2 Samuel 9:13
2 Samuel 9:13 in Multiple Translations
So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet.
So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’s table; and was lame on both his feet.
So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem; for he did eat continually at the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet.
So Mephibosheth went on living in Jerusalem; for he took all his meals at the king's table; and he had not the use of his feet.
But Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king's table. He was lame in both feet.
And Mephibosheth dwelt in Ierusalem: for he did eate continually at the Kings table, and was lame on both his feete.
And Mephibosheth is dwelling in Jerusalem, for at the table of the king he is eating continually, and he [is] lame of his two feet.
So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate continually at the king’s table. He was lame in both his feet.
So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he ate continually at the king's table; and was lame in both his feet.
But Miphiboseth dwelt in Jerusalem: because he ate always of the king’s table: and he was lame of both feet.
And Mephibosheth, who was still crippled in both of his feet, started to live in Jerusalem, and he always ate ◄at the king’s table/with the king►.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 9:13
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 9:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מְפִיבֹ֗שֶׁת
יֹשֵׁב֙
בִּ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
כִּ֣י
עַל
שֻׁלְחַ֥ן
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
תָּמִ֖יד
ה֣וּא
אֹכֵ֑ל
וְ/ה֥וּא
פִסֵּ֖חַ
שְׁתֵּ֥י
רַגְלָֽי/ו
וּ/מְפִיבֹ֗שֶׁת
Mᵉphîybôsheth
H4648
Mephibosheth
Conj | N-proper
יֹשֵׁב֙
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
בִּ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שֻׁלְחַ֥ן
shulchân
H7979
table
N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
תָּמִ֖יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
N-ms
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
אֹכֵ֑ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal
וְ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
פִסֵּ֖חַ
piççêach
H6455
lame
Adj
שְׁתֵּ֥י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
רַגְלָֽי/ו
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 9:13
וּ/מְפִיבֹ֗שֶׁת
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.
יֹשֵׁב֙
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בִּ/יר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
שֻׁלְחַ֥ן
shulchân
H7979
"table"
N-ms
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.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
תָּמִ֖יד
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.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
אֹכֵ֑ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal
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.
וְ/ה֥וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
פִסֵּ֖חַ
piççêach
H6455
"lame"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means lame or crippled, describing someone with a physical disability. It is used to describe people who are unable to walk or move normally. This word appears in various passages, including stories of healing and restoration.
Definition: lame
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: lame. See also: Leviticus 21:18; Proverbs 26:7; Isaiah 33:23.
שְׁתֵּ֥י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
רַגְלָֽי/ו
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 9:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David and Mephibosheth
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.
13So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet.
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 9:3 | So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 9:10–11 | 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. 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. |
2 Samuel 9:13 Summary
This verse tells us that Mephibosheth, a man who was lame in both feet, got to live in Jerusalem and eat at King David's table. This was a special act of kindness and grace, showing that God cares for those who are weak or vulnerable (as seen in Psalms 41:1). Just like Mephibosheth, we can trust that God will provide for us and invite us to His table, even when we feel weak or limited (as promised in Matthew 11:28). By remembering Mephibosheth's story, we can learn to show similar kindness and compassion to those around us who may be struggling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mephibosheth, a descendant of Saul, get to eat at King David's table?
Mephibosheth was given a place at King David's table as an act of kindness and grace, as seen in 2 Samuel 9:1-13, fulfilling David's promise to show loyalty to his friend Jonathan, as stated in 1 Samuel 20:14-17.
What is the significance of Mephibosheth being lame in both feet?
Mephibosheth's lameness is mentioned to highlight his vulnerability and dependence on others, much like the psalmist's declaration of trust in God despite physical limitations, as expressed in Psalms 38:9.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's kingdom and table?
This verse points to the idea that, in God's kingdom, the lame and the weak are invited to partake in the King's table, as Jesus taught in Luke 14:13, and as seen in the heavenly banquet described in Revelation 19:9.
What can we learn from Mephibosheth's experience about God's care for the marginalized?
Mephibosheth's story demonstrates God's heart for the marginalized and vulnerable, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18 and Psalm 68:5, and encourages us to show similar kindness and compassion to those in need.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show kindness and loyalty to those who may feel marginalized or vulnerable in my community?
- How can I, like Mephibosheth, learn to trust in God's goodness and provision despite my own limitations or weaknesses?
- What does it mean for me to 'eat at the King's table' in my daily life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God's grace and mercy?
- In what ways can I reflect God's heart for the marginalized and vulnerable in my own relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:13
So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem,.... Either in some apartments in the king's palace, or in some house in the city provided for him; for he returned not to Lodebar, nor to any mansion house upon
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:13
2 Samuel 9:13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king’ s table; and was lame on both his feet.Ver. 13. And was lame on both his feet.] Or, Though he were lame, and therefore unfit to take his meals at the court, or to come thither at all; yet by special favour he enjoyed this privilege.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:13
Verse 13. Did eat continually at the king's table] He was fit for no public office, but was treated by the king with the utmost respect and affection.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 9:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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, |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |