King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 5:9 Mean?

2 Samuel 5:9 in the King James Version says “So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 5:9 · KJV

Context

7

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.

8

And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. Wherefore: or, Because they had said, even the blind and the lame, He shall not come into the house

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

Read 2 Samuel 5 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 13 words
וַיֵּ֤שֶׁב1 of 13

“dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

דָּוִד֙2 of 13

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בַּמְּצֻדָ֔ה3 of 13

“in the fort”

H4686

a fastness

וַיִּקְרָא4 of 13

“and called”

H7121

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

לָ֖הּ5 of 13
H0
עִ֣יר6 of 13

“it the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָּוִד֙7 of 13

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּ֤בֶן8 of 13

“built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

דָּוִד֙9 of 13

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

סָבִ֔יב10 of 13

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

מִן11 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַמִּלּ֖וֹא12 of 13

“from Millo”

H4407

a rampart (as filled in), i.e., the citadel

וָבָֽיְתָה׃13 of 13

“and inward”

H1004

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

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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 9:151 Kings 9:241 Kings 11:272 Samuel 5:72 Chronicles 32:51 Chronicles 11:8

Places in This Verse

City of DavidSettlement · Modern: City of David · 31.77°N, 35.24°E46 verses across 7 books
MilloFortification · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E6 verses across 4 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 5 →

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