King James Version
2 Samuel 9:8 in the King James Version says “And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?”
2 Samuel 9:8 · KJV
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!
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.
And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?
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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And he bowed”
H7812to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“that thou shouldest look”
H6437to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
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.
2 Samuel 9:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to 2 Samuel 9:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge