King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 9:13 Mean?

2 Samuel 9:13 in the King James Version says “So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 9:13 · KJV

Context

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.

Read 2 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 14 words
וּמְפִיבֹ֗שֶׁת1 of 14

“So Mephibosheth”

H4648

mephibosheth, the name of two israelites

יֹשֵׁב֙2 of 14

“dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם3 of 14

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

כִּ֣י4 of 14
H3588

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

עַל5 of 14
H5921

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

שֻׁלְחַ֥ן6 of 14

“table”

H7979

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

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ7 of 14

“at the king's”

H4428

a king

תָּמִ֖יד8 of 14

“continually”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

ה֣וּא9 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֹכֵ֑ל10 of 14

“for he did eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְה֥וּא11 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

פִּסֵּ֖חַ12 of 14

“and was lame”

H6455

lame

שְׁתֵּ֥י13 of 14

“on both”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

רַגְלָֽיו׃14 of 14

“his feet”

H7272

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

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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 9:72 Samuel 9:10-112 Samuel 9:3

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 9 →

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