King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 19:30 Mean?

2 Samuel 19:30 in the King James Version says “And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto hi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.”

2 Samuel 19:30 · KJV

Peace

Context

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

29

And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

30

And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

31

And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

32

Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

Read 2 Samuel 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

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 · 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 16

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מְפִיבֹ֙שֶׁת֙2 of 16

“And Mephibosheth”

H4648

mephibosheth, the name of two israelites

אֶל3 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֛לֶך4 of 16

“the king”

H4428

a king

גַּ֥ם5 of 16
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶת6 of 16
H853

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

הַכֹּ֖ל7 of 16
H3605

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

יִקָּ֑ח8 of 16

“Yea let him take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אַֽ֠חֲרֵי9 of 16

“all forasmuch”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֲשֶׁר10 of 16

“as”

H834

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

בָּ֞א11 of 16

“is come again”

H935

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

אֲדֹנִ֥י12 of 16

“my lord”

H113

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

הַמֶּ֛לֶך13 of 16

“the king”

H4428

a king

בְּשָׁל֖וֹם14 of 16

“in peace”

H7965

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

אֶל15 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּיתֽוֹ׃16 of 16

“unto his own house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

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 19:30 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 19:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 1:202 Samuel 1:26Acts 20:24

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 19 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes