2 Samuel 12:25 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 12:25 mean?

2 Samuel 12:25 gives a second name to Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba. Through Nathan the prophet, Solomon receives the name Jedidiah as a sign of the LORD’s affection for him. The name connects the child personally with the LORD’s response to his birth.

After Solomon is named in verse 24, the account says the LORD “sent by the hand of Nathan.” A prophet was a person who delivered messages from God. Nathan’s part in the naming makes the second name more than a family choice.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 12:25

• “hand” — יָד (yad): A hand can stand for the person carrying out a task. Here, “by the hand of Nathan” means that the LORD acted through Nathan.
• “Jedidiah” — יְדִידְיָהּ (Yedidyah): This name is often understood as “beloved of the LORD.” Its meaning helps explain why the name follows the statement that the LORD loved the child in verse 24.

Why 2 Samuel 12:25 matters

• Solomon and Jedidiah refer to the same child. The first name appears in verse 24, while verse 25 gives the name associated with Nathan’s message.
• Nathan’s return gives the naming special weight in the story. Earlier, he had confronted David about taking Bathsheba and arranging the death of her husband, Uriah; now he appears in connection with their son’s name.