2 Samuel 7:3
2 Samuel 7:3 in Multiple Translations
And Nathan replied to the king, “Go and do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.”
And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee.
And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thy heart; for Jehovah is with thee.
And Nathan said to the king, Go and do whatever is in your heart; for the Lord is with you.
“Go ahead, do whatever you want, for the Lord is with you,” Nathan told the king.
Then Nathan sayde vnto the King, Go, and doe all that is in thine heart: for the Lord is with thee.
And Nathan saith unto the king, 'All that [is] in thine heart — go, do, for Jehovah [is] with thee.'
Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.”
And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thy heart: for the LORD is with thee.
And Nathan said to the king: Go, do all that is in thy heart: because the Lord is with thee.
Then Nathan said to the king, “Yahweh is helping/directing you, so do regarding that chest whatever you are thinking.”
Nathan said, “God is looking after you. You can do anything you want to do.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 7:3
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 7:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
נָתָן֙
אֶל
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
כֹּ֛ל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בִּֽ/לְבָבְ/ךָ֖
לֵ֣ךְ
עֲשֵׂ֑ה
כִּ֥י
יְהוָ֖ה
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
נָתָן֙
Nâthân
H5416
Nathan
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
כֹּ֛ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בִּֽ/לְבָבְ/ךָ֖
lêbâb
H3824
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
עֲשֵׂ֑ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 7:3
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נָתָן֙
Nâthân
H5416
"Nathan"
N-proper
Nathan was a prophet in the time of King David and Solomon, and his name means 'giver' in Hebrew, as mentioned in 1 Kings and 1 Chronicles.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.39 § Nathan = "giver" 1) a son of David by Bathsheba 2) the eminent prophet in the time of David and Solomon 3) a man of Zobah, father of one of David's mighty warriors 4) father of Azariah who was over the officers of Solomon 5) son of Attai and father of Zabad of the tribe of Judah 6) brother of Joel of the tribe of Judah 7) one of the head men who returned from Babylon with Ezra 8) a man with a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 9) head of a family of Israel who shall mourn when they look on Him whom they pierced
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Nathan. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 1:34; Psalms 51:2.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
כֹּ֛ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בִּֽ/לְבָבְ/ךָ֖
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
לֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
עֲשֵׂ֑ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 7:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 7:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 7:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 7:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:3
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 7:3
Context — God’s Covenant with David
1After the king had settled into his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him,
2he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”
3And Nathan replied to the king, “Go and do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.”
4But that night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, 5“Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build for Me a house to dwell in?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 22:7 | “My son,” said David to Solomon, “it was in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, |
| 2 | 1 Kings 8:17–18 | Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the Name of the LORD, the God of Israel. But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 4:27 | When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is in deep distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.” |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 28:2 | Then King David rose to his feet and said, “Listen to me, my brothers and my people. It was in my heart to build a house as a resting place for the ark of the covenant of the LORD and as a footstool for our God. I had made preparations to build it, |
| 5 | 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.” |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 10:7 | When these signs have come, do as the occasion demands, for God is with you. |
| 7 | 1 John 2:27 | And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught. |
| 8 | Psalms 37:4 | Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. |
| 9 | Psalms 20:4 | May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed. |
2 Samuel 7:3 Summary
[This verse, 2 Samuel 7:3, shows us that Nathan, a prophet, encouraged King David to follow his heart, believing the Lord was with him. However, as we see in the next verses, it's essential to confirm our desires with the Lord's will, as in Psalms 37:4. We can trust that the Lord is with us, just as He was with King David, when we seek Him and follow His guidance, as in Deuteronomy 31:8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Nathan mean when he told King David to 'go and do all that is in your heart'?
Nathan was acknowledging that King David had a desire to build a house for the Lord, and he was giving him permission to proceed, trusting that the Lord was with him, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:3, and as the Lord had promised to be with him in Deuteronomy 31:8.
Was Nathan's response to King David a direct word from God?
Initially, Nathan's response seemed to be his own encouragement, but later the Lord spoke to Nathan, correcting his initial response, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:4-5, indicating that not everything spoken by a prophet is a direct word from God, as noted in Deuteronomy 18:22.
How can we discern if our desires are from the Lord or just our own hearts?
