2 Samuel 5:14

Translation
King James Version
And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
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KJV (with Strong's)
And these be the names H8034 of those that were born H3209 unto him in Jerusalem H3389; Shammua H8051, and Shobab H7727, and Nathan H5416, and Solomon H8010,
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Complete Jewish Bible
Here are the names of those born to him in Yerushalayim: Shamua, Shovav, Natan, Shlomo,
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Berean Standard Bible
These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
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American Standard Version
And these are the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
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World English Bible Messianic
These are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And these bee the names of the sonnes that were borne vnto him in Ierusale: Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Salomon,
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Young's Literal Translation
And these are the names of those born to him in Jerusalem: Shammuah, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
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See also
1 Chronicles 3:51 Chronicles 3:92 Samuel 12:242 Samuel 12:252 Samuel 12:12 Samuel 12:7Luke 2:31
See on the biblical-era map
City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of David
City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of David View full PDF
David Captures and Defends Jerusalem
David Captures and Defends Jerusalem View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 8,147 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

2 Samuel 5:14 serves as a foundational verse in the narrative of David's reign, specifically enumerating the initial sons born to him in Jerusalem—Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. This verse, part of a broader list (2 Samuel 5:14-16), not only records the expansion of David's personal household but profoundly signifies the consolidation of his kingdom and the establishment of his royal dynasty within the newly conquered capital. It underscores the burgeoning stability and future of the Davidic lineage, a lineage central to God's covenantal promises and the unfolding of the broader redemptive narrative.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of David's ascendancy and the establishment of his reign. It immediately follows the momentous account of David's anointing as king over all Israel by the elders at Hebron, a pivotal moment that unifies the tribes under his leadership, as detailed in 2 Samuel 5:1-5. The narrative then shifts to David's strategic conquest of Jerusalem from the Jebusites, transforming it into the "City of David" and the new political and religious capital, a feat described in 2 Samuel 5:6-10. Following this, David establishes diplomatic ties with Hiram of Tyre, who aids in the construction of David's royal palace, signifying the burgeoning strength and international recognition of his kingdom (2 Samuel 5:11-12). The preceding verse, 2 Samuel 5:13, explicitly states David's taking of more wives and concubines in Jerusalem, setting the immediate stage for the enumeration of his offspring. Thus, 2 Samuel 5:14 initiates a list that highlights the expansion and consolidation of David's personal and royal household, transitioning the narrative from military conquest and political establishment to dynastic continuity and the promise of a lasting legacy.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the birth of numerous sons was paramount for the stability, prestige, and continuation of a royal dynasty. A king's power and legacy were often measured by the number of his heirs, as it ensured a clear line of succession, minimized internal strife over the throne, and demonstrated divine favor. Polygamy, while practiced by kings like David, was often a strategic means to secure political alliances and, crucially, to produce many heirs. The fact that these sons were born "in Jerusalem" carries profound historical and cultural significance. Jerusalem, recently a foreign stronghold, had just been dramatically transformed into the unified political and religious capital of Israel. The births of royal heirs within its walls cemented its status as the heart of the kingdom and symbolized the permanence, legitimacy, and divine blessing upon David's reign. These births were not merely private domestic events but public affirmations of the strength, future, and divine endorsement of the Davidic monarchy.
  • Key Themes: The enumeration of David's sons in this verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores David's Expanding Dynasty and the Continuity of the Royal Line. The proliferation of David's sons ensured the potential for succession, a vital aspect of ancient kingship, though this very expansion would later lead to internal conflicts, as tragically seen in the narratives of Absalom and Adonijah. Secondly, the explicit mention of "born unto him in Jerusalem" highlights the Significance of Jerusalem as the newly established royal and spiritual center. It solidifies the city's importance as the place where God's chosen king would establish his house and from which he would rule, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history. Finally, and most profoundly, the inclusion of Nathan and Solomon subtly points to the Fulfillment of God's Covenant with David. While the explicit Davidic Covenant is detailed later in 2 Samuel 7, the growth of David's lineage here foreshadows God's promise of an enduring house and kingdom, a promise that ultimately culminates in the Messiah. The very existence of these sons is a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His chosen king.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • born (Hebrew, yillôwd', H3209): This passive participle from the root "to bear" or "to beget" simply denotes "born." Its use here emphasizes the act of generation and the establishment of David's progeny. In the context of a royal household, the act of being "born" to the king signifies legitimate heirship and the continuation of the dynastic line, which is crucial for the stability and future of the kingdom.
  • Jerusalem (Hebrew, Yᵉrûwshâlaim', H3389): This name, likely meaning "founded peaceful," refers to the capital city of Palestine, which David had recently conquered. Its mention here is profoundly significant, as it marks the new geopolitical and spiritual center of Israel. The births occurring in Jerusalem underscore a new phase in David's reign: a transition from a nomadic or regional kingship to a settled, established monarchy with a fixed capital. It symbolizes stability, divine blessing, and the consolidation of the kingdom under David's rule.
