biblehoney, 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 Biblehoney, 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 Versionand 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.”
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 TranslationAnd 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 BibleAnd 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 Versionand 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 Biblehoney, 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 Versionhoney 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 BibleAnd 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 TranslatedAnd 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 1917and 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 Translationand 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 ... Audio Bible
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 cheesefrom the herdfor Davidand his peopleto eat.Forthey said,“The peoplehave become hungry,exhausted,and thirstyin the wilderness.”
Cross References 1 Kings 17:6The ravens would bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening, and he would drink from the brook.
Genesis 18:5And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.”
Judges 19:19even though there is both straw and feed for our donkeys, and bread and wine for me and the maidservant and young man with me. There is nothing that we, your servants, lack.”
1 Samuel 25:18Then 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
1 Kings 19:6And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again.
2 Kings 4:42Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha.
Nehemiah 5:18Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.
Isaiah 21:14Bring water for the thirsty, O dwellers of Tema; meet the refugees with food.
Matthew 14:19-20And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. / They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
Mark 6:41-42Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus spoke a blessing and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And He divided the two fish among them all. / They all ate and were satisfied,
Luke 9:16-17Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus spoke a blessing and broke them. Then He gave them to the disciples to set before the people. / They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
John 6:11-12Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. / And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted.”
Acts 2:46With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart,
Romans 12:13Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
1 Corinthians 10:31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
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 oftheir 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 heis weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people thatare with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: Psalm 34:8-10 O taste and see that the LORDis good: blessedis the manthat trusteth in him… Psalm 84:11 For the LORD Godis a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no goodthing 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 thatwere with him, faint, yet pursuingthem… 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 assesbe 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 ButterCheeseCowsCreamCurdCurdsDavidDesertDrinkEatFaintFoodHerdHoneyHungryKineMilkNeedingNighRestSheepThirstyTiredWasteWearyWildernessJump to Next ButterCheeseCowsCreamCurdCurdsDavidDesertDrinkEatFaintFoodHerdHoneyHungryKineMilkNeedingNighRestSheepThirstyTiredWasteWearyWilderness2 Samuel 17 1.Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai's15.Secret intelligence is sent unto David23.Ahithophel hangs himself25.Amasa is made captain27.David at Mahanaim is furnished with provisionshoneyHoney in ancient Israel was a valuable and nutritious food source, often symbolizing abundance and prosperity. It was a staple in the diet and used as a sweetener. In the context of 2 Samuel 17:29, honey represents the generosity and care provided to David and his men during a time of need. This provision can be seen as a reflection of God's providence and care for His people, similar to how He provided manna in the wilderness ( Exodus 16:31). curds
Curds, or thickened milk, were a common food in the ancient Near East, providing essential nutrients and energy. They were often consumed with bread and were a sign of hospitality and sustenance. The offering of curds to David and his men highlights the practical support given to them, ensuring they had the strength to continue their journey. This act of kindness can be compared to the hospitality shown by Abraham to the three visitors inGenesis 18:8. sheep
Sheep were a vital part of the agrarian economy in ancient Israel, providing meat, wool, and milk. The gift of sheep to David and his people signifies a substantial and sacrificial offering, as livestock were valuable assets. This gesture underscores the loyalty and support of David's allies during his flight from Absalom. Sheep are also significant in biblical typology, often representing sacrifice and pointing to Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God (John 1:29). and cheese from the herd
Cheese, made from the milk of sheep or goats, was another important food item, offering sustenance and nourishment. The mention of cheese from the herd indicates a well-prepared and thoughtful provision for David and his men. This reflects the care and concern of those who supported David, ensuring that he and his followers were well-fed and able to endure their hardships. The provision of cheese can be seen as an act of kindness and solidarity, reminiscent of the communal support found in the early church (Acts 2:44-45). for David and his people to eat
The provision of food for David and his people highlights the importance of community and support during times of crisis. David, as the anointed king, was in a vulnerable position, and the sustenance provided by his supporters was crucial for his survival and the morale of his followers. This act of provision can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to care for His anointed and a foreshadowing of the ultimate provision found in Christ, who feeds His people spiritually (John 6:35). For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”
This statement acknowledges the dire condition of David and his men, who were fleeing from Absalom and facing the harsh realities of the wilderness. The wilderness is often a place of testing and reliance on God's provision, as seen in the Israelites' journey in the desert (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). The physical needs of hunger, exhaustion, and thirst emphasize the human vulnerability and dependence on God's provision, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who offers rest and living water (Matthew 11:28,John 4:14). Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe anointed king of Israel, who is fleeing from his son Absalom during a time of rebellion. 2. AbsalomDavid's son, who has usurped the throne and is pursuing David. 3. WildernessThe harsh environment where David and his followers find themselves, symbolizing trials and testing. 4. Supporters of DavidIndividuals who provide sustenance to David and his men, demonstrating loyalty and compassion. 5. The PeopleRefers to David's followers who are enduring hardship alongside him. Teaching Points God's Provision in Times of NeedJust 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 SupportThe 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 AdversityDavid'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 LoveThe 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?
