Keraia
2 Samuel 9

2 Samuel 9:11

David and Mephibosheth · 2 Samuel 9:1–13
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Translations

Modern
And Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do all that my lord the king has commanded.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s own sons.
Traditional
Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.
Literal
And Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so your servant will do.” “And as for Mephibosheth, he shall eat at David’s table, like one of the sons of the king.”
Latin
Dixitque Siba ad regem: Sicut jussisti, domine mi rex, servo tuo, sic faciet servus tuus: et Miphiboseth comedet super mensam meam, quasi unus de filiis regis.

Original

Hebrew
English
And Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do all that my lord the king has commanded.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s own sons.

Notes

2 Samuel 9:11

Both Ziba and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:6) used the phrase "I am your servant" when they met King David. By calling himself David's servant, Ziba showed he was no longer loyal to Saul's family. Later events raised questions about the sincerity of both Mephibosheth and Ziba (2 Samuel 16:1–4; 19:17–30).

2 Samuel 9:1–13

David showed mercy to Mephibosheth, the disabled son of Jonathan. This account appears between reports of David’s military victories (2 Samuel 8:1–18, 10). Its placement shows that David not only achieved success in war but also cared for individuals and acted with compassion.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Events

People

Mephibosheth: Son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul Ziba: Servant of Saul's household, later served David

Glossary

David Furniture Kings, Books of First and Second Mephibosheth Palace Samuel, Books of First and Second Ziba

Topics

Friendship: David and Jonathan Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Kindness: David to Mephibosheth Kings: Exercised Great Hospitality