And since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house.

1 CHRONICLES 17:10KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 17:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 17:10 mean?

In 1 Chronicles 17:10, God tells David that his enemies will be brought under control and that David’s family line will continue after him. The promise comes as part of God’s answer to David’s wish to build a house for the LORD.

The verse’s opening phrase reaches back to the time when judges governed Israel. God’s answer comes through Nathan, who speaks to David on God’s behalf. The word “house” is the key image: God turns David’s building plan toward a promise about David’s descendants.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 17:10

  • “house” — בַּיִת (bayit): This word can mean a building or a household. Here, the surrounding verses show that the promised “house” involves David’s family line, including a son who will rule after him.
  • “subdue” — כָּנַע (kanaʿ): This word carries the sense of bringing someone low or under control. The promise describes David’s enemies being made subject to him.

Why 1 Chronicles 17:10 matters

  • The promise changes the direction of David’s plan. David wanted to build a house for the LORD, but verse 10 says that the LORD will build a house for David.
  • David’s “house” includes a future ruler, not merely a place for his family to live. In verse 11, God speaks of establishing the rule of one of David’s sons.
  • The reference to “judges” places David’s reign within Israel’s longer story. These leaders served before Israel had kings, and the phrase connects God’s care for the people across those periods.

Where else these words appear

“subdue” Hebrew H3665 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 26:41 And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:
  • 1 Chronicles 18:1 Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,