Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He had reigned forty years over Israel—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. New Living Translation David had reigned over Israel for forty years, seven of them in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. English Standard Version And the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years. He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Berean Standard Bible The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. King James Bible And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. New King James Version The period that David reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years. New American Standard Bible Now the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: in Hebron he reigned for seven years, and in Jerusalem he reigned for thirty-three years. NASB 1995 The days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years he reigned in Hebron and thirty-three years he reigned in Jerusalem. NASB 1977 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years he reigned in Hebron, and thirty-three years he reigned in Jerusalem. Legacy Standard Bible And the time which David reigned over Israel was forty years; in Hebron he reigned seven years and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years. Amplified Bible The time that David reigned over Israel was forty years: he reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Christian Standard Bible The length of time David reigned over Israel was forty years: he reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Holman Christian Standard Bible The length of time David reigned over Israel was 40 years: he reigned seven years in Hebron and 33 years in Jerusalem. American Standard Version And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. English Revised Version And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. GOD'S WORD® Translation He ruled as king of Israel for 40 years. He ruled for 7 years in Hebron and for 33 years in Jerusalem. Good News Translation He had been king of Israel for forty years, ruling seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. International Standard Version David had reigned over Israel for 40 years. He reigned in Hebron for seven years and in Jerusalem for 33 years. NET Bible David reigned over Israel forty years; he reigned in Hebron seven years, and in Jerusalem thirty-three years. New Heart English Bible The days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Webster's Bible Translation And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. World English Bible The days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the days that David has reigned over Israel [are] forty years; he has reigned seven years in Hebron, and he has reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Young's Literal Translation and the days that David hath reigned over Israel are forty years, in Hebron he hath reigned seven years, and in Jerusalem he hath reigned thirty and three years. Smith's Literal Translation And the days that David reigned over Israel, forty years: in Hebron he reigned seven years, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the days that David reigned in Israel, were forty gears: in Hebron he reigned seven years, in Jerusalem thirty-three. Catholic Public Domain Version Now the days during which David reigned over Israel are forty years: he reigned seven years in Hebron, thirty-three in Jerusalem. New American Bible David was king over Israel for forty years: he was king seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. New Revised Standard Version The time that David reigned over Israel was forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the time that David reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and thirty-three years he reigned in Jerusalem. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the days when David reigned over Israel were forty years. In Khebruun he reigned seven years and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the days which David reigned over Israel were forty years; he reigned seven years in Chebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David's Reign and Death10Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. 11The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years— seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established.… Cross References 1 Chronicles 29:27 The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 5:4-5 David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. / In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. 1 Kings 2:10 Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. 1 Kings 3:3 And Solomon loved the LORD and walked in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. 1 Kings 11:42-43 Thus the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. / And Solomon rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place. 1 Chronicles 28:5 And of all my sons—for the LORD has given me many sons—He has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. 1 Chronicles 29:23 So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. 2 Samuel 7:12-13 And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 1 Kings 1:30 I will carry out this very day exactly what I swore to you by the LORD, the God of Israel: Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.” 1 Kings 1:39 Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!” 1 Kings 1:48 saying, ‘Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel! Today He has provided one to sit on my throne, and my eyes have seen it.’” Acts 13:22 After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’ Matthew 1:6 and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife, Luke 1:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, Acts 2:29-30 Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. / But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne. Treasury of Scripture And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. reigned over 2 Samuel 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 1 Chronicles 29:26,27 Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel… Jump to Previous David Forty Hebron Israel Jerusalem Reigned Seven Thirty Thirty-Three Three TimeJump to Next David Forty Hebron Israel Jerusalem Reigned Seven Thirty Thirty-Three Three Time1 Kings 2 1. David, having given a charge to Solomon3. of Reverence 5. of Joab 7. of Barzillai 8. of Shimei 10. Solomon succeeds 12. Adonijah, moving Bathsheba to ask unto Solomon for Abishag, 13. is put to death 26. Abiathar, having his life given him, is deprived of the priesthood 28. Joab fleeing to the horns of the altar, is there slain 35. Benaiah is put in Joab's room, and Zadfok in Abiathar's 36. Shimei, confined to Jerusalem, by occasion of going to Gath, is put to death. The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years— David's reign is significant in biblical history, marking a period of consolidation and expansion for Israel. The number forty often symbolizes a period of testing or trial in the Bible, as seen in the forty years of Israel's wilderness wanderings (Numbers 14:33-34) and Jesus' forty days of fasting (Matthew 4:2). David's forty-year reign can be seen as a time of establishing God's kingdom on earth, setting the stage for the future Messianic kingdom. seven years in Hebron— and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe second king of Israel, known for his heart for God, his military conquests, and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. 