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His name was Mephibosheth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/10_2Sa_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 4:4 - The Murder of Ish-bosheth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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. 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He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became disabled. His name was Mephibosheth.) <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> (Saul’s son Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth, who was crippled as a child. He was five years old when the report came from Jezreel that Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle. When the child’s nurse heard the news, she picked him up and fled. But as she hurried away, she dropped him, and he became crippled.) <a href="/esv/2_samuel/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled, and as she fled in her haste, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel; and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was disabled in both feet. He was five years old when the news of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse picked him up and fled. But it happened that in her hurry to flee, he fell and could no longer walk. And his name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now Jonathan, Saul&#8217s son, had a son crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the report of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened that in her hurry to flee, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the report of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened that in her hurry to flee, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the report of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened that in her hurry to flee, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son whose feet were crippled. He was five years old when the news [of the deaths] of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. And the boy’s nurse picked him up and fled; but it happened that while she was hurrying to flee, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul’s son Jonathan had a son whose feet were crippled. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nanny picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to flee, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Saul&#8217s son Jonathan had a son whose feet were crippled. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. The one who had nursed him picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to flee, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel; and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Saul's son Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth, who had not been able to walk since he was five years old. It happened when someone from Jezreel told his nurse that Saul and Jonathan had died. She hurried off with the boy in her arms, but he fell and injured his legs. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In addition, Saul's son Jonathan had a son who was crippled. When the boy was five years old, the news about [the death of] Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled [to Gittaim]. She was in a hurry when she left, and he fell [from her arms] and became disabled. His name was Mephibosheth.) <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Another descendant of Saul was Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, who was five years old when Saul and Jonathan were killed. When the news about their death came from the city of Jezreel, his nurse picked him up and fled; but she was in such a hurry that she dropped him, and he became crippled. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Meanwhile, Saul's son Jonathan had a son whose feet were crippled. When he was five years old, news had arrived about Saul and Jonathan from Jezreel, and his nurse picked him up to flee, but in her hurry to leave, he happened to fall and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/2_samuel/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Now Saul's son Jonathan had a son who was crippled in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan arrived from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but in her haste to get away, he fell and was injured. Mephibosheth was his name. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son whose feet were crippled. He was five years old when the news came of Saul and Jonathan from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened as she was hurrying to get away that he fell and was injured. And his name was Mippibaal. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet: he was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/web/2_samuel/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Now Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news came about Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel; and his nurse picked him up and fled. As she hurried to flee, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And to Jonathan son of Saul [is] a son—lame; he was a son of five years at the coming in of the rumor of [the death of] Saul and Jonathan, out of Jezreel, and his nurse lifts him up, and flees, and it comes to pass in her hastening to flee, that he falls, and becomes lame, and his name [is] Mephibosheth. <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And to Jonathan son of Saul is a son -- lame; he was a son of five years at the coming in of the rumour of the death of Saul and Jonathan, out of Jezreel, and his nurse lifteth him up, and fleeth, and it cometh to pass in her hasting to flee, that he falleth, and becometh lame, and his name is Mephibosheth. <a href="/slt/2_samuel/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And to Jonathan, Saul's son, a son smitten in the feet: he was the son of five years in the news coming of Saul and Jonathan from Jezreel, and his nurse will lift him up and flee: and it will be in her springing up to flee, and he will fall, and he will be lame: and his name Mephibosheth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Jonathan the son of Saul bad a son that was lame of his feet: for he was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan from Jezrahel. And his nurse took him up and fled: and as she made haste to flee, he fell and became lame: and his name was Miphiboseth. