Axistant
CharactersConceptsPlacesEventsTimeline
Back to Characters
David

David

King of Israel

Shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king and ancestor of Jesus Christ

Significance

David was Israel's greatest king, known for his faith, military prowess, and authorship of many Psalms. He established Jerusalem as Israel's capital and God made an eternal covenant with his lineage.

Words: Language & Interpretation
How language shapes our understanding of David in Scripture

Original Name

דָּוִד (Dawid), formerly אַבְרָם (Avram)

Meaning

Beloved

Etymology

From the Hebrew root 'dod' (דּוֹד) meaning 'beloved' or 'uncle'

Linguistic Insights

David's name encapsulates his relationship with God - he was 'the beloved.' This linguistic connection reveals itself throughout Scripture: David is repeatedly called 'a man after God's own heart.' The Hebrew root 'dod' appears in the Song of Solomon, a book tradition attributes to his son Solomon, where 'beloved' appears over 30 times. The name's meaning influenced how David understood his calling as king,psalmist, and worshipper. When we read David's Psalms through the lens of his name meaning 'beloved,' we better understand the intimate, personal tone of his prayers and praise. The Greek Septuagint translates his name as 'Δαυίδ' (Dauid), preserving the original pronunciation across cultures.

Translation Notes

  • •Ancient inscriptions: The 'House of David' inscription (Tel Dan Stele) confirms the historical name
  • •Messianic connection: 'Son of David' became a messianic title, linguistically linking Jesus to this beloved king
  • •Poetic language: David's name connects to love poetry vocabulary, fitting his role as Israel's chief songwriter

Related Terms

Dod (דּוֹד)(Hebrew)
Beloved, uncle - the root of David's name
Mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ)(Hebrew)
Messiah/Anointed One - David's title
Psalmist (ψαλμῳδός)(Greek)
Singer of psalms
Timeline & Key Events

c. 1025 BC

Anointed by Samuel as future king

1 Samuel 16:13

c. 1025 BC

Defeated Goliath

1 Samuel 17

c. 1010 BC

Became king of Judah

2 Samuel 2:4

c. 1003 BC

Became king of all Israel

2 Samuel 5:3

c. 1000 BC

Captured Jerusalem

2 Samuel 5:6-10

c. 997 BC

Brought Ark to Jerusalem

2 Samuel 6

c. 990 BC

God's covenant with David

2 Samuel 7

c. 970 BC

Death and Solomon succeeds

1 Kings 2:10-12
Scripture References

1 Samuel 16:7

"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

2 Samuel 7:16

"Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever."

Psalm 23:1

"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing."

Biblical Works Authored
Books of the Bible written by David
Psalm 3Psalm 4Psalm 5Psalm 6Psalm 7Psalm 8Psalm 9Psalm 11Psalm 12Psalm 13Psalm 14Psalm 15Psalm 16Psalm 17Psalm 18Psalm 19Psalm 20Psalm 21Psalm 22Psalm 23Psalm 24Psalm 25Psalm 26Psalm 27Psalm 28Psalm 29Psalm 30Psalm 31Psalm 32Psalm 34Psalm 35Psalm 36Psalm 37Psalm 38Psalm 39Psalm 40Psalm 41Psalm 51Psalm 52Psalm 53Psalm 54Psalm 55Psalm 56Psalm 57Psalm 58Psalm 59Psalm 60Psalm 61Psalm 62Psalm 63Psalm 64Psalm 65Psalm 68Psalm 69Psalm 70Psalm 86Psalm 101Psalm 103Psalm 108Psalm 109Psalm 110Psalm 122Psalm 124Psalm 131Psalm 133Psalm 138Psalm 139Psalm 140Psalm 141Psalm 142Psalm 143Psalm 144Psalm 145and others
Life Overview

Born

c. 1040 BC

Died

c. 970 BC

Lifespan

70 years

Lineage & Family

Father

Jesse

Mother

Unknown

Spouse

Michal, Abigail, Bathsheba, Others

Children

SolomonAbsalomAmnonAdonijahOthers
Contemporaries
People who lived during the same time
SamuelSaulJonathanNathan