2 Samuel 9:10

2 Samuel 9:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

King James Version KJV

Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

American Standard Version ASV

And thou shalt till the land for him, thou, and thy sons, and thy servants; and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have bread to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’s son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And you and your sons and your servants are to take care of the land for him, and get in the fruit of it, so that your master's son may have food: but Mephibosheth, your master's son, will have a place at my table at all times. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Free Bible Version FBV

You and your sons and workers are to farm the ground for him and bring in the produce, so that your master's grandson will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will always eat at my table.” Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty workers.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thou therefore and thy sonnes and thy seruantes shall till the lande for him, and bring in that thy masters sonne may haue foode to eate. And Mephibosheth thy masters sonne shall eate bread alway at my table (nowe Ziba had fifteene sonnes, and twentie seruants)

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and thou hast served for him the land, thou and thy sons, and thy servants, and hast brought in, and there hath been to the son of thy lord bread, and he hath eaten it; and Mephibosheth son of thy lord doth eat continually bread at my table;' and Ziba hath fifteen sons and twenty servants.

World English Bible WEB

Till the land for him—you, your sons, and your servants. Bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have bread to eat; but Mephibosheth your master’s son will always eat bread at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits , that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thou therefore and thy sons and thy servants shall till the land for him: and thou shalt bring in food for thy master’s son, that he may be maintained: and Miphiboseth the son of thy master shall always eat bread at my table. And Siba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

Translation for Translators T4T

You and your 15 sons and your 20 servants must till/plow the land for Mephibosheth’s family, and plant crops and harvest them, in order that they will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth will eat food with me at my house.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 9:10

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 9:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/עָבַ֣דְתָּ לּ֣/וֹ אֶֽת הָ/אֲדָמָ֡ה אַתָּה֩ וּ/בָנֶ֨י/ךָ וַ/עֲבָדֶ֜י/ךָ וְ/הֵבֵ֗אתָ וְ/הָיָ֨ה לְ/בֶן אֲדֹנֶ֤י/ךָ לֶּ֨חֶם֙ וַ/אֲכָל֔/וֹ וּ/מְפִיבֹ֨שֶׁת֙ בֶּן אֲדֹנֶ֔י/ךָ יֹאכַ֥ל תָּמִ֛יד לֶ֖חֶם עַל שֻׁלְחָנִ֑/י וּ/לְ/צִיבָ֗א חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר בָּנִ֖ים וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים עֲבָדִֽים

וְ/עָבַ֣דְתָּ ʻâbad H5647 to serve Conj | V-Qal-2ms

לּ֣/וֹ Prep | Suff

אֶֽת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/אֲדָמָ֡ה ʼădâmâh H127 land Art | N-fs

אַתָּה֩ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

וּ/בָנֶ֨י/ךָ bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp | Suff

וַ/עֲבָדֶ֜י/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave Conj | N-mp | Suff

וְ/הֵבֵ֗אתָ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

וְ/הָיָ֨ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

לְ/בֶן bên H1121 son Prep | N-ms

אֲדֹנֶ֤י/ךָ ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-mp | Suff

לֶּ֨חֶם֙ lechem H3899 food N-cs

וַ/אֲכָל֔/וֹ ʼâkal H398 to eat Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff

וּ/מְפִיבֹ֨שֶׁת֙ Mᵉphîybôsheth H4648 Mephibosheth Conj | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

אֲדֹנֶ֔י/ךָ ʼâdôwn H113 lord N-mp | Suff

יֹאכַ֥ל ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

תָּמִ֛יד tâmîyd H8548 continually N-ms

לֶ֖חֶם lechem H3899 food N-cs

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

שֻׁלְחָנִ֑/י shulchân H7979 table N-ms | Suff

וּ/לְ/צִיבָ֗א Tsîybâʼ H6717 Ziba Conj | Prep | N-proper

חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה châmêsh H2568 five Adj

עָשָׂ֛ר ʻâsâr H6240 ten Adj

בָּנִ֖ים bên H1121 son N-mp

וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים ʻesrîym H6242 twenty Conj | Adj

עֲבָדִֽים ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 9:10

וְ/עָבַ֣דְתָּ ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.

Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.

לּ֣/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

אֶֽת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/אֲדָמָ֡ה ʼădâmâh H127 "land" Art | N-fs

This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.

Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.

אַתָּה֩ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

וּ/בָנֶ֨י/ךָ bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

וַ/עֲבָדֶ֜י/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" Conj | N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

וְ/הֵבֵ֗אתָ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

וְ/הָיָ֨ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לְ/בֶן bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-ms

Definition: : child/son

אֲדֹנֶ֤י/ךָ ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.

Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

לֶּ֨חֶם֙ lechem H3899 "food" N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

וַ/אֲכָל֔/וֹ ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

וּ/מְפִיבֹ֨שֶׁת֙ Mᵉphîybôsheth H4648 "Mephibosheth" Conj | N-proper

Mephibosheth was a man in the Bible, grandson of King Saul and son of Rizpah. His name means exterminating the idol, and he is mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:8.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Sa.21.8; son of: Saul (H7586G) and Rizpah (H7532); brother of: Armoni (H0764); half-brother of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324) and Ish-bosheth (H0378) § Mephibosheth = "exterminating the idol" 1) grandson of Saul and son of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, Saul's concubine; he and his brother Armoni were among the 7 victims surrendered by David to the Gibeonites to avert a famine 2) son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul 2a) also 'Merib-baal'

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Mephibosheth. See also: 2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 16:1; 2 Samuel 21:8.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

אֲדֹנֶ֔י/ךָ ʼâdôwn H113 "lord" N-mp | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.

יֹאכַ֥ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

תָּמִ֛יד tâmîyd H8548 "continually" N-ms

This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.

Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)

Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.

לֶ֖חֶם lechem H3899 "food" N-cs

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

שֻׁלְחָנִ֑/י shulchân H7979 "table" N-ms | Suff

A shulchan refers to a table, often used for meals or sacred purposes, like a king's table. It symbolizes a place of community and sharing.

Definition: 1) table 1a) table 1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: table. See also: Exodus 25:23; 1 Kings 13:20; Psalms 23:5.

וּ/לְ/צִיבָ֗א Tsîybâʼ H6717 "Ziba" Conj | Prep | N-proper

Ziba was an Israelite servant of Saul who helped David care for Jonathan's son Mephibosheth. His name means 'statue' and he is mentioned in 2 Samuel 9:2. Ziba was a loyal steward.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.9.2 § Ziba = "statue" a servant of Saul whom David made steward of Jonathan's son Mephibosheth

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Ziba. See also: 2 Samuel 9:2; 2 Samuel 9:12; 2 Samuel 19:30.

חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה châmêsh H2568 "five" Adj

This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.

Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)

Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.

עָשָׂ֛ר ʻâsâr H6240 "ten" Adj

In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.

Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19

Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.

בָּנִ֖ים bên H1121 "son" N-mp

Definition: : child/son

וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים ʻesrîym H6242 "twenty" Conj | Adj

This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.

Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)

Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.

עֲבָדִֽים ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 9:10

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2 Samuel 9:10 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:10
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:10
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Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 9:10
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Sermons on 2 Samuel 9:10

Context — David and Mephibosheth

8Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?” 9Then 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.

10You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

11And Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do all that my lord the king has commanded.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s own sons. 12And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Samuel 9:7	“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.”
2	2 Samuel 19:28	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?”
3	2 Kings 25:29	So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life.
4	Luke 14:15	When one of those reclining with Him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is everyone who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”
5	2 Samuel 9:11–13	And Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do all that my lord the king has commanded.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s own sons. And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth. So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet.

2 Samuel 9:10 Summary

[This verse shows King David's kindness to Mephibosheth, the grandson of his enemy, by giving him food and a place at his table. King David also gave Ziba and his sons the job of working the ground for Mephibosheth, so he would have enough to eat. This is like what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:43-48, to love and care for our enemies, and to trust in God's provision, as seen in Philippians 4:19. By doing so, King David demonstrated God's covenant faithfulness and set an example for us to follow.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Mephibosheth eating at the king's table?

Mephibosheth eating at the king's table symbolizes his restoration to a place of honor and privilege, despite being the grandson of King Saul, who persecuted David, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:11 and 1 Samuel 23:15-18.

