Keraia
2 Samuel 9

2 Samuel 9:3

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

Translations

Modern
So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.”
Traditional
And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.
Literal
And the king said, “Is not still a man to the house of Saul, that I may show to him the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “Of Jonathan there is still a son, lame in his feet.”
Latin
Et ait rex: Numquid superest aliquis de domo Saul, ut faciam cum eo misericordiam Dei? Dixitque Siba regi: Superest filius Jonathæ, debilis pedibus.

Original

Hebrew
English
So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.”

Notes

2 Samuel 9:3

Mephibosheth was disabled in both feet because of an accident when he was a child (see 2 Samuel 4:4).

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

Jonathan: Eldest son of King Saul and friend of David Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel Ziba: Servant of Saul's household, later served David

Glossary

David Kindness Kings, Books of First and Second Mephibosheth Samuel, Books of First and Second Ziba

Topics

Fatherless: Mephibosheth Friendship: David and Jonathan Kindness: David to Mephibosheth Lo-Debar: Home of Mephibosheth, the Lame Son of Jonathan Mephibosheth: Son of Jonathan: David Entertains Him at his Table Orphan: Mephibosheth