Why Is Jesus Christ Called the Son of David?

Shalom, beloved of God!

Among the most vital calls on every believer is the call to truly know Jesus Christ—not simply to know about Him, but to experience Him intimately as Lord, Savior, and King.

Jesus is the most recognized name in all of human history. From Asia to Africa, from Muslim to Buddhist nations, His name is known. Yet many know Him superficially. The apostle Paul expressed his desire like this:

…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection…

Philippians 3:10, ESV

But why does Jesus want us to know Him deeply? Because knowing Him brings spiritual maturity and protection from deception.

…until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood… so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine…

Ephesians 4:13–14, ESV

To know Christ is to be grounded. That’s why this study focuses on one of His most significant titles: “The Son of David.”

What Does It Mean That Jesus Is the Son of David?

Although Jesus had no earthly biological father, the Bible repeatedly refers to Him as “the Son of David” (see Matthew 1:1; Luke 18:38–39; Revelation 22:16). Why?

In Jewish thought, to be called someone’s “son” can mean more than biological descent—it can imply legal lineage, covenant inheritance, and prophetic fulfillment. Jesus is called the Son of David because He:

1. Was a legal descendant of David through His adoptive father Joseph.

2. Inherited the covenant promises God gave to David.

3. Fulfilled the messianic prophecies that the Messiah would come from David’s line.

The Davidic Covenant: A Kingdom Without End

In 2 Samuel 7, God made a covenant with King David, promising that one of his descendants would reign on his throne forever:

And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.

2 Samuel 7:16, ESV

This promise is called the Davidic Covenant. While it initially pointed to Solomon, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ.

The angel Gabriel confirmed this when he spoke to Mary:

…and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.

Luke 1:32–33, ESV

Thus, Jesus is the eternal heir to David’s throne, fulfilling God’s unbreakable promise.

A Cut-Off Royal Line Restored

After David, Solomon reigned. But through centuries of rebellion, idolatry, and sin, the Davidic monarchy fell. The last king of Judah, Zedekiah, was taken into exile during the Babylonian conquest (2 Kings 25:6–7), and the throne was left empty.

From then on, the line of David continued—but in obscurity, not in power. Joseph, the husband of Mary, was a direct descendant of David (Matthew 1:6–16), yet he lived as a humble carpenter. He should have been king, had Israel remained faithful to the covenant.

This is where Isaiah’s prophecy becomes powerful:

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

Isaiah 11:1, ESV

Jesse was David’s father. The “stump” represents a dynasty that was cut down. But God promised a “shoot”—a new life springing from old roots. That shoot is Jesus Christ, born in a humble manger, yet destined for the throne

Jesus: Born King, Not Made King

Jesus was born with royal identity, not crowned by men. The wise men understood this at His birth:

Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.

Matthew 2:2, ESV

Even blind Bartimaeus cried out:

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!

Mark 10:47, ESV

Why? Because the Jews were waiting for a Davidic Messiah, as foretold in the Psalms and Prophets:

The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.

Psalm 110:1, ESV

Jesus’ Kingdom Is Not of This World—Yet

Jesus did not seek political power during His first coming. He told Pilate:

My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting…

John 18:36, ESV

At His first coming, He brought salvation, not government. But His second coming will inaugurate His literal reign on the earth.

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings…

Revelation 17:14, ESV

And again.

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Revelation 19:16, ESV

The Coming Millennial Reign

Jesus will reign for 1,000 years on earth, fulfilling the full scope of the Davidic promise:

..and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:4, ESV

During this time, the peace and justice Isaiah foretold will be visible:

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb… the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 11:6–9, ESV

Those who are faithful to Christ now will reign with Him then:

The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne…

Revelation 3:21, ESV

Jesus Declares: I Am the Root and Offspring of David

Jesus Himself confirmed His divine and royal identity:

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.

Revelation 22:16, ESV

He is both the source (Root) and fulfillment (Offspring) of David’s line.

The Door of Grace Is Still Open

Jesus is soon returning—not as the suffering Lamb—but as the reigning King. If you have not yet surrendered your life to Him, now is the time. He stands at the door and knocks: