King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 7:29 Mean?

2 Samuel 7:29 in the King James Version says “Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou,...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 7:29 · KJV

Context

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
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.

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 · 19 words
וְעַתָּ֗ה1 of 19
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הוֹאֵל֙2 of 19

“Therefore now let it please”

H2974

properly, to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition

יְבֹרַ֥ךְ3 of 19

“be blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֶת4 of 19
H853

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

בֵּֽית5 of 19

“let the house”

H1004

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

עַבְדְּךָ֖6 of 19

“of thy servant”

H5650

a servant

לִֽהְי֥וֹת7 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְעוֹלָֽם׃8 of 19

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

לְפָנֶ֑יךָ9 of 19

“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

כִּֽי10 of 19
H3588

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

אַתָּ֞ה11 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֲדֹנָ֤י12 of 19

“thee for thou O Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִה֙13 of 19

“GOD”

H3069

god

דִּבַּ֔רְתָּ14 of 19

“hast spoken”

H1696

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

וּמִבִּרְכָ֣תְךָ֔15 of 19

“it and with thy blessing”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

יְבֹרַ֥ךְ16 of 19

“be blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

בֵּֽית17 of 19

“let the house”

H1004

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

עַבְדְּךָ֖18 of 19

“of thy servant”

H5650

a servant

לְעוֹלָֽם׃19 of 19

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 7:29 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 7:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 6:24-261 Chronicles 17:27Psalms 115:12-152 Samuel 22:51

Test Your Knowledge

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

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