King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 9:11 Mean?

2 Samuel 9:11 in the King James Version says “Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons.

2 Samuel 9:11 · KJV


Context

9

Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.

10

Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

11

Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons.

12

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.

13

So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Kindness to Mephibosheth, emphasizing covenant faithfulness, grace. David's kindness to Mephibosheth illustrates chesed (חֶסֶד, covenant faithfulness/loyal love). This grace shown to Jonathan's crippled son demonstrates covenant loyalty transcending political expedience. The narrative foreshadows God's grace toward spiritually crippled humanity. Cross-references to David and Jonathan's covenant (1 Samuel 18:3, 20:14-17) and New Testament grace themes enrich understanding.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 9 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 covenant faithfulness, grace 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 covenant faithfulness, grace?
  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 · 21 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 21

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צִיבָא֙2 of 21

Ziba

H6717

tsiba, an israelite

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃4 of 21

of the king's

H4428

a king

כְּכֹל֩5 of 21
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר6 of 21
H834

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

יְצַוֶּ֜ה7 of 21

hath commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֲדֹנִ֤י8 of 21

According to all that my lord

H113

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃9 of 21

of the king's

H4428

a king

אֶת10 of 21
H853

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

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ11 of 21

his servant

H5650

a servant

כֵּ֖ן12 of 21
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה13 of 21

do

H6213

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

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ14 of 21

his servant

H5650

a servant

וּמְפִיבֹ֗שֶׁת15 of 21

As for Mephibosheth

H4648

mephibosheth, the name of two israelites

אֹכֵל֙16 of 21

said the king he shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

עַל17 of 21
H5921

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

שֻׁלְחָנִ֔י18 of 21

at my table

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

כְּאַחַ֖ד19 of 21

as one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִבְּנֵ֥י20 of 21

sons

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃21 of 21

of the king's

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 9:11 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 9:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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