2 Samuel 5:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 5:7 mean?

2 Samuel 5:7 says that David captured the stronghold of Zion, which became known as the city of David. This verse marks the moment when David took control of a key fortress in Jerusalem, establishing it as his royal city.

The verse describes a turning point in Israel’s history, as David, now king, conquers a well-defended site held by the Jebusites. The “strong hold of Zion” refers to a fortified area on a hill in Jerusalem. By taking this stronghold, David sets up his capital, which will become central in the story of Israel.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 5:7

• Zion (צִיּוֹן, tsiyyon): This word refers to a specific fortified hill in Jerusalem. Over time, “Zion” comes to represent not just the hill but the whole city and even the people of Israel, but here it is a concrete location.
• Hold (מְצוּדָה, metsudah): This word means a fortress or stronghold, emphasizing the defensive strength of the place David captured. It highlights that this was not just any city, but a well-defended one.
• City (עִיר, ‘iyr): The word for “city” here is a general term, but its use in “city of David” signals that this place becomes David’s personal and political center.

Why 2 Samuel 5:7 matters

• This verse clears up that “Zion” originally referred to a specific stronghold in Jerusalem, not the whole city or a symbolic idea.
• It shows the beginning of Jerusalem’s importance as the capital for Israel and as a central place in biblical history.
• The verse connects David’s military success to the establishment of his rule, setting the stage for Jerusalem’s later religious and political significance.