New International Version“How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
New Living Translation“How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you!
English Standard VersionTherefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Berean Standard BibleHow 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.
King James BibleWherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
New King James VersionTherefore You are great, O Lord GOD. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
New American Standard BibleFor this reason You are great, Lord GOD; for there is no one like You, and there is no God except You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
NASB 1995“For this reason You are great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
NASB 1977“For this reason Thou art great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like Thee, and there is no God besides Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Legacy Standard BibleFor this reason You are great, O Lord Yahweh; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Amplified BibleTherefore You are great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Christian Standard BibleThis is why you are great, Lord GOD. There is no one like you, and there is no God besides you, as all we have heard confirms.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThis is why You are great, Lord GOD. There is no one like You, and there is no God besides You, as all we have heard confirms.
American Standard VersionWherefore thou art great, O Jehovah God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God besides thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Contemporary English VersionLORD All-Powerful, you are greater than all others. No one is like you, and you alone are God. Everything we have heard about you is true.
English Revised VersionWherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"That is why you are great, LORD God. There is no one like you, and there is no other god except you, as we have heard with our own ears.
Good News TranslationHow great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is none like you; we have always known that you alone are God.
International Standard VersionAnd therefore you are great, Lord GOD, there is no one like you, there is no God except for you, just as we've heard with our own ears.
NET BibleTherefore you are great, O LORD God, for there is none like you! There is no God besides you! What we have heard is true!
New Heart English BibleTherefore you are great, Lord GOD. For there is none like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Webster's Bible TranslationWherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God besides thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHow 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.
World English BibleTherefore you are great, Yahweh God. For there is no one like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionTherefore You have been great, YHWH God, for there is none like You, and there is no God except You, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Young's Literal Translation Therefore Thou hast been great, Jehovah God, for there is none like Thee, and there is no God save Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Smith's Literal TranslationFor this thou wert great, Jehovah God: for none as thee, for no God beside thee according to all we heard in our ears. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore thou art magnified, O Lord God, because there is none like to thee, neither is there any God besides thee, in all the things that we have heard with our ears.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor this reason, you are magnified, O Lord God. For there is no one like you. And there is no God except you, in all the things that we have heard with our own ears.
New American BibleTherefore, great are you, Lord GOD! There is no one like you, no God but you, as we have always heard.
New Revised Standard VersionTherefore you are great, O LORD God; for there is no one like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore thou art great, O LORD God; for there is none like thee, neither is there any God besides thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedBecause of this, you are great LORD JEHOVAH God, because there is none like you and there is no God outside of you whom we have heard with our ears! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Therefore Thou art great, O LORD God; for there is none like Thee, neither is there any God beside Thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
Brenton Septuagint Translationthat he may magnify thee, O my Lord; for there is no one like thee, and there is no God, but thou among all of whom we have heard with our ears.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context David's Prayer of Thanksgiving… 21For the sake of Your word and according to Your own heart, You have accomplished this great thing and revealed it to Your servant. 22Howgreat You are,O LordGOD!Forthere is nonelike You,and there is noGodbut You,according to everythingwe have heardwith our own ears.23And who is like Your people Israel—the one nation on earth whom God went out to redeem as a people for Himself and to make a name for Himself? You performed great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before Your people, whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt.…
Cross References Deuteronomy 4:35You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him.
Deuteronomy 4:39Know therefore this day and take to heart that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.
Deuteronomy 32:39See now that I am He; there is no God besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand.
1 Kings 8:23and said: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.
1 Chronicles 17:20O LORD, there is none like You, and there is no God but You, according to everything we have heard with our own ears.
Psalm 86:8O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours.
Psalm 89:6-8For who in the skies can compare with the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD? / In the council of the holy ones, God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him. / O LORD God of Hosts, who is like You? O mighty LORD, Your faithfulness surrounds You.
Psalm 113:5Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high?
Isaiah 37:16“O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth.
Isaiah 45:5-6I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me. I will equip you for battle, though you have not known Me, / so that all may know, from where the sun rises to where it sets, that there is none but Me; I am the LORD, and there is no other.
Jeremiah 10:6-7There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power. / Who would not fear You, O King of nations? This is Your due. For among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You.
Jeremiah 10:10But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.
Exodus 15:11Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?
Isaiah 46:9Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.
