King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 9:6 Mean?

2 Samuel 9:6 in the King James Version says “Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!”

2 Samuel 9:6 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!

7

And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.

8

And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?

Read 2 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!

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 · 18 words
וַ֠יָּבֹא1 of 18

“was come”

H935

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

מְפִיבֹ֔שֶׁת2 of 18

“Mephibosheth”

H4648

mephibosheth, the name of two israelites

בֶּן3 of 18

“the 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

יְהֽוֹנָתָ֤ן4 of 18

“of Jonathan”

H3083

jehonathan, the name of four israelites

בֶּן5 of 18

“the 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

שָׁאוּל֙6 of 18

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶל7 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִד֙8 of 18

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וַיִּפֹּ֥ל9 of 18

“he fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עַל10 of 18
H5921

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

פָּנָ֖יו11 of 18

“on his face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיִּשְׁתָּ֑חוּ12 of 18

“and did reverence”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר13 of 18

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִד֙14 of 18

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מְפִיבֹ֔שֶׁת15 of 18

“Mephibosheth”

H4648

mephibosheth, the name of two israelites

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר16 of 18

“And he answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּ֥ה17 of 18
H2009

lo!

עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃18 of 18

“Behold 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 9:6 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 9:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 8:342 Samuel 16:41 Chronicles 9:402 Samuel 19:24-301 Samuel 25:23Genesis 18:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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