And let thy name be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee.

2 SAMUEL 7:26KJV
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2 Samuel 7:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 7:26 mean?

2 Samuel 7:26 is a prayer asking that God’s name be honored forever, with people recognizing that the LORD rules over Israel and that David’s family line remains secure before God. The verse expresses a desire for God’s greatness to be known and for David’s dynasty to be firmly established as God promised.

In this verse, David is speaking to God after receiving God’s promise that his descendants will rule Israel. David asks that God’s reputation (“name”) be exalted and that everyone will acknowledge the LORD (Yahweh) as Israel’s God. He also prays that his own family, referred to as “the house of thy servant David,” will continue before God, reflecting trust in God’s covenant.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 7:26

  • “name” (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, “name” often means reputation or character. David is praying for God’s reputation to be lifted up and recognized by all.
  • “magnified” (גָּדַל, gadal): This word means to make great or exalt. The prayer is not just for God to be known, but to be honored as supreme.
  • “LORD” (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is God’s personal name, emphasizing a personal, covenant relationship with Israel.
  • “hosts” (צָבָא, tsava’): This title, “LORD of hosts,” points to God’s authority over heavenly armies and all creation, underlining His power and sovereignty.
  • “established” (כּוּן, kun): This word means to make firm or secure. David is asking for his family’s rule to be made stable and lasting, as God promised.

Why 2 Samuel 7:26 matters

  • This verse shows that David’s main concern is God’s honor, not just his own dynasty, highlighting humility and faith.
  • The phrase “LORD of hosts is the God over Israel” emphasizes that Israel’s God is supreme, not just a local deity, which was a key idea in Israel’s faith.
  • The prayer connects to the larger promise in 2 Samuel 7, where God establishes a covenant with David, setting the stage for the hope of a lasting kingdom.

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?

“magnified” 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.