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son with disabled feet. For he was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan arrived from Jezreel. And so, his nurse, taking him up, fled. And while she was hurrying, so that she might flee, he fell and was made lame. And he was called Mephibosheth. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/4.htm">New American Bible</a> (Jonathan, son of Saul, had a son with crippled feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel; his nurse took him and fled, but in their hasty flight, he fell and became lame. His name was Meribbaal.) <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Saul’s son Jonathan had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled; and, in her haste to flee, it happened that he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled; and, as she made haste to flee, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yonathan son of Shaul had a son and he was lame in his legs, and he was a son of five years when the news of Shaul and of Yonathan had come from Yizrael, and his Nurse took him and she fled, and as she ran to escape, he fell, and became lame, and his name was Maphibshath<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled; and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Jonathan Saul's son had a son lame of his feet, five years old, and he was in the way when the news of Saul and Jonathan his son came from Jezrael, and his nurse took him up, and fled; and it came to pass as he hasted and retreated, that he fell, and was lamed. And his name was Memphibosthe. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/4-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=1049" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/4.htm">The Murder of Ish-bosheth</a> …3because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have lived there as foreigners to this day. 4<a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: wə·lî·hō·w·nā·ṯān (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">And 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.).">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/1121.htm" title="1121: bên (N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">had a son who was</a> <a href="/hebrew/5223.htm" title="5223: nə·ḵêh (Adj-msc) -- Smitten, stricken. Smitten, i.e. maimed, or dejected.">lame in</a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: raḡ·lā·yim (N-fd) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda.">his feet.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">He was</a> <a href="/hebrew/2568.htm" title="2568: ḥā·mêš (Number-fs) -- Five. Masculine chamishshah; a primitive numeral; five.">five</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">years old</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: šā·nîm (N-fp) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8052.htm" title="8052: šə·mu·‘aṯ (N-fsc) -- A report. Feminine passive participle of shamem; something heard, i.e. An announcement.">when the report</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.">about Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">and Jonathan</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bə·ḇō (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/3157.htm" title="3157: mî·yiz·rə·‘el (Prep-m:: N-proper-fs) -- From zara' and 'el; God will sow; Jizreel, the name of two places in Palestine and of two Israelites.">from Jezreel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/539.htm" title="539: ’ō·man·tōw (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fsc:: 3ms) -- To confirm, support. ">His nurse</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: wat·tiś·śā·’ê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs:: 3ms) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">picked him up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: wat·tā·nōs (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">and fled,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2648.htm" title="2648: bə·ḥā·p̄ə·zāh (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3fs) -- To be in trepidation, hurry or alarm. A primitive root; properly, to start up suddenly, i.e. to hasten away, to fear.">but as she was hurrying</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: lā·nūs (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">to escape,</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</a> <a href="/hebrew/6452.htm" title="6452: way·yip·pā·sê·aḥ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to hop, i.e. skip over; by implication, to hesitate; also to limp, to dance.">and became lame.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: ū·šə·mōw (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">His name</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.">was Mephibosheth.</a> 5Now Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, set out and arrived at the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day, while the king was taking his midday nap.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/9-3.htm">2 Samuel 9:3-13</a> So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” / “Where is he?” replied the king. And Ziba said, “Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.” / So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar. ... <a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm">2 Samuel 19:24-30</a> Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. / And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?” / “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, ... <a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2</a> The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. <a href="/2_samuel/21-7.htm">2 Samuel 21:7</a> 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. <a href="/1_chronicles/8-34.htm">1 Chronicles 8:34</a> The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, and Merib-baal was the father of Micah. <a href="/1_chronicles/9-40.htm">1 Chronicles 9:40</a> The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, who was the father of Micah. <a href="/1_samuel/20-14.htm">1 Samuel 20:14-17</a> 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.