King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 7:27 Mean?

2 Samuel 7:27 in the King James Version says “For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore ha...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. revealed: Heb. opened the ear”

2 Samuel 7:27 · KJV

Prayer

Context

25

And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said.

26

And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee.

27

For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. revealed: Heb. opened the ear

28

And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant:

29

Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever. let it: Heb. be thou pleased and bless

Read 2 Samuel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 25 words
כִּֽי1 of 25
H3588

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

אַתָּה֩2 of 25
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יְהוָ֨ה3 of 25

“For thou O LORD”

H3068

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

צְבָא֜וֹת4 of 25

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֱלֹהֵ֣י5 of 25

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל6 of 25

“of Israel”

H3478

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

גָּלִ֜יתָה7 of 25

“hast revealed”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

אֶת8 of 25
H853

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

אֹ֤זֶן9 of 25
H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

עַבְדְּךָ֙10 of 25

“therefore hath thy servant”

H5650

a servant

לֵאמֹ֔ר11 of 25

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בַּ֖יִת12 of 25

“thee an house”

H1004

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

אֶבְנֶה13 of 25

“I will build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

לָּ֑ךְ14 of 25
H0
עַל15 of 25
H5921

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

כֵּ֗ן16 of 25
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

מָצָ֤א17 of 25

“found”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

עַבְדְּךָ֙18 of 25

“therefore hath thy servant”

H5650

a servant

אֶת19 of 25
H853

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

לִבּ֔וֹ20 of 25

“in his heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל21 of 25

“to pray”

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

אֵלֶ֔יךָ22 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶת23 of 25
H853

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

הַתְּפִלָּ֖ה24 of 25

“this prayer”

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

הַזֹּֽאת׃25 of 25
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 7:27 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 7:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 17:25-26Psalms 10:17Ruth 4:41 Samuel 9:15Psalms 40:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 7 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes