King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 17:13 Mean?

1 Chronicles 17:13 in the King James Version says “I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee:

1 Chronicles 17:13 · KJV


Context

11

And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.

12

He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever.

13

I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee:

14

But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.

15

According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The father-son relationship 'I will be his father, and he shall be my son' establishes intimate covenant language. While immediately applying to Solomon, Hebrews 1:5 explicitly identifies this as prophetically fulfilled in Christ. The promise 'I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee' contrasts David's line with Saul's rejected dynasty. This 'steadfast love' (chesed) is covenant loyalty that persists despite human failure. Reformed theology sees here the doctrine of perseverance of the saints - God's covenant commitment ensures the ultimate security of His chosen ones, supremely demonstrated in Christ whom the Father eternally loves.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This promise shaped Israel's theology through monarchy, exile, and restoration. Even when human Davidic kings failed, prophets appealed to God's covenant oath (Jeremiah 33:14-26), maintaining messianic hope that produced watchfulness for the Son of David.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's irrevocable commitment to David's line illustrate His faithfulness to promises made to believers in Christ?
  2. What assurance does this covenant provide when you fail or doubt God's commitment to you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֲנִי֙1 of 17
H589

i

אֶֽהְיֶה2 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לּ֣וֹ3 of 17
H0
לְאָ֔ב4 of 17

I will be his father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְה֖וּא5 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִֽהְיֶה6 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִּ֣י7 of 17
H0
לְבֵ֑ן8 of 17

and he shall be my son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְחַסְדִּי֙9 of 17

my mercy

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

לֹֽא10 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֲסִיר֔וֹתִי11 of 17

and I will not take

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵֽעִמּ֔וֹ12 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֲסִיר֔וֹתִי14 of 17

and I will not take

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָיָ֖ה16 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְפָנֶֽיךָ׃17 of 17

it from him that was before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 17:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 17:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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