But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.

1 CHRONICLES 17:14KJV
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1 Chronicles 17:14 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 17:14 mean?

1 Chronicles 17:14 describes God’s promise to establish someone in His house and kingdom forever, guaranteeing that this person’s throne will be firmly set for all time. The verse emphasizes a lasting, unbreakable commitment from God regarding the rule and place of this chosen individual.

In this passage, God is speaking to David through the prophet Nathan. The context is God’s covenant with David, where God promises that David’s descendant will have an enduring dynasty. The verse uses strong language to highlight the permanence and security of this future king’s position, pointing to a future beyond David’s own lifetime.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 17:14

  • "settle" (עָמַד, ʿamad): This word means to stand or to set firmly. Here, it carries the sense of God personally establishing or making secure the place of the promised ruler.
  • "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): While often meaning a physical house, in this context it refers to a royal household or dynasty, stressing the ongoing family line of David.
  • "kingdom" (מַלְכוּת, malkhut): This word points to the realm or rule, highlighting not just a family, but a lasting authority and sovereignty.
  • "ever" and "evermore" (עוֹלָם, ʿolam): This word often means a very long time, sometimes understood as “forever.” Here, it underscores the idea that God’s promise is not temporary but enduring.
  • "throne" (כִּסֵּא, kisse): This is the seat of royal authority. Its establishment means the rule is secure, not just the person.
  • "established" (כּוּן, kun): This verb means to make firm or stable, emphasizing that the throne will not be shaken or lost.

Why 1 Chronicles 17:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s promise to David is not just about his own reign, but about an enduring dynasty and kingdom that will last beyond his lifetime.
  • The language of “forever” and “established” highlights the security and faithfulness of God’s commitment, which was a significant reassurance for David and his descendants.
  • Understanding the original words helps show that the promise is about both a family line (“house”) and a lasting rule (“kingdom” and “throne”), connecting to bigger themes of hope and continuity in the wider story of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“kingdom” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.
  • Esther 6:8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:

“for” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

“throne” Hebrew H3678 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 41:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
  • 1 Kings 22:19 And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
  • Psalms 122:5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.