rarely (fully); דָּוִיד; from the same as דּוֹד; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse; David.
Transliteration:Dâvid
Pronunciation:daw-veed'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma דָּוִד (Dâvid), transliterated as Dâvid, is a proper noun identifying a central figure in Israelite history. Its etymological root is linked to `{{H1730}}` (dôwd), which carries meanings such as "beloved," "dear," or "friend." Thus, the name itself inherently conveys the sense of being "beloved" or "dearly loved." While primarily a personal name, its underlying meaning resonates with the character and divine favor bestowed upon the individual it designates. The semantic range is therefore not broad in terms of abstract concepts but profoundly significant in its specific referent and the theological implications tied to that person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Dâvid appears hundreds of times throughout the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in the historical books (1 Samuel through 2 Chronicles) and the Psalms. His introduction occurs in [[1 Samuel 16:13]] when the prophet Samuel anoints him as king, signifying God's rejection of Saul and His divine choice of David. Key contextual appearances include:
* **Shepherd and Musician:** Initially presented as a humble shepherd boy, skilled in playing the lyre ([[1 Samuel 16:11, 18-23]]).
* **Slayer of Goliath:** His courageous defeat of the Philistine giant Goliath establishes his military prowess and faith in God ([[1 Samuel 17:49-51]]).
* **Fugitive and Warrior:** David's years as a fugitive from King Saul demonstrate his loyalty, patience, and leadership in difficult circumstances ([[1 Samuel 21-26]]).
* **King of Judah and All Israel:** Following Saul's death, David is crowned king, first over Judah ([[2 Samuel 2:4]]) and then over all Israel ([[2 Samuel 5:3]]), establishing Jerusalem as his capital ([[2 Samuel 5:6-9]]).
* **Receiver of the Davidic Covenant:** In [[2 Samuel 7:8-16]], God makes an unconditional covenant with David, promising an eternal dynasty and throne through his lineage.
* **Sinner and Penitent:** David's grievous sin with Bathsheba and Uriah ([[2 Samuel 11]]) and his subsequent profound repentance ([[2 Samuel 12:13]]; cf. [[Psalm 51]]) reveal the complexities of his character and God's justice and mercy.
* **Author of Psalms:** Many psalms are attributed to David, reflecting his intimate relationship with God, his struggles, and his hopes (e.g., [[Psalm 23]], [[Psalm 51]], [[Psalm 110]]).
Across these contexts, the name דָּוִד consistently refers to this singular, pivotal figure whose life shapes the trajectory of Israel's history and its messianic expectations.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H1730}}` דּוֹד (dôwd):** This is the root word from which "Dâvid" is derived, meaning "beloved," "uncle," or "friend." The etymological connection underscores the concept of being "beloved" as intrinsic to David's identity, especially in his relationship with God.
* **Messiah (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach):** David's lineage is inextricably linked to the coming Messiah. The Davidic Covenant ([[2 Samuel 7]]) establishes the royal line through which the promised King, the Anointed One, would come.
* **"Son of David":** This is a crucial messianic title, particularly in the New Testament, directly linking Jesus Christ to David's royal lineage and the fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant (e.g., [[Matthew 1:1]], [[Matthew 9:27]], [[Matthew 21:9]]).
* **Kingship:** David embodies the ideal (though imperfect) king of Israel, setting the standard for future monarchs and foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect King, Jesus.
* **Covenant:** The Davidic Covenant is one of the foundational covenants in biblical theology, revealing God's faithfulness and His plan for an eternal kingdom.
* **Repentance:** David's example of deep sorrow and turning from sin after Nathan's rebuke is a profound illustration of biblical repentance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of דָּוִד is profound and multifaceted:
* **God's Sovereign Choice and Anointing:** David's selection by God from among his brothers, despite his youth and overlooked status, highlights God's sovereign prerogative and His ability to choose and empower those whom He wills, looking not at outward appearance but at the heart ([[1 Samuel 16:7]]).
* **"Man After God's Own Heart":** This description ([[1 Samuel 13:14]]; [[Acts 13:22]]) is central to understanding David's unique standing before God. It does not imply sinlessness but rather a deep, sincere desire to obey God, a readiness to repent when confronted with sin, and an unwavering devotion to the Lord, even amidst personal failures.
* **The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7):** This unconditional covenant is arguably the most significant aspect of David's theological importance. God's promise of an eternal "house," "kingdom," and "throne" through David's descendants establishes the framework for messianic hope. It guarantees that the Messiah will be a descendant of David, fulfilling the promise of an everlasting King and an everlasting kingdom.
* **Type of Christ:** David serves as a significant biblical type of Jesus Christ. Both were born in Bethlehem, served as shepherds (David literally, Jesus spiritually), were anointed by God, suffered rejection before reigning, and are known as "beloved." Both are kings, establishing a kingdom that will ultimately be eternal.
* **Model of Repentance and Forgiveness:** David's fall and subsequent, agonizing repentance following his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah provide a powerful biblical narrative of divine judgment, human brokenness, and the possibility of profound forgiveness and restoration through genuine contrition. His life demonstrates that God uses imperfect vessels to accomplish His perfect will.
### Summary
The name דָּוִד (Dâvid), meaning "beloved" or "loving," designates the most pivotal king in Israel's history, David, the youngest son of Jesse. His life, extensively chronicled in the Old Testament, illustrates God's sovereign election, His covenant faithfulness, and the transformative power of repentance. From a humble shepherd boy to the revered king of Israel, David's journey is marked by both profound devotion to God and grievous moral failures, yet he is uniquely remembered as "a man after God's own heart" ([[1 Samuel 13:14]]). The theological significance of David is primarily rooted in the unconditional Davidic Covenant ([[2 Samuel 7]]), wherein God promises an eternal dynasty and throne through his lineage. This covenant forms the bedrock of messianic prophecy, pointing directly to Jesus Christ, who is repeatedly hailed as the "Son of David" and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, reigning eternally on David's throne. David's life, therefore, stands as a testament to God's grace, His enduring promises, and the profound foreshadowing of the coming Messiah.
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