2 Samuel 7:16
2 Samuel 7:16 in Multiple Translations
Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever.”
And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
And your family and your kingdom will keep their place before me for ever: the seat of your authority will never be overturned.
Your house and your kingdom will last forever; your dynasty will be secure forever.”
And thine house shall be stablished and thy kingdome for euer before thee, euen thy throne shalbe stablished for euer.
and stedfast [is] thy house and thy kingdom unto the age before thee, thy throne is established unto the age.'
Your house and your kingdom will be made sure forever before you. Your throne will be established forever.”’”
And thy house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
And thy house shall be faithful, and thy kingdom for ever before thy face, and thy throne shall be firm for ever.
Your descendants will rule the kingdom of Israel forever. Their rule will never end. [DOU]’ ”
Your family line will stay for ever. One of them will always be the big boss.” That’s the story God told Nathan in a dream.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 7:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 7:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נֶאְמַ֨ן
בֵּיתְ/ךָ֧
וּ/מַֽמְלַכְתְּ/ךָ֛
עַד
עוֹלָ֖ם
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
כִּֽסְאֲ/ךָ֔
יִהְיֶ֥ה
נָכ֖וֹן
עַד
עוֹלָֽם
וְ/נֶאְמַ֨ן
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
בֵּיתְ/ךָ֧
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
וּ/מַֽמְלַכְתְּ/ךָ֛
mamlâkâh
H4467
kingdom
Conj | N-fs | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עוֹלָ֖ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
כִּֽסְאֲ/ךָ֔
kiççêʼ
H3678
throne
N-ms | Suff
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
נָכ֖וֹן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 7:16
וְ/נֶאְמַ֨ן
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
בֵּיתְ/ךָ֧
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וּ/מַֽמְלַכְתְּ/ךָ֛
mamlâkâh
H4467
"kingdom"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עוֹלָ֖ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
לְ/פָנֶ֑י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כִּֽסְאֲ/ךָ֔
kiççêʼ
H3678
"throne"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
יִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
נָכ֖וֹן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 7:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 7:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 7:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 7:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:16
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 7:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:16
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 7:16
Context — God’s Covenant with David
14I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.
15But My loving devotion will never be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I removed from before you.
16Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever.”
17So Nathan relayed to David all the words of this entire revelation. 18Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 1:32–33 | He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!” |
| 2 | Psalms 89:36–37 | his offspring shall endure forever, and his throne before Me like the sun, like the moon, established forever, a faithful witness in the sky.” Selah |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 7:13 | He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. |
| 4 | Isaiah 9:7 | Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. |
| 5 | Daniel 7:14 | And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. |
| 6 | Daniel 2:44 | In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever. |
| 7 | Psalms 45:6 | Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. |
| 8 | Genesis 49:10 | The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. |
| 9 | Revelation 11:15 | Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 17:13–14 | I will be his Father, and he will be My son. And I will never remove My loving devotion from him as I removed it from your predecessor. But I will set him over My house and My kingdom forever, and his throne will be established forever.” |
2 Samuel 7:16 Summary
This verse is a promise from God to David that his family and kingdom will last forever. This doesn't just mean that David's family will always have a king, but that God will always be taking care of them and working through them to bring about His plan. As we see in other parts of the Bible, like Isaiah 9:7 and Luke 1:32-33, this promise ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who is the eternal King and descendant of David. This means that we can trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, knowing that He is always working to bring about His good plan, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainty (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a house and kingdom to endure forever?
This promise from God to David means that his descendants will always have a special place in God's plan, as seen in the fulfillment of Jesus Christ, who is a descendant of David and reigns forever (Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:32-33).
Is this verse only talking about David's physical throne?
No, while David's throne did endure for many generations, this verse also looks forward to the eternal throne of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate King and descendant of David (Isaiah 9:7, Luke 1:32-33).
How does God's promise to David relate to us today?
As believers, we are part of God's eternal kingdom and are called to live in light of His eternal promises, trusting in His faithfulness and sovereignty (Hebrews 12:28, Revelation 21:1-4).
