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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Mephibosheth bowed down and said, &#8220What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he bowed himself, and said, What <i>is</i> thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I <i>am</i>?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then he bowed himself, and said, “What <i>is</i> your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Again he prostrated himself, and said, “What is your servant, that you should be concerned about a dead dog like me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Again he prostrated himself and said, &#8220What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Again he prostrated himself and said, “What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So he prostrated himself and said, “What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Again Mephibosheth lay himself face down and said, “What is your servant, that you would be concerned for a dead dog like me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Mephibosheth paid homage and said, “What is your servant that you take an interest in a dead dog like me? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Mephibosheth bowed down and said, &#8220What is your servant that you take an interest in a dead dog like me?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he did obeisance, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Mephibosheth knelt down again and said, "Why should you care about me? I'm worth no more than a dead dog." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he did obeisance, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Mephibosheth bowed down [again] and answered, "Who am I that you would look at a dead dog like me?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Mephibosheth bowed again and said, "I am no better than a dead dog, sir! Why should you be so good to me?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Mephibosheth bowed low again and asked, "Who am I, your servant, that you would pay attention to a dead dog like me?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ?What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Mephibosheth bowed and said, "Of what importance am I, your servant, that you show regard for a dead dog like me?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He bowed down, and said, "What is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He bowed down, and said, “What is your servant, that you should look at such a dead dog as I am?” <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 he bows himself and says, “What [is] your servant, that you have turned to the dead dog—such as I?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he boweth himself, and saith, 'What is thy servant, that thou hast turned unto the dead dog -- such as I?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will worship him and say, What is thy servant that thou didst look to a dead dog which is like me?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He bowed down to him, and said: Who am I thy servant, that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And reverencing him, he said, “Who am I, your servant, that you should look with favor upon a dead dog like me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Bowing low, he answered, “What am I, your servant, that you should pay attention to a dead dog like me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He did obeisance and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon a dead dog such as I?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he bowed himself and said, What is your servant, that you should look upon me? For I am like a dead dog.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he worshiped and he said: “What is your Servant that you have looked at me, for I am as a dead dog!”<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 he bowed down, and said: 'What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Memphibosthe did obeisance, and said, Who am I thy servant, that thou hast looked upon a dead dog like me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/9-8.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=2252" 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">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.” <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7812.htm" title="7812: way·yiš·ta·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to depress, i.e. Prostrate.">Mephibosheth bowed down</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.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: meh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·de·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">is your servant,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: p̄ā·nî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">you should show regard</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: ham·mêṯ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">a dead</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3611.htm" title="3611: hak·ke·leḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- A dog. From an unused root means. To yelp, or else to attack; a dog; hence a male prostitute.">dog</a> <a href="/hebrew/3644.htm" title="3644: kā·mō·w·nî (Prep:: 1cs) -- Like, as, when. Or kamow; a form of the prefix k-, but used separately; as, thus, so.">like me?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said to him, “I have given to your master’s grandson all that belonged to Saul and to all his house.…<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="/2_samuel/7-18.htm">2 Samuel 7:18</a></span><br />Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-23.htm">1 Samuel 18:23</a></span><br />But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-4.htm">2 Samuel 16:4</a></span><br />So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I humbly bow before you,” said Ziba. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/8-13.htm">2 Kings 8:13</a></span><br />“But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/17-16.htm">1 Chronicles 17:16</a></span><br />Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">1 Samuel 24:14</a></span><br />Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-28.htm">2 Samuel 19:28</a></span><br />For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">1 Samuel 9:21</a></span><br />Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-19.htm">2 Samuel 7:19</a></span><br />And as if this was a small thing in Your eyes, O Lord GOD, You have also spoken about the future of the house of Your servant. Is this Your custom with man, O Lord GOD?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-7.htm">1 Kings 3:7</a></span><br />And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-19.htm">Luke 15:19</a></span><br />I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-27.htm">Matthew 15:27</a></span><br />“Yes, Lord,” she said, “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-6.htm">Luke 7:6-7</a></span><br />So Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends with the message: “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. / That is why I did not consider myself worthy to come to You. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/8-8.htm">Matthew 8:8</a></span><br />The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7</a></span><br />but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he bowed himself, and said, What is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?</p><p class="hdg">a dead dog</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/3-8.htm">2 Samuel 3:8</a></b></br> Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, <i>Am</i> I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">2 Samuel 16:9</a></b></br> Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">1 Samuel 24:14,15</a></b></br> After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-41.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Mephibosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-36.htm">Note</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-36.htm">Notice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-25.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-8.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-8.htm">Shouldst</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-15.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/14-22.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-33.htm">Boweth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-21.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-9.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-4.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-10.htm">Mephibosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-28.htm">Note</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-7.htm">Notice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-4.htm">Obeisance</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-4.htm">Prostrated</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-20.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-9.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-20.htm">Shouldest</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-11.htm">Shouldst</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-15.htm">Turned</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>Mephibosheth bowed down</b><br>In ancient Near Eastern culture, bowing down was a sign of respect and submission, often performed in the presence of a king or someone of higher status. Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul, was acknowledging King David's authority and expressing humility. This act reflects the cultural norms of the time, where physical gestures were significant in demonstrating one's position and intentions.<p><b>and said, “What is your servant,</b><br>By referring to himself as "your servant," Mephibosheth is adopting a posture of humility and servitude. This phrase indicates his recognition of David's kingship and his own lower status. It also reflects the biblical theme of servanthood, which is prevalent throughout Scripture, where individuals often identify themselves as servants of God or others in authority.<p><b>that you should show regard</b><br>The concept of showing regard or kindness is central to the narrative. David's actions towards Mephibosheth are motivated by his covenant with Jonathan (<a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14-17</a>). This act of kindness is a demonstration of covenant faithfulness, a recurring theme in the Bible, where God and His people are called to be faithful to their promises.<p><b>for a dead dog like me?”</b><br>The term "dead dog" is a Hebrew idiom expressing extreme self-deprecation and insignificance. In the cultural and historical context, dogs were considered unclean animals, and calling oneself a "dead dog" was a way to emphasize one's lowliness and unworthiness. This phrase highlights Mephibosheth's awareness of his vulnerable position as a descendant of Saul, the former king, and his astonishment at David's grace. It also echoes the biblical theme of God's grace towards the humble and lowly, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/138-6.htm">Psalm 138:6</a> and <a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</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/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The King of Israel who sought to honor his covenant with Jonathan by showing kindness to Jonathan's descendants, specifically Mephibosheth.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He had made a covenant with David to show kindness to each other's families.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/lodabar.htm">Lodabar</a></b><br>The place where Mephibosheth was living before David brought him to Jerusalem. It symbolizes a place of desolation and obscurity.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>The promise between David and Jonathan that David would show kindness to Jonathan's family, which is the basis for David's actions in this chapter.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/grace_and_kindness.htm">Grace and Kindness</a></b><br>David's actions towards Mephibosheth illustrate the grace and kindness that believers are called to show others, reflecting God's grace towards us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_and_worth.htm">Identity and Worth</a></b><br>Mephibosheth's self-description as a "dead dog" highlights issues of self-worth and identity. In Christ, believers find their true worth and identity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_to_promises.htm">Faithfulness to Promises</a></b><br>David's faithfulness to his covenant with Jonathan serves as a model for believers to honor their commitments and promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_redemption.htm">Restoration and Redemption</a></b><br>Mephibosheth's account is a powerful example of how God can restore and redeem lives, bringing people from places of desolation to positions of honor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_gratitude.htm">Humility and Gratitude</a></b><br>Mephibosheth's response to David's kindness is one of humility and gratitude, which should be our response to God's grace in our lives.<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/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/is_2_samuel_9_1_historically_verifiable.htm">In 2 Samuel 9:1, how is it historical or archaeologically verifiable that no one else knew of Saul's surviving heir except David's court?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_mephibosheth's_injury_verified_outside_bible.htm">2 Samuel 4:4 - Is there any external historical or archaeological record confirming Mephibosheth's injury and the nurse's flight, or does this rely solely on the biblical account?</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 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A dead dog.</span> At first sight this extreme self-humiliation makes us look on Mephibosheth as a poor creature, whom early misfortune and personal deformity had combined to depress But really this is to impose on an Oriental hyperbole a Western exactness of meaning. When in the East your entertainer assures you that everything he has to his last dirhem is yours, he nevertheless expects you to pay twice the value foreverything you consume; but he makes his exaction pleasant by his extreme courtliness. So Ephron offered his cave at Machpelah to Abraham as a free gift, but he took care to obtain for it an exorbitant price (<a href="/genesis/23-11.htm">Genesis 23:11, 15</a>). Mephibosheth described himself in terms similar to those used by David of himself to Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/24-14.htm">1 Samuel 24:14</a>); but he meant no more than to express great gratitude, and also to acknowledge the disparity of rank between him and the king. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/9-8.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">Mephibosheth bowed down</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁתַּ֕חוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·ta·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">and said,</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 /><br /><span class="word">“What</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(meh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is your servant,</span><br /><span class="heb">עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ</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">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you should show regard</span><br /><span class="heb">פָנִ֔יתָ</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ā·nî·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn, to face, appear, look</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</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">a dead</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֵּ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dog</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֶּ֥לֶב</span> <span class="translit">(hak·ke·leḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3611.htm">Strong's 3611: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dog, a male prostitute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like me?”</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּמֽוֹנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(kā·mō·w·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3644.htm">Strong's 3644: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like, as, when</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/9-8.htm">2 Samuel 9:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/9-8.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 9:8 He did obeisance and said What (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/9-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 9:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 9:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/9-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 9:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 9:9" /></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>