2 Samuel 5:10
New International Version
And he became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him.

New Living Translation
And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD God of Heaven’s Armies was with him.

English Standard Version
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.

Berean Standard Bible
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.

King James Bible
And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

New King James Version
So David went on and became great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

New American Standard Bible
David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of armies was with him.

NASB 1995
David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of hosts was with him.

NASB 1977
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of hosts was with him.

Legacy Standard Bible
And David became greater and greater, and Yahweh, the God of hosts, was with him.

Amplified Bible
David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts (armies), was with him.

Christian Standard Bible
David became more and more powerful, and the LORD God of Armies was with him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
David became more and more powerful, and the LORD God of Hosts was with him.

American Standard Version
And David waxed greater and greater; for Jehovah, the God of hosts, was with him.

Contemporary English Version
David became a great and strong ruler, because the LORD All-Powerful was on his side.

English Revised Version
And David waxed greater and greater; for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
David continued to grow more powerful because the LORD God of Armies was with him.

Good News Translation
He grew stronger all the time, because the LORD God Almighty was with him.

International Standard Version
David became more and more esteemed because the LORD God of the Heavenly Armies was with him.

NET Bible
David's power grew steadily, for the LORD God who commands armies was with him.

New Heart English Bible
David grew greater and greater; for the LORD of hosts was with him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him.

World English Bible
David grew greater and greater, for Yahweh, the God of Armies, was with him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and David goes, going on and becoming great, and YHWH, God of Hosts, [is] with him.

Young's Literal Translation
and David goeth, going on and becoming great, and Jehovah, God of Hosts, is with him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David went, going, and was great, and Jehovah God of armies with him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he went on prospering and growing up, and the Lord God of hosts was with him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he advanced, prospering and increasing, and the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.

New American Bible
David became ever more powerful, for the LORD of hosts was with him.

New Revised Standard Version
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And David continued to become greater, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And David went on and became great and LORD JEHOVAH, The God of Hosts, was with him
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And David waxed greater and greater; for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And David advanced and became great, and the Lord Almighty was with him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David Conquers Jerusalem
9So David took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built it up all the way around, from the supporting terraces inward. 10And David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of Hosts was with him. 11Now Hiram king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 11:9
And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of Hosts was with him.

1 Samuel 16:13
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

1 Samuel 18:14
and he continued to prosper in all his ways, because the LORD was with him.

1 Samuel 18:28
When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David,

2 Samuel 3:1
Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

2 Samuel 7:9
I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make for you a name like that of the greatest in the land.

1 Kings 2:12
So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established.

1 Kings 2:46
Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon.

1 Chronicles 14:2
And David realized that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had highly exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

Psalm 89:20-21
I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. / My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him.

Psalm 89:27
I will indeed appoint him as My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,

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.’

Acts 13:36
For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. His body was buried with his fathers and saw decay.

Luke 1:32-33
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, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”


Treasury of Scripture

And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.

2 Samuel 3:1
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

Job 17:9
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.

Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

the Lord

Genesis 21:22
And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

Psalm 46:7,11
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah…

Isaiah 8:9,10
Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces…

Jump to Previous
Almighty Armies Continually David Great Greater Grew Hosts Powerful Waxed
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Almighty Armies Continually David Great Greater Grew Hosts Powerful Waxed
2 Samuel 5
1. The tribes come to Hebron and anoint David over Israel,
4. David's age
6. Taking Zion from the Jebusites, he dwells in it
11. Hiram sends to David,
13. Eleven sons are born to him in Jerusalem
17. David, directed by God, smites the Philistines at Baal-perazim
22. And again at the mulberry trees














And David became greater and greater
This phrase highlights the progressive nature of David's rise to power and influence. After being anointed king over all Israel, David's reign began to solidify, marked by military victories and political consolidation. His growth in greatness can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to establish his kingdom (2 Samuel 7:8-16). David's increasing greatness also reflects the divine favor upon him, as seen in his successful campaigns against the Philistines and other surrounding nations. This growth is not merely in terms of military might but also in wisdom, leadership, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

for the LORD God of Hosts was with him
This phrase underscores the divine source of David's success. The title "LORD God of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, indicating His supreme power and authority. The presence of God with David is a recurring theme in his life, from his anointing by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13) to his victories in battle (1 Samuel 17:45-47). This divine accompaniment is a testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His choice of David as king. It also prefigures the presence of God with Jesus Christ, the Son of David, who would establish an eternal kingdom. The assurance of God's presence provided David with the confidence and strength to lead Israel, reflecting the biblical principle that true greatness and success come from reliance on God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The central figure in this verse, David is the newly anointed king of Israel. His rise to power and success is attributed to God's presence with him.

2. The LORD God of Hosts
This title emphasizes God's sovereignty and power. It signifies that God is the commander of the heavenly armies, underscoring His ability to support and elevate David.

3. Israel
The nation over which David is king. This period marks the unification of Israel under David's rule, following the division during Saul's reign.

