Boy · Hebrew · Old Testament

David

DAY-vid · from Dawid · means “Beloved”

David is a Hebrew name meaning "beloved." He was the shepherd boy who defeated Goliath, Israel's greatest king, and a man described as one after God's own heart. His name carries a story of worship, courage, failure, and forgiveness that shaped the rest of Scripture.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."”

The story behind the name

David was the youngest of Jesse's sons, tending sheep while his brothers went to war. When he stood before Goliath with only a sling and five stones, he refused to be afraid, saying he came in the name of the Lord of hosts (1 Samuel 17).

As king, David wrote many of the psalms, pouring out honest praise, grief, and repentance before God. He also failed badly, most notably with Bathsheba, yet when confronted he did not run from God but wrote Psalm 51, one of Scripture's clearest prayers of repentance.

God made an everlasting covenant with David, promising his throne would endure forever (2 Samuel 7), a promise fulfilled in Jesus, called the Son of David. A boy named David carries a name of being deeply loved and a life that shows both bold faith and honest repentance.

Middle names that sing with David

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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