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What does 2 Samuel 5:14 mean?

These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 2 Samuel 5:14 - Modern Text Bible

(The list of David's children begins, showing the start of a new royal generation.)

David’s sons born in Jerusalem are listed by name, each carrying its own meaning and story. The Hebrew word for "born" is yalad (יָלַד), which means to give birth or bring forth. These names—like Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon—will shape the future of Israel, for better or worse.

This verse highlights the importance of legacy and the way personal choices ripple through generations. In the ancient world, names were more than labels; they carried hopes, memories, and sometimes warnings. The listing of sons here is not just a genealogy—it's the beginning of new stories, some of which will be marked by conflict and loss.

If you’ve ever wondered if your own story matters, this verse suggests that every name, every life, is part of a bigger picture. The choices made today can echo far into the future, shaping the lives of those who come after us.