King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 7:11 Mean?

2 Samuel 7:11 in the King James Version says “And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine e...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.”

2 Samuel 7:11 · KJV

Context

9

And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. out of: Heb. from thy face

10

Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime,

11

And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.

12

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

13

He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

Read 2 Samuel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Davidic Covenant, emphasizing eternal promises, Messianic hope. The Davidic Covenant represents one of Scripture's most significant theological developments, promising an eternal dynasty culminating in Messiah. The Hebrew bayit (בַּיִת, 'house') functions as wordplay—David wanted to build God a house (temple), but God promises to build David a house (dynasty). Cross-references to Psalm 89, 2 Samuel 23:5, and New Testament passages (Luke 1:32-33, Acts 2:30) demonstrate this covenant's centrality to redemptive history.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 7 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 eternal promises, Messianic hope 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 eternal promises, Messianic hope?
  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 · 20 words
וּלְמִן1 of 20
H4480

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

הַיּ֗וֹם2 of 20

“And as since the time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 20
H834

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

צִוִּ֤יתִי4 of 20

“that I commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

שֹֽׁפְטִים֙5 of 20

“judges”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

עַל6 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עַמִּ֣י7 of 20

“to be over my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל8 of 20

“Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַֽהֲנִיחֹ֥תִי9 of 20

“and have caused thee to rest”

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

לְךָ֖10 of 20
H0
מִכָּל11 of 20
H3605

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

אֹֽיְבֶ֑יךָ12 of 20

“from all thine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

וְהִגִּ֤יד13 of 20

“telleth”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְךָ֙14 of 20
H0
יְהוָֽה׃15 of 20

“Also the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּי16 of 20
H3588

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

בַ֖יִת17 of 20

“thee an house”

H1004

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

יַֽעֲשֶׂה18 of 20

“thee that he will make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְּךָ֥19 of 20
H0
יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

“Also 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 7:11 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 7:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 7:272 Samuel 7:1Judges 2:14-161 Chronicles 17:10Psalms 89:3-41 Samuel 12:9-11

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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