Psalms 132:11
The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
Original Language Analysis
נִשְׁבַּֽע
hath sworn
H7650
נִשְׁבַּֽע
hath sworn
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
1 of 12
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
יְהוָ֨ה׀
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֨ה׀
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱמֶת֮
in truth
H571
אֱמֶת֮
in truth
Strong's:
H571
Word #:
4 of 12
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָשׁ֪וּב
he will not turn
H7725
יָשׁ֪וּב
he will not turn
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
6 of 12
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מִ֫מֶּ֥נָּה
H4480
מִ֫מֶּ֥נָּה
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
בִטְנְךָ֑
of thy body
H990
בִטְנְךָ֑
of thy body
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
9 of 12
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
Cross References
2 Samuel 7:12And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.Psalms 110:4The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.2 Chronicles 6:16Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me.Acts 2:30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;Hebrews 6:18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Historical Context
The Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 89) became foundation for Israel's hope. Despite exile and apparent dynastic failure, prophets promised restoration through David's line (Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1-10; Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:14-26; Ezekiel 34:23-24; 37:24-25). Christians see ultimate fulfillment in Christ, David's son who reigns eternally (Luke 1:32-33; Acts 2:29-36).
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of God swearing rather than merely promising?
- How does 'he will not turn from it' provide assurance despite circumstances?
- What does 'fruit of thy body' emphasize about the nature of Davidic succession?
- How does this covenant find ultimate fulfillment in Christ?
- In what ways does God's unchanging covenant character encourage believers?
Analysis & Commentary
God's sworn covenant is quoted: 'The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.' This verse begins divine response to the prayer (vv. 8-10). The phrase 'hath sworn in truth' emphasizes certainty and irrevocability - God's oath is absolutely reliable. 'In truth' means with faithfulness, reliability. The assurance 'he will not turn from it' promises permanence - God won't change His mind or revoke the covenant. The content 'of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne' promises dynastic succession through David's biological descendants. 'Fruit of thy body' emphasizes David's own offspring, not adopted heirs. This quotes/summarizes 2 Samuel 7:12-16, Nathan's prophecy establishing Davidic covenant. The emphasis on God's unchanging oath provides foundation for confidence.