King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 7:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 7:20 in the King James Version says “And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 7:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Read 2 Samuel 7 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 12 words
וּמַה1 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יּוֹסִ֥יף2 of 12

“And what can”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

דָּוִ֛ד3 of 12

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

ע֖וֹד4 of 12
H5750

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

לְדַבֵּ֣ר5 of 12

“say”

H1696

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

אֵלֶ֑יךָ6 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאַתָּ֛ה7 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יָדַ֥עְתָּ8 of 12

“knowest”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶֽת9 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַבְדְּךָ֖10 of 12

“thy servant”

H5650

a servant

אֲדֹנָ֥י11 of 12

“unto thee for thou Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִֽה׃12 of 12

“GOD”

H3069

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 7:20 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 7:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 21:171 Samuel 16:7Psalms 139:1Genesis 18:19Hebrews 4:13John 2:25

Test Your Knowledge

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

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