  • Nathan (Hebrew, Nâthân', H5416): Derived from the verb "to give," this name means "given" or "He (God) has given." While not a king himself, Nathan is highly significant because one of the New Testament genealogies of Jesus traces through him, distinguishing it from the lineage through Solomon. His inclusion foreshadows the intricate and divinely orchestrated paths through which God's redemptive plan would unfold.
  • Solomon (Hebrew, Shᵉlômôh', H8010): This name, derived from the word for "peace" (shalom), means "peaceful" or "peaceable." Solomon would famously succeed David as king, build the first Temple, and usher in an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel. His inclusion here is a clear foreshadowing of his pivotal role in the history of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, particularly in relation to the Davidic Covenant.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And these [be] the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem;": This introductory clause serves as a formal declaration, setting the stage for the enumeration of David's sons. The phrase "born unto him in Jerusalem" is highly significant, emphasizing the location of these births. It signifies the establishment of David's royal household in the newly conquered and designated capital. This detail highlights a period of stability and consolidation after years of wandering, warfare, and ruling from Hebron. The births themselves symbolize God's blessing on David's reign, the burgeoning strength of his kingdom, and the tangible beginning of the dynastic promise given to him by God. It marks a shift from a king focused on conquest to one focused on establishing a lasting legacy.
  • "Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,": This segment lists the first four of David's sons born to him in Jerusalem. Shammua (meaning "heard [by God]") and Shobab (meaning "rebellious" or "backturning") are mentioned, though their individual roles in the broader biblical narrative are relatively minor. The profound significance of this list lies with the subsequent names: Nathan and Solomon. As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, their names carry immense theological and historical weight, pointing directly towards the future of the Davidic dynasty and its ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah. This listing is not merely a factual record but also a prophetic hint at the unfolding of God's sovereign plan through David's lineage, setting the stage for the crucial events that would follow.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in 2 Samuel 5:14 is Enumeration, which is the straightforward listing of names. This cataloging serves the practical purpose of providing a factual record of David's expanding family, thereby emphasizing the growth and stability of his household in the newly established capital of Jerusalem. Beyond simple enumeration, there is significant Foreshadowing, particularly through the deliberate inclusion of Nathan and Solomon. Their names, while part of a larger list, carry immense future significance, subtly hinting at their pivotal roles in the continuation of the Davidic line and, ultimately, the lineage of the Messiah. The phrase "born unto him in Jerusalem" also functions as potent Symbolism, where the act of birth in the new capital symbolizes the deep establishment and permanence of David's kingdom, as well as the divine blessing upon his reign. The very existence of these heirs is a tangible manifestation of God's faithfulness to His covenantal promises to David, solidifying the dynastic future of Israel.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This seemingly simple list of names in 2 Samuel 5:14 is deeply interwoven with the grand theological narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty. The births of these sons, particularly Nathan and Solomon, are not merely biographical details but tangible evidence of God's promise to build David "a house" (a dynasty) that would endure forever. This verse sets the stage for the explicit Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7, where God promises that David's throne would be established forever and that his descendant would build a house for God's name. The continuity of David's lineage, highlighted by these births, becomes the vehicle through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, ultimately leading to the Messiah. It underscores the divine orchestration of history through human families, ensuring the fulfillment of prophetic promises.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The listing of David's sons in 2 Samuel 5:14, though brief, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a powerful reminder that God works through generations, meticulously weaving individual lives and family lines into His grand tapestry of history and salvation. Just as God was precise in establishing David's physical lineage for His eternal purposes, He is equally attentive to the details of our lives and the legacies we build. This verse invites us to consider the profound importance of family, not merely as a biological unit, but as a divinely appointed sphere where God's purposes can be nurtured, passed down, and manifested across time. It calls us to intentional faithfulness in our own "households," whether biological, spiritual, or communal, recognizing that our actions, choices, and investments today can have far-reaching, generational impact. Moreover, the stability symbolized by these births in Jerusalem encourages us to seek and build upon foundations that are rooted in God's promises and His character, trusting that He will establish what He has purposed and that His faithfulness extends to all generations.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the concept of "legacy" in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of your own life's purpose and potential impact on future generations?
  • In what specific ways do you observe God working through generations in your own family, church, or community, similar to how He worked through David's lineage?
  • What "foundations" (spiritual disciplines, relational investments, vocational integrity) are you intentionally building in your life that you hope will endure and bless future generations?

FAQ

Why are only four sons listed here when 2 Samuel 5:15-16 lists more?

Answer: 2 Samuel 5:14 serves as the introductory verse to the enumeration of David's sons born in Jerusalem. It specifically mentions Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon as the initial and perhaps most prominent of these births. The full and complete list of sons born to David in Jerusalem is indeed continued and completed in 2 Samuel 5:15-16, which adds Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet. This verse, therefore, acts as the beginning of that comprehensive enumeration, highlighting the first and most significant offspring at the outset of David's established reign in the new capital.

What is the specific significance of Nathan and Solomon being mentioned together in this list?