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/18-3.htm">1 Samuel 18:3</a> Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. <a href="/1_samuel/23-16.htm">1 Samuel 23:16-18</a> 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. <a href="/2_samuel/1-4.htm">2 Samuel 1:4</a> “What was the outcome?” David asked. “Please tell me.” “The troops fled from the battle,” he replied. “Many of them fell and died. And Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” <a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">2 Samuel 2:8</a> Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, <a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1</a> Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. <a href="/2_samuel/5-4.htm">2 Samuel 5:4</a> David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. <a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">2 Samuel 9:1</a> Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” <a href="/1_kings/2-7.htm">1 Kings 2:7</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.Jonathan<a href="/2_samuel/9-3.htm">2 Samuel 9:3</a> 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.when the tidings<a href="/1_samuel/29-1.htm">1 Samuel 29:1,11</a> Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which is in Jezreel… <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">1 Samuel 31:1-10</a> Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa… Mephibosheth<a href="/1_chronicles/8-34.htm">1 Chronicles 8:34</a> And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah.<a href="/1_chronicles/9-40.htm">1 Chronicles 9:40</a> And the son of Jonathan was Meribbaal: and Meribbaal begat Micah.Meribbaal <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-34.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-34.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-42.htm">Five</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-3.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-3.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-24.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-2.htm">Jezreel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-26.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-21.htm">Lame</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-8.htm">Mephibosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-1.htm">News</a> <a href="/ruth/4-16.htm">Nurse</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-1.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-2.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-9.htm">Tidings</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/4-12.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-8.htm">Five</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-13.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-13.htm">Flee</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-16.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-12.htm">Jezreel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-6.htm">Lame</a> <a href="/2_samuel/9-6.htm">Mephibosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm">News</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-2.htm">Nurse</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-8.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm">Tidings</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 4</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/4-1.htm">The Israelites being troubled at the death of Abner</a> 2. <a href="/2_samuel/4-2.htm">Baanah and Rechab slay Ish-Bosheth, and bring his head to Hebron</a> 9. <a href="/2_samuel/4-9.htm">David causes them to be slain, and Ish-Bosheth's head to be buried.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in his feet. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, was a close friend of David, the future king of Israel. This relationship is significant as it highlights the covenantal bond between Jonathan and David, which transcended political rivalry. The mention of Jonathan's son being lame in his feet introduces Mephibosheth, whose physical condition symbolizes the fall of Saul's house and the vulnerability of those left behind after Saul's demise. In biblical times, physical disabilities often carried social stigma and could limit one's role in society, reflecting the challenges Mephibosheth would face.He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. The report from Jezreel refers to the news of the defeat and death of Saul and Jonathan at the hands of the Philistines, as recorded in <a href="/1_samuel/31.htm">1 Samuel 31</a>. Jezreel was a strategic location in the northern kingdom of Israel, and its mention underscores the widespread impact of the battle. The age of Mephibosheth at this time, five years old, emphasizes his innocence and the abrupt change in his life circumstances due to the political upheaval.His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to escape, he fell and became lame. The nurse's actions reflect the urgency and fear following the news of the royal family's defeat, as the fall of a king often led to the extermination of his descendants to prevent claims to the throne. The accident that left Mephibosheth lame was a result of this hurried escape, illustrating the chaos and danger of the times. This incident also sets the stage for Mephibosheth's later life, where he lives in obscurity and dependency, contrasting with his royal lineage.His name was Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth's name, which means "dispeller of shame" or "from the mouth of shame," is significant in understanding his story. Despite his physical condition and the loss of his royal status, Mephibosheth's later interactions with King David, particularly in <a href="/2_samuel/9.htm">2 Samuel 9</a>, reveal themes of grace and restoration. David's kindness to Mephibosheth, for the sake of Jonathan, prefigures the grace of Christ extended to humanity, where the undeserving are given a place at the king's table.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a> The son of King Saul and a close friend of David. Known for his loyalty and covenant with David. 2. <a href="/topical/m/mephibosheth.htm">Mephibosheth</a> Jonathan's son, who became lame in both feet due to an accident when he was five years old. 3. