King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:24 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:24 in the King James Version says “And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, no... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

2 Samuel 19:24 · KJV


Context

22

And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?

23

Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.

24

And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

25

And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?

26

And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Return, emphasizing restoration, leadership wisdom. David's return to Jerusalem requires political wisdom as he navigates competing factions. His restoration of enemies (Shimei) and reward of supporters demonstrates leadership discernment. Theological themes include wise leadership during restoration, the complexity of post-crisis reconciliation, balancing justice and mercy, and the necessity of moving forward despite ongoing tensions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 19 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 restoration, leadership wisdom 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 restoration, leadership wisdom?
  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 · 25 words
וּמְפִבֹ֙שֶׁת֙1 of 25

And Mephibosheth

H4648

mephibosheth, the name of two israelites

בֶּן2 of 25

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שָׁא֔וּל3 of 25

of Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

יָרַ֖ד4 of 25

came down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

לִקְרַ֣את5 of 25

to meet

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ6 of 25

the king

H4428

a king

לֹ֣א7 of 25

and had neither

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָשָׂ֣ה8 of 25

dressed

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

רַגְלָ֜יו9 of 25

his feet

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

לֹ֣א10 of 25

and had neither

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָשָׂ֣ה11 of 25

dressed

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שְׂפָמ֗וֹ12 of 25

his beard

H8222

the beard (as a lippiece)

וְאֶת13 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּגָדָיו֙14 of 25

his clothes

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

לֹ֣א15 of 25

and had neither

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כִבֵּ֔ס16 of 25

nor washed

H3526

to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative

לְמִן17 of 25
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיּ֖וֹם18 of 25

from the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לֶ֣כֶת19 of 25
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ20 of 25

the king

H4428

a king

עַד21 of 25
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֖וֹם22 of 25

from the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁר23 of 25
H834

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

בָּ֥א24 of 25

he came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְשָׁלֽוֹם׃25 of 25

again in peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace


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 19:24 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 19:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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