King James Version

What Does Psalms 132:2 Mean?

Psalms 132:2 in the King James Version says “How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 132 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;”

Psalms 132:2 · KJV

Context

1

A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:

2

How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;

3

Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed ;

4

I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,

Read Psalms 132 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's devotion is recalled: 'How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob.' The parallel phrases 'sware unto the LORD' and 'vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob' emphasize David's solemn commitment. 'Sware' (Hebrew 'shaba') means to take oath, make binding promise. 'Vowed' (nadar) means to promise, dedicate. The divine names emphasize God's covenant nature - 'LORD' (YHWH) is the covenant name, while 'mighty God of Jacob' (Abir Ya'aqob) recalls patriarchal promises and God's power. The phrase 'mighty God' (Abir) means strong one, mighty one. This verse introduces what the oath contained (vv. 3-5), building suspense. David's commitment was formal, public, and binding - representing highest level of dedication.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical oath isn't explicitly recorded in Samuel-Kings, though 2 Samuel 7:2 records David's desire to build God a house, and 1 Chronicles 22-29 describes David's extensive temple preparations. The psalm may preserve oral tradition about David's vow. The title 'mighty God of Jacob' emphasizes continuity between patriarchal and Davidic covenants.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the significance of both 'swearing' and 'vowing' - how do these strengthen commitment?
  2. Why does the psalm invoke both 'the LORD' and 'mighty God of Jacob' - what does each name emphasize?
  3. What does it mean to make solemn vows to God, and when is this appropriate?
  4. How does David's oath-taking model serious commitment to God's honor and worship?
  5. In what ways might Christians make solemn commitments to God's glory and kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אֲשֶׁ֣ר1 of 6
H834

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

נִ֭שְׁבַּע2 of 6

“How he sware”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

לַיהוָ֑ה3 of 6

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

נָ֝דַ֗ר4 of 6

“and vowed”

H5087

to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)

לַאֲבִ֥יר5 of 6

“unto the mighty”

H46

mighty (spoken of god)

יַעֲקֹֽב׃6 of 6

“God of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 132:2 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 Psalms 132:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 49:24Psalms 65:1Isaiah 60:16Psalms 50:1Psalms 116:14-18Psalms 132:5

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