What does 2 Samuel 7:14 mean?
"I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:" - 2 Samuel 7:14

The verse 2 Samuel 7:14 from the King James Version of the Bible reads: "I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men."
This verse is part of a larger passage in the Old Testament that contains a covenant between God and King David. In this passage, God promises David that he will establish his throne forever and that his house and kingdom will be made sure for all time. This promise ultimately foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would be a descendant of David and would establish an eternal kingdom.
The specific verse 2 Samuel 7:14 contains an important message within this covenant. It starts with the promise that God will be a father to David's offspring and that they will be his children. This language of fatherhood and sonship is significant and reflects the deep and personal nature of the relationship between God and his people.
The verse then takes a more cautionary tone, stating that if David's descendants commit iniquity, they will be chastened with the rod of men and with the stripes of the children of men. This emphasizes the idea that God's love for his people does not exempt them from experiencing the consequences of their actions. It also reflects the biblical concept of discipline as a form of correction and instruction.
The themes present in 2 Samuel 7:14 can be further explored in the larger context of the passage and within the broader scope of the biblical narrative.
One significant theme is the idea of covenant and promise. Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly makes covenants with his people, promising to be their God and to bless and protect them. The covenant with David is one of the most significant of these promises, as it establishes a royal lineage that ultimately leads to the birth of Jesus Christ. This theme underscores the faithfulness of God and his commitment to his people throughout history.
Another theme is the nature of divine discipline. The verse speaks to the reality that God's love does not exempt his people from facing the consequences of their actions. This reflects the biblical teaching that discipline is a sign of God's love and care for his children, as it is intended to lead them back to a path of righteousness.
Symbolism can also be found within this verse. The language of fatherhood and sonship reflects the intimate and familial nature of the relationship between God and his people. It conveys a sense of belonging and security, as well as the responsibility that comes with being a part of God's family.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 7:14 from the King James Version of the Bible contains a rich and multifaceted message within the larger context of the covenant between God and King David. It speaks to themes of covenant and promise, divine discipline, and the symbolism of fatherhood and sonship. This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and love for his people, as well as the need for obedience and righteousness in maintaining a relationship with him.
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2 Samuel 7:14 - "I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:"
"I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:" - 2 Samuel 7:14
1 Samuel 14:7
2 Samuel 7:1–29
2 Samuel 6:14
2 Samuel 6:14–22
2 Samuel 23:14 - "And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem."
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2 Samuel 14:23 - "So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem."
2 chronicles 7:14
2 chronicles 7:14
2 Samuel 22:14 - "The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice."
2 Samuel 16:14 - "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."
2 Samuel 14:1 - "Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom."
2 Samuel 5:7 - "Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David."
2 Samuel 14:28 - "¶ So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face."
2 Samuel 11:14 - "¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah."
2 Samuel 2:14 - "And Abner said to Joab, Let the young men now arise, and play before us. And Joab said, Let them arise."
1 Samuel 14:7 - "And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart."
2 Samuel 5:14 - "And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,"
2 Samuel 6:14 - "And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod."
2 Samuel 7:4 - "¶ And it came to pass that night, that the word of the LORD came unto Nathan, saying,"
2 Samuel 7:20 - "And what can David say more unto thee? for thou, Lord GOD, knowest thy servant."
2 Samuel 14:3 - "And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth."
2 Samuel 14:8 - "And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee."
2 Samuel 10:7 - "And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men."
1 Samuel 2:7 - "The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up."
2 Samuel 8:7 - "And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 17:7 - "And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time."
2 Samuel 7:3 - "And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in thine heart; for the LORD is with thee."