John 17:3Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
Treasury of Scripture Why you are great, O LORD God: for there is none like you, neither is there any God beside you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Wherefore Deuteronomy 3:24 O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what Godis there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? 1 Chronicles 16:25 For greatis the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he alsois to be feared above all gods. 2 Chronicles 2:5 And the house which I buildis great: for greatis our God above all gods. none Exodus 15:11 Whois like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? whois like thee, glorious in holiness, fearfulin praises, doing wonders? Deuteronomy 4:35 Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD heis God;there is none else beside him. Deuteronomy 32:39 See now that I,even I,am he, andthere is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neitheris there any that can deliver out of my hand. Jump to Previous BesidesClearEarsElohimGreatHeardReasonSaveSovereignWhereforeJump to Next BesidesClearEarsElohimGreatHeardReasonSaveSovereignWherefore2 Samuel 7 1.Nathan, first approving the purpose of David to build God a house4.After by the word of God forbids him12.God promises him benefits and blessings in his seed18.David's prayer and thanksgivingHow great You are, O Lord GOD!This phrase acknowledges the majesty and supremacy of God. In the context of 2 Samuel 7, King David is responding to God's covenant promise that his lineage will endure forever, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The greatness of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, seen in passages like Psalm 145:3, which declares God's greatness as unsearchable. The use of "O Lord GOD" reflects the Hebrew "Adonai Yahweh," emphasizing both God's sovereignty and His covenantal relationship with Israel. For there is none like You,
This statement underscores the uniqueness and incomparability of God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, polytheism was prevalent, with many cultures worshiping multiple gods. However, Israel's faith was distinct in its monotheism, as seen inDeuteronomy 6:4, the Shema, which declares, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." This phrase affirms that no other being possesses the attributes, power, or holiness of the God of Israel. and there is no God but You,
This phrase reinforces the monotheistic belief central to Israel's identity. It echoes the first commandment inExodus 20:3, "You shall have no other gods before Me." The exclusivity of God is a foundational truth that sets the stage for the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the one true God incarnate, as seen inJohn 1:1-14. This declaration also serves as a polemic against idolatry, a recurring issue for Israel. according to everything we have heard with our own ears.
This part of the verse highlights the importance of testimony and revelation. The Israelites had witnessed God's mighty acts, from the deliverance from Egypt to the establishment of the Davidic kingdom. The phrase suggests a reliance on the oral tradition and the communal experience of God's faithfulness. InRomans 10:17, Paul writes, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ," emphasizing the role of hearing in the development of faith. This also points to the prophetic tradition, where God's word was spoken and heard, shaping the faith and identity of His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe second king of Israel, chosen by God, who is expressing his awe and reverence for God's uniqueness and greatness in this passage. 2. Nathan the ProphetThe prophet who delivered God's covenant promise to David, which prompted David's prayer of praise. 3. JerusalemThe city where David established his kingdom and where he received God's promise through Nathan. 4. The Davidic CovenantThe divine promise made by God to David, ensuring that his lineage would endure forever, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 5. The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who have witnessed God's mighty acts and heard of His greatness through their history. Teaching Points God's UniquenessRecognize and worship God for His unparalleled nature. There is no other being like Him, and He alone is worthy of our praise. The Importance of HearingJust as David refers to what has been heard, we should immerse ourselves in Scripture to continually hear and be reminded of God's greatness. Covenant FaithfulnessTrust in God's promises, as He is faithful to fulfill them, just as He did with the Davidic Covenant. Personal ReflectionLike David, take time to reflect on God's work in your life and respond with gratitude and praise. Witness to OthersShare the greatness of God with others, as David's declaration was based on what was heard and known among the people. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 7:22?
2.How does 2 Samuel 7:22 emphasize God's uniqueness and greatness in your life?
3.What actions can you take to acknowledge God's greatness as described here?
4.How does this verse connect to God's promises in other Scripture passages?
5.In what ways does recognizing God's uniqueness impact your daily decisions?
6.How can you share the message of God's greatness with others this week?
7.How does 2 Samuel 7:22 affirm the uniqueness of God in the Bible?
8.What historical context surrounds 2 Samuel 7:22?
9.How does 2 Samuel 7:22 relate to God's covenant with David?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 7?
11.Why does God prohibit David from building the temple in 2 Samuel 7 yet allow Solomon to do so, raising questions of consistency in divine commands?
12.Why does God forbid David from building the temple in 1 Chronicles 22:8 but never give that explicit reason in the parallel accounts (e.g., 2 Samuel 7)?
13.In 1 Chronicles 28:3, why would a God of peace forbid David from building the temple simply because he had shed blood, yet historically use wars and conquests to establish Israel?
