2 Samuel 5:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 5:16 mean?

2 Samuel 5:16 lists three of King David’s sons: Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphalet. This verse is part of a longer section naming the children born to David after he became king in Jerusalem.

The book of 2 Samuel is describing David’s growing family as a sign of his increasing power and stability as king. These names are included in a genealogical record, showing David’s lineage and the expansion of his household during his reign in Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 5:16

• אֱלִישָׁמָע (Elishama, transliterated "Elishama") means "God has heard." The name suggests a sense of divine attention or response, which may have been meaningful for David’s family.
• אֶלְיָדָע (Eliada, transliterated "Eliada") means "God knows" or "God has known." This name reflects a recognition of God’s awareness or knowledge, fitting for a royal family conscious of their relationship with God.
• אֱלִיפָלֶט (Eliphalet, transliterated "Eliphalet") means "God is deliverance" or "God is escape." The name carries a sense of rescue or protection, which could reflect David’s own experiences and hopes for his children.

Why 2 Samuel 5:16 matters

• This verse helps clarify the historical record of David’s family, which is important for understanding later events and genealogies in the Bible.
• Listing these sons emphasizes David’s establishment in Jerusalem and the fulfillment of God’s promises to him.
• The names themselves, each with a reference to God, highlight the spiritual outlook of David’s household and the importance of faith in Israel’s royal line.