Answer: The mention of Nathan and Solomon together is highly significant due to their distinct yet interconnected roles in the Davidic line and, ultimately, in the Messianic lineage. Solomon was the son who succeeded David as king, famously built the First Temple, and ushered in an era of peace and prosperity, thereby fulfilling a key aspect of the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:13). Nathan, while not a king, is crucial because the Gospel of Luke traces Jesus' physical genealogy through Nathan, one of David's sons, rather than through Solomon (Luke 3:31). This highlights the dual lines of descent for Jesus: the royal line (through Joseph, via Solomon in Matthew's Gospel) and the biological line (through Mary, via Nathan in Luke's Gospel). This dual lineage ensures that Jesus fulfills every aspect of the Davidic covenant, affirming His full claim as the promised Messiah from David's house, both legally and biologically.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

2 Samuel 5:14, with its seemingly simple list of names, stands as a foundational stone in the grand narrative of God's redemptive plan, ultimately finding its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus. The births of David's sons in Jerusalem, particularly Nathan and Solomon, are direct precursors and tangible expressions of the unfolding promise of the Messiah. God's covenant with David promised an enduring house and kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16), and this verse shows the tangible beginnings of that promise taking root in the newly established capital. Jesus Christ is repeatedly identified throughout the New Testament as the "Son of David" (Matthew 1:1), signifying His rightful claim to the throne. While Matthew's Gospel traces Jesus' legal lineage through Solomon, the royal heir (Matthew 1:6-7), Luke's Gospel traces His physical lineage through Nathan (Luke 3:31), another son listed here. This dual lineage ensures that Jesus fulfills every aspect of the Davidic covenant, being both the rightful King and the true descendant. He is the ultimate "peaceful" one, greater than Solomon, who brings true and lasting peace and wisdom far surpassing that of David's immediate successor (Isaiah 9:6-7). The establishment of David's house in Jerusalem foreshadows Christ's eternal reign from the heavenly Jerusalem, where He sits on the throne of His father David, ruling over an everlasting kingdom that will have no end (Revelation 22:16).

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Commentary on 2 Samuel 5 verses 11–16

Here is, I. David's house built, a royal palace, fit for the reception of the court he kept and the homage that was paid to him, Sa2 5:11. The Jews were husbandmen and shepherds, and did not much addict themselves either to merchandise or manufactures; and therefore Hiram, king of Tyre, a wealthy prince, when he sent to congratulate David on his accession to the throne, offered him workmen to build him a house. David thankfully accepted the offer, and Hiram's workmen built David a house to his mind. Many have excelled in arts and sciences who were strangers to the covenants of promise. Yet David's house was never the worse, nor the less fit to be dedicated to God, for being built by the sons of the stranger. It is prophesied of the gospel church, The sons of the strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee, Isa 60:10.

II. David's government settled and built up, Sa2 5:12. 1. His kingdom was established, there was nothing to shake it, none to disturb his possession or question his title. He that made him king established him, because he was to be a type of Christ, with whom God's hand should be established, and his covenant stand fast, Psa 89:21-28. Saul was made king, but not established; so Adam in innocency. David was established king, so is the Son of David, with all who through him are made to our God kings and priests. 2. It was exalted in the eyes both of its friends and enemies. Never had the nation of Israel looked so great or made such a figure as it began now to do. Thus it is promised of Christ that he shall be higher than the kings of the earth, Psa 89:27. God has highly exalted him, Phi 2:9. 3. David perceived, by the wonderful concurrence of providences to his establishment and advancement, that God was with him. By this I know that thou favourest me, Psa 41:11. Many have the favour of God and do not perceive it, and so want the comfort of it: but to be exalted to that and established in it, and to perceive it, is happiness enough. 4. He owned that it was for his people Israel's sake that God had done great things for him, that he might be a blessing to them and they might be happy under his administration. God did not make Israel his subjects for his sake, that he might be great, and rich, and absolute: but he made him their king for their sake, that he might lead, and guide, and protect them. Kings are ministers of God to their people for good, Rom 13:4.

III. David's family multiplied and increased. All the sons that were born to him after he came to Jerusalem are here mentioned together, eleven in all, besides the six that were born to him before in Hebron, Sa2 3:2, Sa2 3:5. There the mothers are mentioned, not here; only, in general, it is said that he took more concubines and wives, Sa2 5:13. Shall we praise him for this? We praise him not; we justify him not; nor can we scarcely excuse him. The bad example of the patriarchs might make him think there was no harm in it, and he might hope it would strengthen his interest, by multiplying his alliances, and increasing the royal family. Happy is the man that has his quiver full of these arrows. But one vine by the side of the house, with the blessing of God, may send boughs to the sea and branches to the rivers. Adam, by one wife, peopled the world, and Noah re-peopled it. David had many wives, and yet that did not keep him from coveting his neighbour's wife and defiling her; for men that have once broken the fence will wander endlessly. Of David's concubines, see Sa2 15:16; Sa2 16:22; Sa2 19:5. Of his sons, see Ch1 3:1-9.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–16. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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