King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:5 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:5 in the King James Version says “Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure:... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

2 Samuel 23:5 · KJV


Context

3

The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. He: or, Be thou ruler, etc

4

And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

5

Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

6

But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:

7

But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place. fenced: Heb. filled


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident reveals David's unwillingness to value his comfort above his soldiers' lives. Theological themes include the importance of final testimonies, the eternal nature of God's covenant, the value of faithful servants, and the necessity of sacrificial leadership.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 23 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 legacy, faithful servants 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 legacy, faithful servants?
  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 · 22 words
כִּֽי1 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹא2 of 22
H3808

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

כֵ֥ן3 of 22
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

בֵּיתִ֖י4 of 22

Although my house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

עִם5 of 22
H5973

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

אֵ֑ל6 of 22

be not so with God

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

כִּי֩7 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְרִ֨ית8 of 22

covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

עוֹלָ֜ם9 of 22

with me an everlasting

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

שָׂ֣ם10 of 22

yet he hath made

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

לִ֗י11 of 22
H0
עֲרוּכָ֤ה12 of 22

ordered

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

בַכֹּל֙13 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וּשְׁמֻרָ֔ה14 of 22

in all things and sure

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

כִּֽי15 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָל16 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׁעִ֥י17 of 22

for this is all my salvation

H3468

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

וְכָל18 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חֵ֖פֶץ19 of 22

and all my desire

H2656

pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind)

כִּי20 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֥א21 of 22
H3808

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

יַצְמִֽיחַ׃22 of 22

although he make it not to grow

H6779

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)


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 23:5 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 23:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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