King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 7:6 Mean?

2 Samuel 7:6 in the King James Version says “Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.”

2 Samuel 7:6 · KJV

Context

4

And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,

5

Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the LORD, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in? my servant: Heb. to my servant, to David

6

Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.

7

In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar? any of: any of the judges

8

Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: from following: Heb. from after

Read 2 Samuel 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whereas I have not dwelt in any house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.

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
כִּ֣י1 of 17
H3588

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

לֹ֤א2 of 17
H3808

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

יָשַׁ֙בְתִּי֙3 of 17

“Whereas I have not dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּבַ֔יִת4 of 17

“in any house”

H1004

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

הַיּ֣וֹם5 of 17

“even to this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַֽעֲלֹתִ֞י6 of 17

“that I brought up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶת7 of 17
H853

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

בְּנֵ֤י8 of 17

“the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙9 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

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

מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם10 of 17

“out of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְעַ֖ד11 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֣וֹם12 of 17

“even to this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֑ה13 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וָאֶֽהְיֶה֙14 of 17
H1961

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

מִתְהַלֵּ֔ךְ15 of 17

“but have walked”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּאֹ֖הֶל16 of 17

“in a tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וּבְמִשְׁכָּֽן׃17 of 17

“and in a tabernacle”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

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 7:6 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 7:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:16Joshua 18:1Exodus 40:18-19Exodus 40:34-38Exodus 33:14-15Leviticus 26:23-24

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 7 →

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