King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 7:9 Mean?

2 Samuel 7:9 in the King James Version says “And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee ... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. out of: Heb. from thy face

2 Samuel 7:9 · KJV


Context

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

9

And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. out of: Heb. from thy face

10

Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime,

11

And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth.

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 · 18 words
וָאֶֽהְיֶ֣ה1 of 18
H1961

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

עִמְּךָ֗2 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בְּכֹל֙3 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָלַ֔כְתָּ5 of 18

And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest

H1980

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

וָֽאַכְרִ֥תָה6 of 18

and have cut off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת7 of 18
H853

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

כָּל8 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֹֽיְבֶ֖יךָ9 of 18

all thine enemies

H341

hating; an adversary

מִפָּנֶ֑יךָ10 of 18

out of thy sight

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

וְעָשִׂ֤תִֽי11 of 18

and have made

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְךָ֙12 of 18
H0
כְּשֵׁ֥ם13 of 18

like unto the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַגְּדֹלִ֖ים14 of 18

of the great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

כְּשֵׁ֥ם15 of 18

like unto the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַגְּדֹלִ֖ים16 of 18

of the great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃18 of 18

men that are in the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 7:9 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 7:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study