King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 7:15 Mean?

2 Samuel 7:15 in the King James Version says “But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.”

2 Samuel 7:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.

Read 2 Samuel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.

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 · 11 words
וְחַסְדִּ֖י1 of 11

“But my mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

לֹֽא2 of 11
H3808

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

הֲסִרֹ֖תִי3 of 11

“from him as I took”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ4 of 11
H4480

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר5 of 11
H834

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

הֲסִרֹ֖תִי6 of 11

“from him as I took”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵעִ֣ם7 of 11
H5973

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

שָׁא֔וּל8 of 11

“it from Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 11
H834

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

הֲסִרֹ֖תִי10 of 11

“from him as I took”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִלְּפָנֶֽיךָ׃11 of 11

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 15:231 Samuel 15:28Psalms 89:282 Samuel 7:141 Samuel 16:14Isaiah 9:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

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