11.How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?
12.Who killed Goliath? (1 Samuel 17:49 vs. 2 Samuel 21:19)
13.In 1 Chronicles 15:29, Michal criticizes David's dance--does this episode conflict with the portrayal of Michal in 2 Samuel, creating an inconsistency in her character and motives?
14.Why does David's decision in 2 Samuel 19:29 seemingly contradict earlier promises of favor and land for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)?What Does 2 Samuel 17:29 Mean Honey“Honey” is the first item mentioned: “honey … for David and his people to eat” (2 Samuel 17:29). Honey was the energy-rich food that travelers in Scripture often relied on (Judges 14:8-9;1 Samuel 14:27). In the middle of flight from Absalom, David and his men needed quick, natural fuel. God had once “brought them to a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8), and now, in a dark hour, He let that sweetness touch them again. The honey on the table quietly said, “The covenant God who sweetened your past has not forgotten you in the present.”
CurdsCurds—thick, nutritious dairy—signaled settled abundance (Genesis 18:8). Isaiah foretold that Immanuel would “eat curds and honey” (Isaiah 7:15), a picture of everyday provision even during national crisis. In Mahanaim, the curds reminded David that the Lord supplies substance, not scraps. They also soothed weary bodies: calcium, protein, and fat for soldiers who had marched hard and slept rough (cf.2 Corinthians 11:27).
SheepNext came “sheep,” living meat on the hoof. Sheep had accompanied Israel since the Passover night (Exodus 12:3-8); now they appear again to sustain the king who once shepherded them. Barzillai and his friends provided more than enough, echoing Abigail’s feast for David’s men years earlier (1 Samuel 25:18). The gift underlined God’s ongoing pledge: “The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1).
Cheese from the herd“Cheese from the herd” points to preserved nourishment that would last beyond one meal. Job compared his own formation to curdled cheese (Job 10:10), showing that cheese was familiar in ancient diets. For David’s band, this portable protein allowed them to keep moving without starving. It was God’s way of stocking their pantry while they were still on the run, just as He had turned quail and manna into wilderness rations for earlier generations (Exodus 16:13-15).
For David and his people to eatThe verse stresses purpose: the food was “for David and his people.” God’s care was personal and communal. He was feeding a king and his followers, mirroring how He later fed Elijah with angel-baked bread (1 Kings 19:5-8) and how Christ fed five thousand with multiplied loaves (Matthew 14:19-20). No one in the righteous remnant was overlooked.
For they saidThe suppliers did more than notice need; they voiced it and acted. Their compassion recalls the Good Samaritan, who “saw him and had compassion” (Luke 10:33). True love is practical; it speaks and spends to meet a brother’s lack (James 2:15-16).
The people have become hungryHunger weakens resolve. Israel had groaned in the desert, “Why did you bring us out to this wilderness to die of hunger?” (Exodus 16:3). By providing hearty food, these friends fought despair with tangible hope. Jesus later declared, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never hunger” (John 6:35); this scene foreshadows that sustaining grace.
ExhaustedWeariness of body and soul can erode courage. Yet Scripture promises, “He gives power to the faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31). The simple act of serving a meal became God’s channel to renew David’s strength so he could keep trusting and leading.
And thirsty in the wildernessThirst in Scripture often pictures deep spiritual need (Psalm 63:1). God had opened a rock for Moses (Exodus 17:6) and would later offer “living water” through Christ (John 7:37). Fresh cheese and curds contained moisture; honey provided quick sugars; sheep could be boiled into broth—together answering parched throats. Even in a physical wilderness, the Lord again proved Himself “a spring of water whose waters do not fail” (Isaiah 58:11).
summaryEvery item in2 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. (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."
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
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OT History: 2 Samuel 17:29 And honey and butter and sheep (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
