2 Samuel 7:20
2 Samuel 7:20 in Multiple Translations
What more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord GOD.
And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant.
And what can David say more unto thee? for thou knowest thy servant, O Lord Jehovah.
What more may David say to you? for you have knowledge of your servant, O Lord God.
What more can I, David, tell you? You know exactly what your servant is like, Lord God.
And what can Dauid say more vnto thee? for thou, Lord God, knowest thy seruant.
And what doth David add more to speak unto Thee? and Thou, Thou hast known Thy servant, Lord Jehovah.
What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, Lord GOD.
And what can David say more to thee? for thou, LORD God, knowest thy servant.
And what can David say more unto thee? for thou knowest thy servant, O Lord God:
“ Yahweh God, what more can I, David, say to you for honoring me? Although you know very well what I am like, Yahweh my God, you have done things for me as though I was the most important man on the earth!
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 7:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 7:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מַה
יּוֹסִ֥יף
דָּוִ֛ד
ע֖וֹד
לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר
אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ
וְ/אַתָּ֛ה
יָדַ֥עְתָּ
אֶֽת
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֖
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
יְהוִֽה
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
יּוֹסִ֥יף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
דָּוִ֛ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/אַתָּ֛ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
יָדַ֥עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֖
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִֽה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 7:20
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יּוֹסִ֥יף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
דָּוִ֛ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
לְ/דַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵלֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וְ/אַתָּ֛ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יָדַ֥עְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֖
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
אֲדֹנָ֥/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִֽה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 7:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 7:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 7:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 7:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:20
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:20
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 7:20
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 7:20
Context — David’s Prayer of Thanksgiving
18Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?
19And as if this was a small thing in Your eyes, O Lord GOD, You have also spoken about the future of the house of Your servant. Is this Your custom with man, O Lord GOD?
20What more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord GOD.
21For the sake of Your word and according to Your own heart, You have accomplished this great thing and revealed it to Your servant. 22How great You are, O Lord GOD! For there is none like You, and there is no God but You, according to everything we have heard with our own ears.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 21:17 | Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 16:7 | But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” |
| 3 | Psalms 139:1 | O LORD, You have searched me and known me. |
| 4 | Hebrews 4:13 | Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. |
| 5 | Genesis 18:19 | For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.” |
| 6 | Revelation 2:23 | Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. |
| 7 | John 2:25 | He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man. |
2 Samuel 7:20 Summary
[In 2 Samuel 7:20, David is saying that he doesn't have any more words to express his amazement and gratitude to God, because God already knows everything about him. This shows that David recognizes God's greatness and his own limitations, and is humbly submitting to God's will. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God knows us intimately, just like He knew David, and that we can trust in His love and wisdom, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 103:13-14. By acknowledging God's omniscience and our own limitations, we can cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is David expressing in 2 Samuel 7:20?
David is expressing his humility and awe at God's knowledge of him, as seen in the statement 'For You know Your servant, O Lord GOD', which reflects his understanding that God is all-knowing, as stated in Psalm 139:1-6.
How does this verse relate to David's prayer in the previous verses?
This verse is a conclusion to David's prayer in 2 Samuel 7:18-19, where he acknowledges God's greatness and his own unworthiness, and now he is saying that he has no more words to express his gratitude and amazement, similar to the sentiment expressed in Romans 11:33-36.
What does it mean that God knows David as His servant?
It means that God has a personal and intimate knowledge of David, as his Lord and Master, and that David recognizes his position as a servant of God, which is a theme also seen in Isaiah 49:1-7 and Jeremiah 1:4-10.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing God's omniscience and our own limitations, and by acknowledging our position as servants of God, which can lead to a deeper sense of humility and dependence on Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Micah 6:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to hide from God's knowledge, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and awe at God's greatness, like David in this verse?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and submit to God's lordship over my life, recognizing that He knows me intimately?
- What are some things that I am trying to say to God, but He already knows, and how can I trust in His wisdom and love?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 7:20
And what can David say more unto thee,.... In a way of self-abasement, or in thankfulness for such wonderful favours, or in prayer for more and other mercies; he wants words, as if he should say, to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 7:20
And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:20
What can David say more unto thee? either, first, In way of gratitude and praise to thee; words cannot express my obligations to thee, nor my sense of these obligations. Or rather, secondly, In way of prayer, as appears by the parallel place, . What can I ask or desire of thee more than thou hast freely done? Thou knowest thy servant; thou knowest, either, first, my deep sense of thy favours, and my obligations to thee; or rather, secondly, my condition and necessities, what I do or may need hereafter; and as thou knowest this, so I doubt not thou wilt be ready to supply me accordingly. Compare ,32.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:20
2 Samuel 7:20 And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant.Ver. 20. And what can David say more unto thee?] More I would say, but I want words, and am at a loss. But thou, Lord God, knowest thy servant - viz., that I could wish I had the "tongue of men and angels"; and that I could gladly grant thee better service than I am able to do thee.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:20
Verse 20. What can David say more] How can I express my endless obligation to thee?
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 7:20
20. thou, Lord God, knowest thy servant] Words fail, and David appeals to God’s omniscience. Cp. Psalms 17:3; Psalms 139:1-4; John 21:17.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 7:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Love of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love as the defining characteristic of God and the believers. The sermon explores the idea that Judas' betrayal of Jesus m |
|
A Changed Heart by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilias Schlink discusses the concept of repentance as a gift of grace. He uses the example of Peter, who despite denying Jesus, was able to proclaim his love for |
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Testimony in 1976 at Age 75 by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of grace and its various forms. He references Isaiah 40:31 and emphasizes the limitless love, grace, and power of God. The preach |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Upper Room by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the humility of Jesus and his willingness to serve others. Jesus washes the disciples' feet as a demonstration of his love and humility. The |
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Five Loaves and Two Fishes by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a miraculous quality of life through God's presence. He highlights how the disciples initially knew nothing of this |
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On Desires by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the power of desires in our relationship with Jesus, emphasizing that even when we fall short in our actions, our sincere desires to love, honor, and glo |
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Exposition on Psalm 105 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, highlighting the praises and confessions to the Lord, the importance of seeking God's face continually, and the everlasting covenant God made |