King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 7:19 Mean?

2 Samuel 7:19 in the King James Version says “And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great wh...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? manner: Heb. law”

2 Samuel 7:19 · KJV

Context

17

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

18

Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?

19

And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD? manner: Heb. law

20

And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant.

21

For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And this was yet a small thing in thy sight, O Lord GOD; but thou hast spoken also of thy servant's house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?

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 · 17 words
וַתִּקְטַן֩1 of 17

“And this was yet a small thing”

H6994

to diminish, i.e., be (causatively, make) diminutive or (figuratively) of no account

ע֨וֹד2 of 17
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

זֹ֤את3 of 17
H2063

this (often used adverb)

בְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙4 of 17

“in thy sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אֲדֹנָ֥י5 of 17

“O Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֔ה6 of 17
H3068

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

וַתְּדַבֵּ֛ר7 of 17

“but thou hast spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

גַּ֥ם8 of 17
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶל9 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּֽית10 of 17

“house”

H1004

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

עַבְדְּךָ֖11 of 17

“also of thy servant's”

H5650

a servant

לְמֵֽרָח֑וֹק12 of 17

“for a great while to come”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

וְזֹ֛את13 of 17
H2063

this (often used adverb)

תּוֹרַ֥ת14 of 17

“And is this the manner”

H8452

a custom

הָֽאָדָ֖ם15 of 17

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אֲדֹנָ֥י16 of 17

“O Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֽה׃17 of 17
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 7:19 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 7:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 55:8-91 Chronicles 17:172 Samuel 7:11-16Psalms 36:7Numbers 16:9Ephesians 3:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

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

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