King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 5:11 Mean?

2 Samuel 5:11 in the King James Version says “And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons : and they built David an h...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons : and they built David an house. masons: Heb. hewers of the stone of the wall”

2 Samuel 5:11 · KJV

Context

9

So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.

10

And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. went: Heb. went, going and growing

11

And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons : and they built David an house. masons: Heb. hewers of the stone of the wall

12

And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.

13

And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.

Read 2 Samuel 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Becomes King of Israel, emphasizing God establishing His chosen king. David's anointing as king over all Israel fulfills promises made years earlier (1 Samuel 16:13). The conquest of Jerusalem and establishment of it as capital demonstrates God's blessing. Military victories over Philistines show divine enablement. Theological themes include God's faithfulness to promises, the importance of proper locations for worship, and divine empowerment for tasks God assigns.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 5 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 God establishing His chosen king 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 God establishing His chosen king?
  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 · 17 words
וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח1 of 17

“sent”

H7971

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

חִירָ֨ם2 of 17

“And Hiram”

H2438

chiram or chirom, the name of two tyrians

מֶֽלֶךְ3 of 17

“king”

H4428

a king

צֹ֥ר4 of 17

“of Tyre”

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

מַלְאָכִים֮5 of 17

“messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

אֶל6 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְדָוִֽד׃7 of 17

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עֵ֔ץ8 of 17

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

אֲרָזִ֔ים9 of 17

“and cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

וְחָֽרָשֵׁ֖י10 of 17

“and carpenters”

H2796

a fabricator or any material

עֵ֔ץ11 of 17

“trees”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וְחָֽרָשֵׁ֖י12 of 17

“and carpenters”

H2796

a fabricator or any material

אֶ֣בֶן13 of 17
H68

a stone

קִ֑יר14 of 17

“and masons”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וַיִּבְנוּ15 of 17

“and they built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בַ֖יִת16 of 17

“an house”

H1004

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

לְדָוִֽד׃17 of 17

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 14:11 Kings 5:1-21 Kings 5:18Jeremiah 22:14-161 Kings 7:1-122 Samuel 7:2

Places in This Verse

TyreSettlement · Modern: Tyre · 33.27°N, 35.20°E64 verses across 19 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 5 →

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