4. Hebron
The city where David was initially anointed king over Judah before becoming king over all Israel.

5. Jerusalem
The city David captures and establishes as the political and spiritual center of Israel, symbolizing the consolidation of his kingdom.
Teaching Points
God's Presence Brings Success
David's increasing greatness is directly linked to the presence of the LORD God of Hosts. In our lives, true success and growth come from aligning ourselves with God's will and seeking His presence.

The Importance of Divine Favor
The Hebrew word for "with" ('im) signifies a close, supportive relationship. Just as God was with David, we should seek to cultivate a relationship with God that invites His favor and guidance.

Leadership Under God's Authority
David's leadership was effective because he recognized God's authority over his life. As leaders in various capacities, we should submit our plans and actions to God's authority.

The Role of Obedience in God's Blessing
David's life exemplifies the blessings that come from obedience to God. We are called to live obediently, trusting that God will bless our efforts according to His purposes.

God's Sovereignty in Our Lives
The title "LORD God of Hosts" reminds us of God's ultimate control over all circumstances. We can trust in His sovereignty, knowing that He orchestrates events for His glory and our good.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 5:10?

2. How did David's relationship with God contribute to his success in 2 Samuel 5:10?

3. What can we learn about God's support from "the LORD God of Hosts"?

4. How does 2 Samuel 5:10 connect with God's promises to David in 1 Samuel?

5. In what ways can we seek God's presence to strengthen our daily lives?

6. How can David's example in 2 Samuel 5:10 inspire our leadership roles today?

7. How did David grow stronger through the LORD's presence in 2 Samuel 5:10?

8. What does 2 Samuel 5:10 reveal about God's role in David's success?

9. How does 2 Samuel 5:10 challenge the belief in self-reliance?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 5?

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 was David forbidden from building the temple?

13. If Psalm 15 is attributed to David, how can a flawed king instruct perfect moral conduct without undermining his own credibility?

14. In verse 13, what scientific or historical basis is there for claiming victory through a divine hand despite recorded Israelite defeats (Psalm 108:13)?
What Does 2 Samuel 5:10 Mean
And David became

• The verse sits in the narrative moment when David has just been crowned king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:3).

• Scripture presents this as literal history—David, once a shepherd, truly rises to the throne God promised in 1 Samuel 16:13.

• His past victories and faithfulness form the foundation of this new stage (1 Samuel 18:14; 2 Samuel 3:1 “the house of David grew stronger and stronger,”).

• The wording highlights an ongoing process: David did not peak instantly; he “became,” emphasizing steady development under God’s hand (Psalm 37:23).


greater and greater

• The repetition underscores continual, measurable growth—militarily (2 Samuel 5:17–25), politically (5:11–12), and spiritually (Psalm 18:29).

1 Chronicles 11:9 echoes the same phrase, reinforcing that this progress is historical fact, not hyperbole.

• Such increase fulfills God’s earlier covenant promise: “I have been with you…and I will make you a great name” (2 Samuel 7:9).

• The pattern models how God often works—incrementally expanding influence for those who walk in obedience (Proverbs 4:18).


for the LORD God of Hosts

• “LORD” (Yahweh) signals His covenant fidelity; “God of Hosts” points to His command over angelic and earthly armies (1 Samuel 17:45; Psalm 46:7).

• The phrase explains the cause of David’s success: divine backing, not mere human strategy (Psalm 33:16–17).

• Throughout Scripture, acknowledging God as “Lord of Hosts” brings assurance of victory (Isaiah 6:3; Jeremiah 10:6).

• David’s story demonstrates that when the Almighty fights for His people, opposition crumbles (2 Samuel 5:20).


was with him

• God’s presence is the decisive factor, echoing Genesis 39:2 (“The LORD was with Joseph”) and Joshua 1:5 (“I will be with you”).

• “With him” conveys intimate guidance, protection, and empowerment—vital for a king shepherding God’s nation (Psalm 23:1,4).

• The same promise extends to all who follow God’s call; Jesus assures, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20), linking David’s experience to believers today.

• Therefore, any advancement worth having is rooted in God’s companionship, not self–made ambition (John 15:5).


summary

2 Samuel 5:10 records literal, step-by-step growth in David’s kingship. His ever-increasing greatness flows directly from the steadfast presence of the covenant-keeping “LORD God of Hosts.” The verse urges us to recognize that genuine progress—whether personal or communal—comes only because the Almighty is with us, guiding, shielding, and fulfilling His promises.

Verse 10. - David went on, and grew great. This is the Hebrew phrase for "David grew greater and greater." In this and the six following verses (10-16) we have a summary of David's reign, telling us how he increased in prosperity because of the blessing of "Jehovah God of hosts." The birth of Solomon even is recorded in it, though it took place long afterwards. The insertion in this summary of Hiram's acknowledgment of David proves that this event made a great impression upon the minds of the people.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And David
דָּוִ֖ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

became
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

greater
הָל֣וֹךְ (hā·lō·wḵ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and greater,
וְגָד֑וֹל (wə·ḡā·ḏō·wl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

for the LORD
וַיהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

God
אֱלֹהֵ֥י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of Hosts
צְבָא֖וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

was with him.
עִמּֽוֹ׃ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with


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OT History: 2 Samuel 5:10 David grew greater and greater (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 5:9
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