What is the biblical meaning of David?

Answer 1

The name 'David' is believed to mean "beloved" in Hebrew.

Answer

In 1st Samuel chapter 22 God's protection over Saul (the previous king before David) was removed because he did not have a 'heart' [that is, to be loyal and obediennt] to Him:-

13 And Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly. ....

14 But now your [ie Saul's] kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you."

Saul was killed in battle by the Philistines shortly afterward, and was replaced by David because he was the type of man God wanted:-

Acts 13:2 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said,'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.'

When David calls for God's protection in Psalm 60 he calls himself "Your Beloved":-

Psalms 60: Urgent Prayer ... A Michtam of David. .... When he fought against Mesopotamia and Syria of Zobah, and Joab returned and killed twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.

1 O God, You have cast us off; You have broken us down; You have been displeased; Oh, restore us again!

2 You have made the earth tremble; You have broken it; Heal its breaches, for it is shaking.

3 You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us drink the wine of confusion.

4 You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah

5 That Your beloved [ie David] may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and hear me.

When David praises God in Psalm 108 he again refers to himself as "Your Beloved" :-

Psalms 108: Assurance of God's Victory over Enemies -A Song. A Psalm of David.

1 O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

2 Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn.

3 I will praise You, O LORD, among the peoples, And I will sing praises to You among the nations.

4 For Your mercy is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the clouds.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, And Your glory above all the earth;

6 That Your beloved [ie David] may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and hear me.

Also:

In the "Literal Bible" Strong's Definitions says of David's name:

"...from the same as HSN 1730; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse...".

Answer 2

beloved