King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 7:14 Mean?
“I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:”
Context
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.
14
I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
15
But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.
16
And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **If he commit iniquity.**—The promise has plainly in view a human successor or successors of David upon his throne; and yet it also promises the establishment of David’s kingdom FOREVER by an emphatic threefold repetition (2Samuel 7:13; 2Samuel 7:16), which can only be fulfilled, and has always been understood as to be fulfilled, in the Messiah. There is a similar promise of a prophet, human and yet more than human, in Deuteronomy 18:15-22, and the explanation in both cases is the same. The Divine word looks forward to a long succession of human prophets or heads of the theocracy who should for the time being, and as far as might be, fill the place of the true Prophet and King, all culminating at last in Him who should fully make known the Father’s will and reign over His people, of “whose kingdom there shall be no end.” (Luke 1:32-33).
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 7:14 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 7:14
Hebrews 1:5
→Revelation 3:19
→1 Chronicles 28:6
→1 Chronicles 17:13
→Deuteronomy 8:5
→1 Corinthians 11:32
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge