King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:26 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:26 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 19:26 · KJV

Context

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.

27

And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.

28

For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king? dead: Heb. men of death

Read 2 Samuel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 19 words
אָמַ֨ר1 of 19

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנִ֥י2 of 19

“My lord”

H113

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

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ3 of 19

“O king”

H4428

a king

עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃4 of 19

“because thy servant”

H5650

a servant

רִמָּ֑נִי5 of 19

“deceived”

H7411

to hurl; specifically, to shoot; figuratively, to delude or betray (as if causing to fall)

כִּֽי6 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אָמַ֨ר7 of 19

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃8 of 19

“because thy servant”

H5650

a servant

אֶחְבְּשָׁה9 of 19

“I will saddle”

H2280

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

לִּי֩10 of 19
H0
הַֽחֲמ֨וֹר11 of 19

“me an ass”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

וְאֶרְכַּ֤ב12 of 19

“that I may ride”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עָלֶ֙יהָ֙13 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְאֵלֵ֣ךְ14 of 19
H1980

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

אֶת15 of 19
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ16 of 19

“O king”

H4428

a king

כִּ֥י17 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

פִסֵּ֖חַ18 of 19

“is lame”

H6455

lame

עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃19 of 19

“because thy servant”

H5650

a servant

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 19:26 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 19:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 16:2-32 Samuel 4:42 Samuel 9:3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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