What does 'before Me' mean in this verse?
This phrase emphasizes God's personal involvement and attention to David's house and kingdom, indicating that God will always be mindful of and caring for them, just as He is always mindful of and caring for His people (Psalm 8:4, Romans 8:28).
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to establish a throne 'forever', and how does that impact my understanding of His plan and purpose?
- In what ways can I trust in God's eternal promises and faithfulness in my own life, just as David did?
- How does the promise of an eternal kingdom relate to my everyday life and the challenges I face?
- What does it mean for me to live as part of God's eternal kingdom, and how can I reflect His character and values in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 7:16
And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee,.... That is, both his family and his government should be perpetuated, or he should always have one of his family to sit
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 7:16
And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:16
Before thee; thine eyes in some sort beholding it; for he lived to see his wise and godly son Solomon actually placed in the throne, with great reputation and general applause, ,40, which was in itself a good presage of the continuance of the kingdom in his family; and being considered, together with the infallible certainty of God’ s promise to him and his for ever, of the accomplishment whereof this was an earnest, gave him good assurance thereof; especially considering that he had his eyes and thoughts upon the Messia, , &c., whose day he saw by faith, as Abraham did, , and whom he knew that God would raise out of the fruit of his loins to sit on his throne, as is affirmed, , and that for ever: and so the eternity of his kingdom is rightly said to be before him. The LXX. and Syriac read before me, which is a usual phrase, which makes no great variation in the Hebrew text.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:16
2 Samuel 7:16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.Ver. 16. Thy throne shall be established for ever.] It shall, it shall - take my word for it: - in Christ, howsoever, who shall reign as God-man throughout all eternity.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:16
(16) Established.—Two different Hebrew words are so translated in this verse. The first is the same word as that used in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, while the second is translated sure in 1 Samuel 2:35; Isaiah 55:3, and would be better rendered here also made sure.Before thee.—The LXX. has unnecessarily changed this to before me. The thought is, that David is now made the head of the line in which shall be fulfilled the primeval promise “The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.” This was originally given simply to the human race (Genesis 3:15); then restricted to the nation descended from Abraham (Genesis 22:18, &c); then limited to the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10, comp. Ezekiel 21:27), and now its fulfilment is promised in the family of David.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 7:16
16. thy kingdom shall be stablished] Better, thy kingdom shall be made sure. Two different words are translated “shall be stablished” in this verse. The second corresponds to that in 2 Samuel 7:13 : the first is that rendered in 1 Samuel 2:35, “a sure house, and in Isaiah 55:3, “the sure mercies of David.” before thee] The explanation that “David is regarded as seeing all his descendants pass before him in a vision,” is forced, and it is best to follow the LXX. in reading before me. This reading moreover seems to be required by 2 Samuel 7:26; 2 Samuel 7:29.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:16
16. For ever… for ever — of all the words of promise that fell on David’s ears these were the most charming.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 7:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Eternal Purpose of God by Darrell Champlin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the eternal purpose of God. He compares the word of God to a diamond that glows with incredible power when the |
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Prayer Mysteries by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being invited to a wealthy family's home for dinner. The family had four wild and energetic boys. During the meal, one o |
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Jeremiah 33:14 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the contrast between the dark days ahead for Judah and the glorious future God has planned for them, as revealed to Jeremiah. Despite the impending destructi |
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God the Son: His Incarnation by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the profound truth of the incarnation of Christ, emphasizing that Jesus was both fully God and fully man, never laying aside His Deity even as He to |
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Iii. the Jerusalem Sign by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the significance of Jerusalem in the Scriptures, emphasizing its role as the abiding city where Jehovah's everlasting kingdom will be established. D |
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Ezekiel 21:26 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith delivers a powerful sermon on Ezekiel 21:26, emphasizing the end of the kingdom of Israel and the conditional promise made to David regarding his descendants. He explai |
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I Will Raise Up for David a Righteous Branch by John Piper | John Piper preaches about the promise made to David in 2 Samuel 7, where God declared that one of his offspring would sit on the throne forever. Despite the disobedience and idolat |