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel and father of Jonathan. His death in battle led to the panic that caused Mephibosheth's injury. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jezreel.htm">Jezreel</a> The location where Saul and Jonathan died in battle, leading to the subsequent events affecting Mephibosheth. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_nurse.htm">The Nurse</a> An unnamed caregiver responsible for Mephibosheth, whose actions, though well-intentioned, resulted in his injury.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_adversity.htm">God's Sovereignty in Adversity</a> Even in tragic circumstances, God’s plans are at work. Mephibosheth’s account reminds us that God can use our weaknesses for His purposes. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_covenant_faithfulness.htm">The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness</a> David’s kindness to Mephibosheth is a powerful example of honoring commitments and showing loyalty, reflecting God’s faithfulness to His promises. <a href="/topical/c/compassion_for_the_vulnerable.htm">Compassion for the Vulnerable</a> Mephibosheth’s condition and David’s response highlight the biblical call to care for those who are vulnerable and marginalized in society. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_fear_and_haste.htm">The Impact of Fear and Haste</a> The nurse’s fear-driven actions led to unintended consequences. This teaches us to seek God’s guidance and peace in times of crisis. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_redemption.htm">Restoration and Redemption</a> Mephibosheth’s account is a testament to God’s ability to restore and redeem situations, offering hope and dignity to those who feel broken.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 4</a> <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 href="/q/any_historical_proof_for_2_samuel_16.htm">(2 Samuel 16) Are there any independent historical or archaeological records confirming these specific events and people mentioned in this chapter?</a> <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> <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/ellicott/2_samuel/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) A son that was lame.--The reason for the introduction here of this account of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, is to show that, he being physically in capacitated for the throne, the house of Saul became practically extinct with the death of Ish-bosheth. There were other descendants, but either illegitimate or of the female line (<a href="/context/2_samuel/21-8.htm" title="But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite:">2Samuel 21:8-9</a>), and hence there was none other of his house to claim the throne.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son. This is mentioned to show that Saul's lineage virtually became extinct on Ishbosheth's death. Mephibosheth, the heir, was a cripple, and physically incapable of reigning. Saul had, indeed, sons by a concubine, and grandchildren by his daughter Merab (<a href="/2_samuel/21-8.htm">2 Samuel 21:8</a>). But throughout the history there is no hint that any of these were regarded as the representatives of Saul's house. (For the name Mephibosheth, see note on 2 Samuel 2:8.) <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And Jonathan וְלִיהֽוֹנָתָן֙ (wə·lî·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Saul שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites had a son [who was] בֵּ֖ן (bên) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son lame in נְכֵ֣ה (nə·ḵêh) Adjective - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5223.htm">Strong's 5223: </a> Smitten, stricken [his] feet. רַגְלָ֑יִם (raḡ·lā·yim) Noun - fd <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7272.htm">Strong's 7272: </a> A foot, a step, the pudenda He was הָיָ֡ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be five חָמֵ֣שׁ (ḥā·mêš) Number - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2568.htm">Strong's 2568: </a> Five years old בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son when the report שְׁמֻעַת֩ (šə·mu·‘aṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8052.htm">Strong's 8052: </a> Something heard, an announcement about Saul שָׁא֨וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites and Jonathan וִיהֽוֹנָתָ֜ן (wî·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites came בְּבֹ֣א (bə·ḇō) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go from Jezreel. מִֽיִּזְרְעֶ֗אל (mî·yiz·rə·‘el) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3157.htm">Strong's 3157: </a> Jezreel -- 'God sows', two Israelites, also two cities in Israel, also a valley in Northern Israel His nurse אֹֽמַנְתּוֹ֙ (’ō·man·tōw) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_539.htm">Strong's 539: </a> To confirm, support picked him up וַתִּשָּׂאֵ֤הוּ (wat·tiś·śā·’ê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take and fled, וַתָּנֹ֔ס (wat·tā·nōs) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> To flit, vanish away but as she was hurrying בְּחָפְזָ֥הּ (bə·ḥā·p̄ə·zāh) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2648.htm">Strong's 2648: </a> To start up suddenly, to hasten away, to fear to escape, לָנ֛וּס (lā·nūs) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> To flit, vanish away he fell וַיִּפֹּ֥ל (way·yip·pōl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie and became lame. וַיִּפָּסֵ֖חַ (way·yip·pā·sê·aḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6452.htm">Strong's 6452: </a> To hop, skip over, to hesitate, to limp, to dance His name וּשְׁמ֥וֹ (ū·šə·mōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name was Mephibosheth. מְפִיבֹֽשֶׁת׃ (mə·p̄î·ḇō·šeṯ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4648.htm">Strong's 4648: </a> Mephibosheth -- 'dispeller of shame' <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/4-4.htm">2 Samuel 4:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-4.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 4:4 Now Jonathan Saul's son had a son (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 4:5" /></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>