Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

2 SAMUEL 7:22KJV
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2 Samuel 7:22 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 7:22 mean?

2 Samuel 7:22 declares that the LORD God is uniquely great and that there is no other god like Him, as confirmed by everything people have heard. This verse emphasizes the unmatched nature of God, setting Him apart from all others based on what has been revealed and experienced.

In this verse, King David is speaking to God after receiving a promise about his descendants and the future of Israel. David responds in awe, recognizing God’s greatness and uniqueness in light of the promises just made. The verse is a statement of worship, showing David’s understanding that the LORD alone is truly God, unlike any other being or idol.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 7:22

  • great (גָּדַל, gadal): This word means "to be great" or "to become important." Here, David is not just saying God is big, but that God is exalted and worthy of honor above all.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting a unique, covenant relationship with Israel.
  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): Used twice in this verse, this word is a general term for God or gods, but when paired with YHWH, it stresses that the LORD is the true God, not just one among many.
  • beside (בִּלְעֲדֵי, bil‘adei): This word means "apart from" or "beside," making it clear that there is no other god in any category next to or alongside the LORD.
  • heard (שָׁמַע, shama‘) and ears (אֹזֶן, ozen): These words point to the idea of testimony and experience—David is saying that everything known and heard about God confirms His uniqueness.

Why 2 Samuel 7:22 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Israel’s God is just one among many ancient gods; it insists that the LORD is completely unique and without equal.
  • The verse connects directly to the promises God has just made to David, showing that God’s greatness is not just abstract but seen in His actions and faithfulness.
  • It highlights that true knowledge of God comes from what He has revealed and done, not from human invention or tradition.

Where else these words appear

“beside” Hebrew H2108 · used in 16 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:36 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD.
  • 1 Kings 3:18 And it came to pass the third day after that I was delivered, that this woman was delivered also: and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.
  • Isaiah 26:13 O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.

“great” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.