King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 9:3 Mean?

2 Samuel 9:3 in the King James Version says “And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba sai...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.”

2 Samuel 9:3 · KJV

Context

1

And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?

2

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.

3

And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.

4

And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar.

5

Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lodebar.

Read 2 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on 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 · 20 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ2 of 20

“And the king”

H4428

a king

הַאֶ֨פֶס3 of 20

“Is there not”

H657

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

ע֥וֹד4 of 20
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

אִישׁ֙5 of 20

“yet any”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְבֵ֣ית6 of 20

“of the house”

H1004

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

שָׁא֔וּל7 of 20

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה8 of 20

“that I may shew”

H6213

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

עִמּ֖וֹ9 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

חֶ֣סֶד10 of 20

“the kindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

אֱלֹהִ֑ים11 of 20

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר12 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צִיבָא֙13 of 20

“unto him And Ziba”

H6717

tsiba, an israelite

אֶל14 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ15 of 20

“And the king”

H4428

a king

ע֛וֹד16 of 20
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בֵּ֥ן17 of 20

“hath yet a 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

לִיהֽוֹנָתָ֖ן18 of 20

“Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

נְכֵ֥ה19 of 20

“which is lame”

H5223

smitten, i.e., (literally) maimed, or (figuratively) dejected

רַגְלָֽיִם׃20 of 20

“on 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 9:3 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 9:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 4:4Titus 3:3-41 Samuel 20:14-17Deuteronomy 10:15Luke 6:36Matthew 5:44-45

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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