2. Hebron A city in the southern part of Judah where David first reigned as king over the tribe of Judah for seven years. It holds historical significance as a city of refuge and a patriarchal burial site. 3. Jerusalem The city where David reigned for thirty-three years over all Israel. It became the capital and spiritual center of Israel, housing the Ark of the Covenant and later the Temple built by Solomon. 4. Israel The united kingdom under David's rule, consisting of all twelve tribes. David's reign marked a period of consolidation and expansion for the nation. 5. Reign of David A significant period in biblical history characterized by military victories, the establishment of Jerusalem, and the preparation for the building of the Temple. Teaching Points The Importance of LeadershipDavid's reign exemplifies the impact of godly leadership. His heart for God and his dedication to justice and righteousness set a standard for future leaders. God's Sovereignty in History The duration and success of David's reign demonstrate God's sovereign hand in establishing and guiding His chosen leaders. The Significance of Place Hebron and Jerusalem were not just political centers but also spiritual landmarks. They remind us of the importance of dedicating our spaces to God. Legacy and Preparation David's reign was not just about his accomplishments but also about preparing for the future, particularly in setting the stage for Solomon's temple. Our actions today can lay the groundwork for future generations. Faithfulness in Different Seasons David's reign in Hebron and Jerusalem shows that God calls us to be faithful in different seasons and places, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 2:11?2. How does 1 Kings 2:11 reflect on David's reign and legacy? 3. What lessons can we learn from David's 40-year reign in 1 Kings 2:11? 4. How does David's reign compare to other kings in biblical history? 5. How can David's leadership inspire us in our personal spiritual journeys? 6. What does 1 Kings 2:11 teach about God's faithfulness to His promises? 7. How does 1 Kings 2:11 reflect on the legacy of King David's reign? 8. What theological significance does David's 40-year reign hold in 1 Kings 2:11? 9. How does 1 Kings 2:11 influence the understanding of biblical leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 2? 11. Who were the children of King David? 12. Why did David desire Bathsheba despite her being married? 13. Are biblical numbers accurate? 14. In 2 Samuel 15:7, why do some sources say “forty years” while others say “four years,” and which is correct? What Does 1 Kings 2:11 Mean The length of David’s reign over Israel“The length of David’s reign over Israel was…” (1 Kings 2:11) • Scripture presents David’s rule as an indivisible historical fact (2 Samuel 5:4–5). • His reign marks the transition from tribal confederation to a united monarchy, laying groundwork for Solomon’s peace (1 Kings 2:12). • Acts 13:22, 36 affirms David’s life as part of God’s unfolding redemptive plan. Forty years “…forty years—” • Forty often signals a complete period in God’s dealings (Genesis 7:4; Exodus 16:35; Matthew 4:2). • David’s full forty–year reign highlights the completeness of God’s purpose for him, from shepherd to seasoned king (Psalm 78:70–72). • It also parallels the earlier forty–year reign of Saul (Acts 13:21), showing a balanced succession in Israel’s first two kings. Seven years in Hebron “…seven years in Hebron…” • Hebron, in Judah, was David’s first royal seat (2 Samuel 2:1–4). • During these seven years (2 Samuel 2:11) David ruled only Judah while Saul’s son Ish-bosheth reigned over the northern tribes, illustrating the lingering division after Saul’s death (2 Samuel 3:1). • The number seven underscores God’s perfect timing in moving David from a regional to a national throne (Genesis 2:2–3). Thirty-three years in Jerusalem “…and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.” • After capturing Jerusalem from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6–10), David established the city as political and spiritual capital, bringing the ark there (1 Chronicles 15:3, 29). • Thirty-three years of united rule reflect stability and covenant fulfillment, anticipating the eternal throne promised in 2 Samuel 7:12–16. • Jerusalem’s choice aligns with God’s selection of a place for His Name to dwell (Psalm 132:13–14), foreshadowing the Messianic King (Luke 1:32). summary 1 Kings 2:11 records, with literal precision, God’s orderly leadership through David: a complete forty-year reign, first seven years in Hebron over Judah, then thirty-three in Jerusalem over all Israel. Each time segment demonstrates God’s faithfulness, the maturation of David’s kingdom, and the preparation for Solomon’s peaceful rule and, ultimately, for the greater Son of David whose kingdom is everlasting. Verse 11. - And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem [as elsewhere (1 Chronicles 29:27), the historian has disregarded the fraction of a year in giving the length of David's reign. He reigned at Hebron, according to 2 Samuel 5:5, "seven years and six months." CHAPTER 2:12-25. ADONIJAH'S INTRIGUE. Hebrew The lengthוְהַיָּמִ֗ים (wə·hay·yā·mîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day of David's דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse reign מָלַ֤ךְ (mā·laḵ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc [was] forty אַרְבָּעִ֖ים (’ar·bā·‘îm) Number - common plural Strong's 705: Forty years— שָׁנָ֑ה (šā·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8141: A year seven שֶׁ֣בַע (še·ḇa‘) Number - feminine singular Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number years שָׁנִ֔ים (šā·nîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 8141: A year in Hebron בְּחֶבְר֤וֹן (bə·ḥeḇ·rō·wn) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 2275: Hebron -- 'association, league', a city in southern Judah and thirty-three שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים (šə·lō·šîm) Number - common plural Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth years שָׁנִֽים׃ (šā·nîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 8141: A year in Jerusalem. וּבִירוּשָׁלִַ֣ם (ū·ḇî·rū·šā·lim) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel Links 1 Kings 2:11 NIV1 Kings 2:11 NLT 1 Kings 2:11 ESV 1 Kings 2:11 NASB 1 Kings 2:11 KJV 1 Kings 2:11 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 2:11 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 2:11 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 2:11 French Bible 1 Kings 2:11 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 2:11 The days that David reigned over Israel (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |