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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 9:6 And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, "Mephibosheth!" "I am your servant," he replied.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/9-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/10_2Sa_09_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 9:6 - David and Mephibosheth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. 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David said, &#8220Mephibosheth!&#8221 &#8220At your service,&#8221 he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.” Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!” And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, “Mephibosheth?” And he answered, “Here is your servant!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and prostrated himself. And David said, “Mephibosheth.” And he said, “Here is your servant!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and prostrated himself. And David said, &#8220Mephibosheth.&#8221 And he said, &#8220Here is your servant!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and prostrated himself. And David said, “Mephibosheth.” And he said, “Here is your servant!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and prostrated himself. And David said, “Mephibosheth.” And he said, “Here is your servant!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David and fell face down and lay himself down [in respect]. David said, “Mephibosheth.” And he answered, “Here is your servant!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, fell facedown, and paid homage. David said, “Mephibosheth! ” “I am your servant,” he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, bowed down to the ground and paid homage. David said, &#8220Mephibosheth!"&#8221 I am your servant,&#8221 he replied.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came unto David, and fell on his face, and did obeisance. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold, thy servant!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came unto David, and fell on his face, and did obeisance. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Mephibosheth (son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul) came to David, he quickly bowed down with his face touching the ground. "Mephibosheth!" David said to him. "Yes, sir," he answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, arrived, he bowed down before David in respect. David said, "Mephibosheth," and he answered, "At your service, sir." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son and a grandson of Saul, approached David, he threw himself on his face out of respect. "Mephibosheth!" David said as he greeted him. "Hello! I am your servant," he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, ?Mephibosheth!? ?I am your servant,? he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed low with his face toward the ground. David said, "Mephibosheth?" He replied, "Yes, at your service." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Mippibaal, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, and he fell face down in homage. And David said, "Mippibaal?" And he answered, "Look, your servant."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, fell on his face, and showed respect. David said, “Mephibosheth?” He answered, “Behold, your servant!” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, son of Saul, comes to David, and falls on his face, and pays respect, and David says, “Mephibosheth”; and he says, “Behold, your servant.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, son of Saul, cometh unto David, and falleth on his face, and doth obeisance, and David saith, 'Mephibosheth;' and he saith, 'Lo, thy servant.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, son of Saul, will come to David and fall upon his face and worship him. And David will say, Mephibosheth. And he will say, Behold thy servant.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when Miphiboseth the son of Jonathan the son of Saul was come to David, he fell on his face and worshipped. And David said: Miphiboseth? And he answered: Behold thy servant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell upon his face, and he reverenced. And David said, “Mephibosheth?” And he responded, “Your servant is here.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Meribbaal, son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David, he fell face down in homage. David said, “Meribbaal,” and he answered, “Your servant.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, and fell on his face and did obeisance. David said, “Mephibosheth!” He answered, “I am your servant.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come to David, he fell on his face and did obeisance. And David said to him, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold your servant!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Maphibshath, son of Jonathan, son of Shaul, came to David and he fell on his face and worshiped, and David said to him: “Maphibshath!” And he said: “Your Servant has come!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came unto David, and fell on his face, and prostrated himself. And David said: 'Mephibosheth!' And he answered: 'Behold thy servant!'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Memphibosthe the son of Jonathan the son of Saul comes to the king David, and he fell upon his face and did obeisance to him: and David said to him, Memphibosthe: and he said, Behold thy servant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=2222" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/9.htm">David and Mephibosheth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4648.htm" title="4648: mə·p̄î·ḇō·šeṯ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Mphibosheth; probably from pa'ah and bosheth; dispeller of shame; Mephibosheth, the name of two Israelites.">And when Mephibosheth</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">of Jonathan,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">of Saul,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: way·yip·pōl (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">he fell facedown</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·nāw (N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: way·yiš·tā·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">in reverence.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Then David</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4648.htm" title="4648: mə·p̄î·ḇō·šeṯ (N-proper-ms) -- Or Mphibosheth; probably from pa'ah and bosheth; dispeller of shame; Mephibosheth, the name of two Israelites.">“Mephibosheth!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·de·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">“I am your servant,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">he replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!"></a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>“Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14-17</a></span><br />And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, / and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” / So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a></span><br />Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">1 Samuel 23:16-18</a></span><br />And Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and strengthened his hand in God, / saying, “Do not be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. And you will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true.” / So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4</a></span><br />And Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to escape, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-42.htm">1 Samuel 20:42</a></span><br />And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-7.htm">2 Samuel 21:7</a></span><br />Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-21.htm">1 Samuel 24:21-22</a></span><br />So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.” / So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1</a></span><br />Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/13-1.htm">1 Samuel 13:1</a></span><br />Saul was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-two years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2</a></span><br />The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">1 Kings 2:7</a></span><br />But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/8-34.htm">1 Chronicles 8:34</a></span><br />The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, and Merib-baal was the father of Micah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/9-40.htm">1 Chronicles 9:40</a></span><br />The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, who was the father of Micah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></span><br />Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-36.htm">Luke 6:36</a></span><br />Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come to David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold your servant!</p><p class="hdg">Mephibosheth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/8-34.htm">1 Chronicles 8:34</a></b></br> And the son of Jonathan <i>was</i> Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/9-40.htm">1 Chronicles 9:40</a></b></br> And the son of Jonathan <i>was</i> Meribbaal: and Meribbaal begat Micah.</p><p class="hdg">called Meribbaal </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/18-2.htm">Genesis 18:2</a></b></br> And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw <i>them</i>, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/33-3.htm">Genesis 33:3</a></b></br> And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-41.htm">1 Samuel 20:41</a></b></br> <i>And</i> as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of <i>a place</i> toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/28-14.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-5.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-13.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-34.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-34.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-4.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-22.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-13.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-3.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-4.htm">Mephibosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-7.htm">Mephib'osheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-2.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/judges/6-10.htm">Reverence</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-3.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-2.htm">Servant</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-4.htm">Falleth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-4.htm">Falling</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-17.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-3.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-3.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">Mephibosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-10.htm">Mephib'osheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-6.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-31.htm">Reverence</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">Servant</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">David by Ziba sends for Mephibosheth</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm">For Jonathan's sake he restores to him all that was Saul's</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/9-9.htm">He makes Ziba his farmer</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David</b><br>This phrase introduces Mephibosheth, who is the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, Israel's first king. The mention of his lineage is significant, as it highlights the covenant between David and Jonathan (<a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3-4</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14-17</a>). Despite Saul's pursuit of David, David honors his promise to Jonathan by showing kindness to his offspring. This act of kindness reflects the biblical principle of covenant faithfulness, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The historical context is important here, as it was common for new kings to eliminate the previous king's descendants to secure their throne, yet David acts contrary to this norm.<p><b>he fell facedown in reverence</b><br>Mephibosheth's act of falling facedown signifies deep respect and submission, a common cultural practice in the ancient Near East when approaching a king or someone of high status. This gesture indicates Mephibosheth's acknowledgment of David's authority and his own vulnerable position. It also reflects the humility expected of those who come before God, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., <a href="/genesis/17-3.htm">Genesis 17:3</a>, <a href="/joshua/5-14.htm">Joshua 5:14</a>). This act of reverence can be seen as a type of worship, pointing to the ultimate reverence due to Christ, the King of Kings.<p><b>Then David said, “Mephibosheth!”</b><br>David's direct address to Mephibosheth is significant, as it shows personal recognition and acceptance. By calling him by name, David affirms Mephibosheth's identity and worth, despite his physical disability and potential political threat. This personal acknowledgment mirrors God's intimate knowledge of His people, as seen in passages like <a href="/isaiah/43.htm">Isaiah 43:1</a>, where God calls His people by name. It also foreshadows the personal relationship believers have with Christ, who knows His sheep by name (<a href="/john/10-3.htm">John 10:3</a>).<p><b>“I am your servant,” he replied</b><br>Mephibosheth's response, "I am your servant," indicates his willingness to serve and submit to David's authority. This declaration of servitude is a common expression of loyalty and humility in the biblical narrative. It reflects the appropriate response of believers to God's grace and kindness, as seen in <a href="/romans/12.htm">Romans 12:1</a>, where believers are urged to offer themselves as living sacrifices. Mephibosheth's reply also highlights the theme of servanthood, which is central to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/mephibosheth.htm">Mephibosheth</a></b><br>The son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. He was crippled in both feet and lived in obscurity until King David sought him out to show kindness for Jonathan's sake.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Jonathan and David had a covenant of friendship and loyalty, which David honored even after Jonathan's death.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel who sought to show kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake. His actions towards Mephibosheth demonstrate his faithfulness to his covenant with Jonathan.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first King of Israel and father of Jonathan. His relationship with David was complex, marked by jealousy and conflict.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/homage.htm">Homage</a></b><br>The act of Mephibosheth falling facedown and paying homage to David signifies respect and submission, acknowledging David's authority and kindness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/covenant_faithfulness.htm">Covenant Faithfulness</a></b><br>David's actions towards Mephibosheth highlight the importance of keeping promises and honoring commitments, even when it is inconvenient or costly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/grace_and_kindness.htm">Grace and Kindness</a></b><br>David's kindness to Mephibosheth is a powerful example of grace, showing favor to someone who could not repay him. This reflects God's grace towards us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_submission.htm">Humility and Submission</a></b><br>Mephibosheth's response to David is one of humility and submission, recognizing the king's authority and benevolence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_redemption.htm">Restoration and Redemption</a></b><br>David's restoration of Saul's land to Mephibosheth symbolizes God's redemptive work in our lives, restoring what was lost.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/ark_to_jerusalem__before_or_after_philistines.htm">When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_2_sam_9_7-10_conflict_with_david's_claim.htm">Does the sudden bestowal of Saul's property to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7-10 conflict with earlier accounts suggesting David had already taken Saul's possessions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_david_contradict_his_promise.htm">Why does David's decision in 2 Samuel 19:29 seemingly contradict earlier promises of favor and land for Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_david_help_saul's_kin_despite_past.htm">In 2 Samuel 9:3, how do we reconcile David's swift willingness to help Saul's descendant with the longstanding hostilities described elsewhere in 1 and 2 Samuel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He fell on his face.</span> Mephibosheth probably expected the fate which in the East usually befalls the members of a dethroned dynasty. Subsequently in Israel each new line of usurpers put to death every male relative of its predecessor, and it was with difficulty in Judah that one babe was rescued from the hands of its own grandmother, Athaliah, when she usurped the throne. Looked at, then, in the light of Oriental policy, David's conduct was most generous. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And when Mephibosheth</span><br /><span class="heb">מְפִיבֹ֨שֶׁת</span> <span class="translit">(mə·p̄î·ḇō·šeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4648.htm">Strong's 4648: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mephibosheth -- 'dispeller of shame'</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Jonathan,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוֹנָתָ֤ן</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Saul,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁאוּל֙</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַ֠יָּבֹא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David,</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he fell facedown</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּפֹּ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip·pōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in reverence.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁתָּ֑חוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·tā·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7812.htm">Strong's 7812: </a> </span><span class="str2">To depress, prostrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Then David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּוִד֙</span> <span class="translit">(dā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Mephibosheth!”</span><br /><span class="heb">מְפִיבֹ֔שֶׁת</span> <span class="translit">(mə·p̄î·ḇō·šeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4648.htm">Strong's 4648: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mephibosheth -- 'dispeller of shame'</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I am your servant,”</span><br /><span class="heb">עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḇ·de·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֖אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/9-6.htm">2 Samuel 9:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/9-6.htm">2 Samuel 9:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/9-6.htm">2 Samuel 9:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/9-6.htm">2 Samuel 9:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/9-6.htm">2 Samuel 9:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/9-6.htm">2 Samuel 9:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/9-6.htm">2 Samuel 9:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/9-6.htm">2 Samuel 9:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/9-6.htm">2 Samuel 9:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/9-6.htm">2 Samuel 9:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 9:6 Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan the son (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/9-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 9:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 9:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 9:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 9:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>