King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 12:25 Mean?

2 Samuel 12:25 in the King James Version says “And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD. Jedidiah: that is, ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD. Jedidiah: that is, Beloved of the LORD”

2 Samuel 12:25 · KJV

Context

23

But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

24

And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.

25

And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD. Jedidiah: that is, Beloved of the LORD

26

And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

27

And Joab sent messengers to David, and said, I have fought against Rabbah, and have taken the city of waters.

Read 2 Samuel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Nathan's Rebuke, emphasizing conviction, repentance, consequences. Nathan's prophetic confrontation using parable demonstrates effective rebuke methodology. David's immediate repentance ("I have sinned against the LORD") contrasts with Saul's defensive self-justification. The child's death demonstrates that forgiveness doesn't eliminate all consequences. Theological themes include God's hatred of sin, the necessity of repentance, the distinction between eternal and temporal consequences, and God's grace that continues despite devastating sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 12 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding conviction, repentance, consequences provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of conviction, repentance, consequences?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח1 of 10

“And he sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְּיַד֙2 of 10

“by the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

נָתָ֣ן3 of 10

“of Nathan”

H5416

nathan, the name of five israelites

הַנָּבִ֔יא4 of 10

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וַיִּקְרָ֥א5 of 10

“and he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת6 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁמ֖וֹ7 of 10

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְדִ֣ידְיָ֑הּ8 of 10

“Jedidiah”

H3041

jedidejah, a name of solomon

בַּֽעֲב֖וּר9 of 10
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“because of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 12:25 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 2 Samuel 12:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 13:262 Samuel 7:41 Kings 1:111 Kings 1:23Matthew 17:5Matthew 3:17

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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