Why did King David give Ziba and his sons the responsibility to work the ground for Mephibosheth?

King David gave Ziba and his sons this responsibility to ensure Mephibosheth's well-being and to provide for his needs, demonstrating David's kindness and generosity, as seen in 2 Samuel 9:9 and Psalm 112:5.

What can we learn from Ziba's large family and many servants?

Ziba's fifteen sons and twenty servants indicate that he was a wealthy and influential man, and his obedience to King David's command shows his loyalty and respect for the king, as seen in 2 Samuel 9:11.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's covenant faithfulness?

This verse illustrates God's covenant faithfulness, as King David shows kindness to Mephibosheth, the grandson of his enemy, in fulfillment of his promise to Jonathan, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:14-17 and 2 Samuel 9:1-7.

Reflection Questions

How can I demonstrate kindness and generosity to those who may not deserve it, just like King David showed to Mephibosheth?
What are some ways I can practically care for the physical and spiritual needs of others, as Ziba and his sons were to do for Mephibosheth?
In what ways can I, like Mephibosheth, humble myself and acknowledge my own limitations and weaknesses, trusting in God's providence and care?
How can I, like King David, prioritize showing respect and honor to those who may have been marginalized or overlooked, and what biblical principles can guide me in doing so?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:10

Thou therefore, thy sons, and thy servants,.... Which were many, and whose numbers are after given: shall till the land for him; manure it, plough it, sow it, and reap it: and thou shall bring in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 9:10

Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:10

That thy master’ s son may have food to eat, i.e. that he may have wherewith to buy food for all his family, and all manner of provisions (which oft come under the title of food and bread) necessary for himself and them. It is probable he had been the chief steward to manage Saul’ s lands; whereby he had great opportunities to enrich himself, which also he was very intent and resolved upon, either directly or indirectly, as the following history of him shows; and therefore it is not strange that he was so rich.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:10

2 Samuel 9:10 Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in [the fruits], that thy master’ s son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master’ s son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.Ver. 10. Shall till the land for him.] Hic Ziba instituitur colonus partiarius. Here Ziba is far intrusted, but he proved treacherous; being neither good egg nor good bird, as they say. That thy master’ s son may have food to eat.] That is, Food in his house for his family to eat, and enough besides to defray his other necessary charges; so Josephus.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:10

Verse 10. Thou therefore, and thy sons - shall till the land] It seems that Ziba and his family had the care of the whole estate, and cultivated it at their own expense, yielding the half of the produce to the family of Mephibosheth. Ziba was properly the hind, whose duty and interest it was to take proper care of the ground, for the better it was cultivated the more it produced; and his half would consequently be the greater.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 9:10

10. shall till the land] This arrangement suggests that Ziba was already in occupation of the land, so that the only change to him would be that Mephibosheth would now receive the fruits instead of David. that thy master’s son, &c.] Though Mephibosheth himself was to be a guest at the royal table, he would require the revenues of this estate for the support of his family and household. It may be inferred from the number of Ziba’s servants that they would be considerable.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 9:10

Fifteen sons ... - See 2 Samuel 19:17, marginal reference.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 9:10

	Sermon	Description
	The Reproach of Christ by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformation that occurs when believers focus on God and His word. He highlights examples of former murderers becoming compassionate,
	2 Kings 4:8 - Part 01 by Joseph Balsan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fulfilling ministry in ordinary, everyday circumstances. He refers to a woman who opened her home to a passing prophet, de
	Chimham by Jack Hyles	In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Barzillai and his request to King David. Barzillai asks that his reward be given to his son, showing his selflessness and love for h
	Magnificent Mercy by Chuck Swindoll	Charles Swindoll preaches on the profound impact of experiencing relief, highlighting how God, as the author of relief, grants us peace, satisfaction, and ease through His mercy. S
	If I Might but Get the Broken Crumbs! by C.H. Spurgeon	C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the lavishness of God's grace, comparing it to the royal feast of Solomon that amazed the Queen of Sheba. He illustrates that while the multitude at God's
	Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo
	Thou Shalt Eat Bread at My Table Continually. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound blessings of God's love through the story of Mephibosheth, who, despite his lameness and perceived worthlessness, is invited to eat at King David