We can discern our desires by seeking the Lord in prayer, as King David did in 2 Samuel 7:2, and by checking our desires against the scriptures, as the Lord later revealed to Nathan in 2 Samuel 7:5, and as the Psalmist wrote in Psalms 37:4.
What can we learn from Nathan's initial mistake in 2 Samuel 7:3?
We can learn the importance of seeking the Lord's confirmation before giving advice or direction, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and the value of humility and correction, as demonstrated by Nathan's willingness to correct his mistake when the Lord spoke to him, as in 2 Samuel 7:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are the desires of my heart, and are they aligned with God's will for my life?
- How can I, like King David, seek the Lord's presence and guidance in my decisions and plans?
- What are some ways I can, like Nathan, be open to correction and guidance from the Lord, even when it challenges my initial thoughts or actions?
- How does the promise of the Lord's presence with us, as in 2 Samuel 7:3, give us courage and confidence to pursue our God-given desires and plans?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 7:3
And Nathan said to the king, go, do till that [is] in thine heart,.... He perceived it was in his heart to build an house for God; he knew an house was to be built at one time or another, by some
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 7:3
And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee. Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:3
Pursue thy intentions, and build a house for the ark. The design being pious, and the thing not forbidden by God, Nathan hastily approves it, before he had either seriously considered it in his own mind, or consulted God about it, as both he and David certainly ought to have done in a matter of so great moment. And therefore Nathan meets with this rebuke, that he is forced to acknowledge his error, and recant it. For the holy prophets did not speak all things by prophetical inspiration, but some things by a human spirit, and prudent conjecture; and therefore they were ignorant and mistaken in some matters, as .
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:3
2 Samuel 7:3 And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that [is] in thine heart; for the LORD [is] with thee.Ver. 3. And Nathan said.] Ex proprio sensu, out of his private opinion, and not by divine revelation. Good men, then, may be out in matters of religion, as here both David and Nathan were; neither is it safe to pin our faith on another man’ s sleeve - for who knoweth whither he may carry it? - but to "prove all things," and to "hold fast only that which is good." Nathan himself was here too well persuaded of David, as if he had been infallible: and why? For the Lord is with thee. What? always, and in all things? No, nor with any man in this life, surely. Nimis augusta res est nuspiam errare. Nathan shall see and say ere long, that he was mistaken. It is with us while here, as it was once with Peter, we walk one step and sink another.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:3
(3) Go, do all that is in thine heart.—Nathan naturally considered that it must be right for David to execute his pious purpose; but he spoke only according to his own sense of right, and not by Divine direction.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:3
Verse 3. Nathan said to the king] In this case he gave his judgment as a pious and prudent man, not as a prophet; for the prophets were not always under a Divine afflatus; it was only at select times they were thus honoured. For the Lord is with thee.] Thou hast his blessing in all that thou doest, and this pious design of thine will most certainly meet with his approbation.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 7:3
3. Nathan said — The prophet gave this counsel from the apparent propriety and laudableness of David’s purpose, and not by divine revelation. Accordingly he was called upon that night to counsel the king differently.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 7:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Presence of God - Part 2 by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the anger and setbacks that the people of God are experiencing. He believes that God is using these challenges to discipline and correct the c |
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Practical Response Resulting From Our View of God by Lou Sutera | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of God's presence in a gathering of 1,700 people. He describes moments of brokenness before God and the impact of a teenager shari |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Kings 1-4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of a king who sought the Lord's guidance through a minstrel's music. The Lord instructed the king to make a valley full of trenches, |
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On Christian Motives by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about the importance of examining the motives behind our actions in Christianity, emphasizing the need to act from a place of faith and love rather than seeki |
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"a.w. Tozer on Judgment" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the importance of examining our motives behind our actions, emphasizing that we will be judged not just for what we have done but for the reasons and motive |
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A Touch From God - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God wholeheartedly, especially in times of turmoil and fear. It highlights the need for individuals to hunger for more of God's pre |
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A Heart After God Is Better Than Skils by K P Yohannan by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon shares a powerful testimony from Tripura, India, where the love of Christ transformed warring tribes into brothers and sisters, uniting them in faith. It highlights the |