14.2 Samuel 6:7 - Why would an all-knowing God strike Uzzah dead for physically stabilizing the Ark when his intention seemed good?What Does 2 Samuel 7:22 Mean How great You are, O Lord GOD!David has just heard the astounding promise that his throne will be established forever (2 Samuel 7:11-16). Overwhelmed, he bursts out in praise. • The greatness he attributes to God is personal: “How great You are”—not an abstract concept but a living relationship. • Scripture repeatedly couples God’s greatness with His mighty acts (Psalm 145:3-6;1 Chronicles 29:11). The same Lord who delivered Israel from Egypt and guided them through the wilderness has now spoken directly to David. • By starting with God’s greatness, David places everything else—his kingship, Israel’s future, every blessing—in its proper perspective (Psalm 8:1-4).
For there is none like YouDavid next affirms God’s uniqueness. • “Who is like You among the gods, O LORD?” (Exodus 15:11) was Israel’s song after the Red Sea. David echoes that song, confessing that no created being can compare with the Creator. • The prophets later pick up the same theme: “To whom will you liken Me, or who is My equal?” (Isaiah 40:25). David’s confession stands at the center of all true worship—God has no rival, no peer, no competitor. • When life tempts us to magnify our problems, remembering that none is like Him restores rightful awe (Jeremiah 10:6).
and there is no God but YouDavid moves from comparison to exclusivity. • The Shema had taught Israel, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). David now personalizes that truth. • “There is no Rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2); “I am the LORD, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:5). These declarations stress that every so-called god is a human fabrication, but the LORD alone is real and sovereign. • In the New Testament, Paul affirms the same reality: “For us there is but one God, the Father… and one Lord, Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 8:4-6). David’s words anticipate that unbroken biblical witness.
according to everything we have heard with our own earsDavid’s praise is grounded in revelation, not rumor. • He has “heard” God’s covenant promises spoken by the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 7:17). God’s word creates faith and worship (Romans 10:17). • Israel’s collective memory—stories of Abraham, the Exodus, the conquest—had been passed down “in the hearing of your sons and grandsons” (Deuteronomy 4:9). David stands in that stream, adding his own testimony. • Personal experience plus reliable testimony builds a solid foundation: “We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what You did in their days” (Psalm 44:1). David links his praise to that ongoing narrative of God’s faithfulness.
summaryIn2 Samuel 7:22 David responds to God’s covenant by celebrating four truths: God’s incomparable greatness, His unrivaled uniqueness, His exclusive deity, and the reliability of His revealed works. Each phrase draws David—and us—into deeper worship, anchoring confidence not in human achievements but in the character and promises of the one true God. (22) All that we have heard with our ears.--Such expressions are common enough in all languages not only for that which has been communicated orally, but for all that has been made known in any way; the same word is used with reference to written records in Deuteronomy 4:6; 2Kings 17:14; 2Kings 18:12; 2Kings 19:16 (in Hezekiah's prayer in reference to Sennacherib's letter); Nehemiah 9:29; probably Esther 2:8; and in many other places. (So also the corresponding Greek word, Revelation 1:3, &c). It is therefore entirely unnecessary to suppose that David refers here only to oral tradition; he means the history of the Divine dealings with his people as recorded in their sacred books. . . . Verse 22. - Wherefore thou art great. God's goodness is to David a proof of his greatness, and he sees it displayed, not only in his dealings with himself, but also in the past history of the Jewish nation. There is in this a depth of evangelic piety. An unconverted heart would see the greatness of God in the majesty of creation, or in severe dealings with the impenitent. David saw it in acts of mercy and kindness. We look upon Elijah as the very type of sternness, yet he too recognized the presence of God in "the still small voice" of gentleness and love ( 1 Kings 19:13).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Howעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstgreat You are,גָּדַ֖לְתָּ(gā·ḏal·tā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1431:To grow up, become greatO Lordאֲדֹנָ֣י(’ă·ḏō·nāy)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136:The LordGOD!יְהוִ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069:YHWHForכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction[there is] noneאֵ֣ין(’ên)Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particlelike You,כָּמ֗וֹךָ(kā·mō·w·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3644:Like, as, whenand there is noוְאֵ֤ין(wə·’ên)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 369:A non-entity, a negative particleGodאֱלֹהִים֙(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativebesides You,זֽוּלָתֶ֔ךָ(zū·lā·ṯe·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2108:Scattering, removal, exceptaccording to everythingבְּכֹ֥ל(bə·ḵōl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everywe have heardשָׁמַ֖עְנוּ(šā·ma‘·nū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlywith our own ears.בְּאָזְנֵֽינוּ׃(bə·’ā·zə·nê·nū)Preposition-b | Noun - fdc | first person common plural
Strong's 241:Broadness, the ear
Links 2 Samuel 7:22 NIV2 Samuel 7:22 NLT2 Samuel 7:22 ESV2 Samuel 7:22 NASB2 Samuel 7:22 KJV
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OT History: 2 Samuel 7:22 Therefore you are great Yahweh God: (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
