2 Samuel 9:8
2 Samuel 9:8 in Multiple Translations
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?”
And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?
And he did obeisance, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?
And he went down on his face before the king, and said, What is your servant, for you to take note of a dead dog such as I am?
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “Who am I, your servant, that you should pay any attention to a dead dog like me?”
And he bowed himselfe and sayd, What is thy seruant, that thou shouldest looke vpon such a dead dog as I am?
And he boweth himself, and saith, 'What [is] thy servant, that thou hast turned unto the dead dog — such as I?'
He bowed down, and said, “What is your servant, that you should look at such a dead dog as I am?”
And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am ?
He bowed down to him, and said: Who am I thy servant, that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am?
Mephibosheth bowed in front of David again and said, “Sir, I am as worthless as [MET] a dead dog; I do not deserve [RHQ] that you be kind to me!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 9:8
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 9:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֕חוּ
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
מֶ֣ה
עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ
כִּ֣י
פָנִ֔יתָ
אֶל
הַ/כֶּ֥לֶב
הַ/מֵּ֖ת
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
כָּמֽוֹ/נִי
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֕חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֶ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
פָנִ֔יתָ
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/כֶּ֥לֶב
keleb
H3611
dog
Art | N-ms
הַ/מֵּ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Art | V-Qal
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
כָּמֽוֹ/נִי
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 9:8
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֕חוּ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מֶ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms | 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.
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.
פָנִ֔יתָ
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/כֶּ֥לֶב
keleb
H3611
"dog"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means dog, but it can also refer to someone who is despised or considered lowly. It is sometimes used to describe a male prostitute in a pagan context. The word appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) dog 1a) dog (literal) 1b) contempt or abasement (fig.) 1c) of pagan sacrifice 1d) of male cult prostitute (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: dog. See also: Exodus 11:7; 2 Kings 8:13; Psalms 22:17.
הַ/מֵּ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
כָּמֽוֹ/נִי
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep | Suff
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 9:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 9:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 9:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:8
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 9:8
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 9:8
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:8
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 9:8
Context — David and Mephibosheth
6And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied.
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.”
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 16:9 | Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” |
| 2 | Matthew 15:26–27 | But Jesus replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she said, “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 24:14–15 | Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.” |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 26:20 | So do not let my blood fall to the ground far from the presence of the LORD. For the king of Israel has come out to look for a flea, like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 3:8 | Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! |
2 Samuel 9:8 Summary
[Mephibosheth felt unworthy of King David's kindness, and he expressed his humility by calling himself a 'dead dog'. This shows us that even in our weakest moments, God can still use us and show us His love. As it says in 1 Corinthians 1:27, God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong, and in our humility, we can experience God's mercy and kindness. By trusting in God's goodness and provision, we can find strength and hope, even when we feel like we're not enough.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mephibosheth refer to himself as a 'dead dog'?
Mephibosheth called himself a 'dead dog' because he felt unworthy and insignificant in the presence of King David, much like the Psalmist in Psalm 22:20, who cried out to God for help, feeling like a 'worm' and not a man.
What is the significance of Mephibosheth's response to David's kindness?
Mephibosheth's response shows his humility and recognition of God's sovereignty, similar to the attitude of the apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15, who considered himself the worst of sinners, yet grateful for God's mercy.
How does Mephibosheth's statement relate to our own relationship with God?
Just like Mephibosheth, we are all unworthy of God's love and kindness, but through faith in Jesus Christ, we can experience God's mercy and grace, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, which reminds us that salvation is a gift from God, not something we deserve.
What can we learn from Mephibosheth's example of humility?
Mephibosheth's humility is a powerful example for us, as it shows us the importance of recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses, and trusting in God's goodness and provision, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like a 'dead dog', unworthy of God's love and kindness?
- How can I cultivate a humble heart, like Mephibosheth, and recognize my dependence on God's mercy and grace?
- In what ways can I show gratitude to God for His kindness and provision in my life, just like Mephibosheth responded to David's generosity?
- What are some 'dead dog' moments in my past where God showed up and surprised me with His love and kindness, and how can I remember those moments to encourage my faith?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:8
And he bowed himself,.... In token of gratitude, and as a sign of humility, and of the sense he had of his unworthiness to enjoy such a favour: and said, what [is] thy servant, that thou shouldest
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 9:8
And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:8
So contemptible in my person and condition.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:8
2 Samuel 9:8 And he bowed himself, and said, What [is] thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I [am]?Ver. 8. Upon such a dead dog as I am?] So he calleth himself, as being lame, poor, of a rejected stock, and no way to be compared to David and his children, whose companion and fellow commoner he was now to be made. There is no more certain way to honour and advancement, than a lowly dejection of ourselves.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 9:8
8. he bowed himself] The same Heb. word as “did reverence” in 2 Samuel 9:6. a dead dog] The vilest and most contemptible object possible. See note on ch. 2 Samuel 3:8; and cp. ch. 2 Samuel 16:9; 1 Samuel 24:14.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 9:8
Mephibosheth’s humility of expression, even in the mouth of an Oriental, is painful. It was perhaps in part the result of his helpless lameness, and of the other misfortunes of his life.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:8
8. A dead dog — Compare 1 Samuel 24:14. “The strongest devisable hyperbole of unworthiness and degradation; for in a dead dog the vileness of a corpse is added to the vileness of a dog.” — Kitto.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 9:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Studies in Jonah 01 a Worshipping Prophet by James R. Cochrane | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah and highlights the concept of being alive yet spiritually dead. He explains that the Hebrews used the words "life" and "d |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 121 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to extraordinary messages from God. He uses the example of David going through a valley of humiliation and choos |
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John 2:4-10 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the miracle at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine, highlighting the significance of Christ's timing and the gradual revelation of |