For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.

2 SAMUEL 7:27KJV
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2 Samuel 7:27 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 7:27 mean?

2 Samuel 7:27 shows David speaking to God, acknowledging that God has revealed to him the promise to build David a "house"—meaning a lasting royal dynasty. Because of this divine promise, David feels encouraged and moved to pray this prayer to God.

David is responding to God's message delivered through the prophet Nathan. God had just promised David that his descendants would rule Israel, establishing his family line. David refers to himself as God's servant and expresses gratitude and confidence, recognizing that God's revelation is what gives him the boldness to pray so openly.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 7:27

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is God's personal name, emphasizing a close, covenant relationship with David.
  • "revealed" (גָּלָה, galah): This word means to uncover or make known. David is saying God has personally made His intentions clear, which is why David feels able to pray.
  • "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): While it can mean a physical building, here it refers to a dynasty or family line, not just a literal house.
  • "servant" (עֶבֶד, eved): David repeatedly calls himself God's servant, showing humility and his role as someone under God's authority.

Why 2 Samuel 7:27 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David's prayer is a response to God's initiative, not David's own ambition or idea.
  • The emphasis on God "revealing" His plan highlights that David's confidence comes from God's promises, not from his own worthiness.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of 2 Samuel 7, where God establishes a covenant with David, laying the foundation for later expectations of a Messiah from David's line.

Where else these words appear

“prayer” Hebrew H8605 · used in 70 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • Job 16:17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.
  • Psalms 102:17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.

“pray” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 2 Kings 4:33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.
  • Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.