King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 16:4 Mean?

2 Samuel 16:4 in the King James Version says “Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king. I humbly: Heb. I do obeisance”

2 Samuel 16:4 · KJV

Grace

Context

2

And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

3

And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.

4

Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king. I humbly: Heb. I do obeisance

5

And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. he came forth: or, he still came forth and cursed

6

And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.

Read 2 Samuel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Humiliation, emphasizing suffering within God's sovereignty. David's humiliation through Shimei's cursing and Ziba's deception tests his faith in God's sovereignty. His refusal to punish Shimei demonstrates trust that God controls even unjust accusations. Ahithophel's counsel and Absalom's public sin with David's concubines fulfill Nathan's prophecy (12:11-12). Theological themes include suffering within God's sovereign plan, responding to unjust accusations with faith, and the full exposure of hidden sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 16 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding suffering within God's sovereignty provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of suffering within God's sovereignty?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 16

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃2 of 16

“O king”

H4428

a king

צִיבָא֙3 of 16

“And Ziba”

H6717

tsiba, an israelite

הִנֵּ֣ה4 of 16
H2009

lo!

לְךָ֔5 of 16
H0
כֹּ֖ל6 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לִמְפִיבֹ֑שֶׁת8 of 16

“Behold thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth”

H4648

mephibosheth, the name of two israelites

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר9 of 16

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צִיבָא֙10 of 16

“And Ziba”

H6717

tsiba, an israelite

הִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֵ֔יתִי11 of 16

“I humbly”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

אֶמְצָא12 of 16

“beseech thee that I may find”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

חֵ֥ן13 of 16

“grace”

H2580

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ14 of 16

“in thy sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אֲדֹנִ֥י15 of 16

“my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃16 of 16

“O king”

H4428

a king

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 16:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 16:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 18:17Proverbs 18:13Proverbs 19:2Deuteronomy 19:15Exodus 23:82 Samuel 14:22

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 16 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes