Therefore now, LORD, let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as thou hast said.

1 CHRONICLES 17:23KJV
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1 Chronicles 17:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 17:23 mean?

1 Chronicles 17:23 is a prayer from David, asking God to fulfill and make permanent the promise God has just made about David’s family and descendants. David is expressing trust that God will do exactly what He has said regarding David’s house and future.

David is speaking directly to God after hearing God’s promise through the prophet Nathan that David’s royal line would be established forever. In this verse, David responds by asking God to confirm and carry out this promise, showing both humility and faith in God’s word.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 17:23

  • The word “LORD” (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the personal name of God, emphasizing a close, covenant relationship between God and David.
  • The word “established” (אָמַן, ’aman) often means to make firm or secure. David is not just asking for the promise to come true, but for it to be made unshakeable and lasting.
  • The phrase “for ever” (עַד־עוֹלָם, ‘ad ‘olam) means without end or for all time, highlighting that David is asking for a permanent, ongoing fulfillment, not just a temporary one.

Why 1 Chronicles 17:23 matters

  • This verse shows David’s response of faith, not just passively accepting God’s promise but actively praying for its fulfillment, which models a trusting relationship with God.
  • The emphasis on God’s word being “established for ever” connects to the larger biblical theme of God’s faithfulness to His promises, especially regarding the line of David.
  • Understanding this verse helps clarify that the promises to David’s house are meant to be lasting and secure, not just for his lifetime but for generations to come.

Where else these words appear

“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?

“established” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 10:5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
  • Psalms 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: