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2 Samuel 9:12 — Word Study

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WLCוְלִמְפִיבֹ֥שֶׁת בֵּן־ קָטָ֖ן וּשְׁמ֣וֹ מִיכָ֑א וְכֹל֙ מוֹשַׁ֣ב בֵּית־ צִיבָ֔א עֲבָדִ֖ים לִמְפִיבֹֽשֶׁת׃

BSAAnd MephiboshethMᵉphîybôsheth [grandson of King Saul, exterminating the idol] had a youngqâṭân [small, insignificant] sonbên namedshêm MicaMîykâʼ [who is like God] and allkôl [every single one] who dweltmôwshâb [lived, resided] in the housebayith [family, household] of ZibaTsîybâʼ [statue, servant of Saul] [were] servantsʻebed [slaves, bondservants] of MephiboshethMᵉphîybôsheth [a man of God]

Word
Listen & take away2 Samuel 9
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 12 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration (lim.fi.Vo.shet) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
2 Samuel 9:12quick helps
In a sentenceMephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all who lived in Ziba's household were his servants.
Who is speakingThe narrator recounts the lineage and situation of Mephibosheth.
Where we areThe narrative continues the story of Mephibosheth, a descendant of King Saul.
The hard wordמִיכָא
Take awayMephibosheth's legacy continues through his son, Mica.
7 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — 2 Samuel 9:12

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The Story of Mephiboshethgenerated

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.
13So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet.

2 Samuel 9:12 describes Mephibosheth, the grandson of King Saul, and his family situation. It highlights the relationship between Mephibosheth and Ziba, who served him, as well as the continuation of his lineage through his son Mica. This passage emphasizes the restoration of Mephibosheth's status and the care he receives from King David, as seen in the surrounding verses.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
11 Chronicles 8:8–34Shaharaim had sons in the country of Moab after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baara.
21 Chronicles 9:40–44The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, who was the father of Micah.
3Micah 7:5–6Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word מִיכָא, mi.Kha'generated

The name מִיכָא (Mica) means 'who is like God.' It is a significant name that reflects a spiritual question about the nature of God and humanity's relationship with Him.

Mica is the son of Mephibosheth, and his name carries a deep meaning that connects to the identity of God. The parsing indicates that Mica is a proper masculine noun, emphasizing his identity as a male descendant.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb of the sentence is עֲבָדִ֖ים, were servants, which governs the entire clause. The structure includes a subject noun phrase, a prepositional phrase indicating the household, and additional descriptive elements.

The word order places emphasis on Mephibosheth's son and the nature of Ziba's household, highlighting their roles as servants.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates מִיכָא as μιξα, which is a direct correspondence. This choice maintains the name's significance and meaning.

The translation reflects a consistent understanding of the name across both the Hebrew and Greek texts, emphasizing its importance in the narrative.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

2 Samuel 9:12 tells us that Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. Everyone living in Ziba's house were servants of Mephibosheth. This shows how Mephibosheth's family continued and how he was supported by Ziba.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does the name Mica mean?

Mica means 'who is like God,' reflecting a significant spiritual question about God's nature.

Who was Ziba?

Ziba was a servant of Saul who assisted Mephibosheth and managed his household.

What is the significance of Mephibosheth having a son?

Having a son signifies the continuation of Mephibosheth's lineage and legacy.

Why are the servants of Ziba mentioned?

They are mentioned to highlight the support Mephibosheth received and the structure of his household.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does Mica's name tell us about the values of Mephibosheth's family?
  2. How does the relationship between Mephibosheth and Ziba reflect themes of loyalty and service?
  3. In what ways does this passage illustrate the importance of family in the biblical narrative?
  4. How can we see God's provision in the lives of those who are vulnerable, like Mephibosheth?

Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on 2 Samuel 9:12 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name [was] Micha,.... What his age was is not said from him sprung a progeny of several generations, 1 Chronicles 8:34; and all that dwelt in the house Ziba

Read John Gill on 2 Samuel 9 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micah.

Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Samuel 9 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Mephibosheth had a young son; either, first, Before he was discovered and brought to the king; and then David seems guilty of a great error in forgetting his dear Jonathan so long; although his long and continued wars, both civil and foreign, might afford him some excuse, as filling his mind and time with business of another nature. Or, secondly, After that time; for there is nothing here which determines when this son was born. Whose name was Micha; who also had other children and grandchildren, to keep up the name and memory of worthy and famous Jonathan. See ,35 9:40,41.

Read Matthew Poole on 2 Samuel 9 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

2 Samuel 9:12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name [was] Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba [were] servants unto Mephibosheth.Ver. 12. And Mephibosheth had a younq son.] It was no small while, therefore, ere poor Mephibosheth was thought upon - see 2 Samuel 9:1; twenty years at least. Were servants unto Mephibosheth.] He was master of the house, and Ziba but steward; till, by his false and foolish calumnies, he had wormed out his master.

Read John Trapp on 2 Samuel 9 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

12. Micha] He had a numerous posterity. See 1 Chronicles 8:34, ff., where he is called Micah.

Read Cambridge on 2 Samuel 9 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Mephibosheth was five years old at Saul’s death. He may have been thirteen at David’s accession to the throne of Israel. In the eighth year of David’s reign over all Israel he would have been twenty-one.

Read Albert Barnes on 2 Samuel 9 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

12. Micha — Called Micah in 1 Chronicles 8:35, where it appears that the posterity of Jonathan continued through many generations.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on 2 Samuel 9 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. All who lived in Ziba’s house were servants to Mephibosheth.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth.

NETBNew English Translation2006

Now Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. All the members of Ziba’s household were Mephibosheth’s servants.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micah. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Mephibosheth also had a yong sonne named Micha, and all that dwelled in the house of Ziba, were seruants vnto Mephibosheth.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And Mephibosheth hath a young son, and his name [is] Micha, and every one dwelling in the house of Ziba [are] servants to Mephibosheth.

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And Mephibosheth has a young son, and his name [is] Micha, and everyone dwelling in the house of Ziba [are] servants to Mephibosheth.

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mika. All who lived in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And Miphiboseth had a young son whose name was Micha: and all the kindred of the house of Siba served Miphiboseth.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. All the people who lived in Ziba's house became Mephibosheth's servants.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. And all the people living in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וְandclauseprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִ[belongedמְפִיבֹ֥שֶׁתto].Mephiboshethnoun phrase · subjectבֵּןa.sonקָטָ֖ןyoungוּandclausenoun phrase · subjectשְׁמ֣nameוֹhispredicateמִיכָ֑א[was].Micaוְandclausenoun phrase · subjectכֹל֙everynoun phraseמוֹשַׁ֣ב(the).residentnoun phraseבֵּיתof.the.houseצִיבָ֔אof.Zibapredicateעֲבָדִ֖ים[were].servantsprepositional phrase · prepositionalלִofמְפִיבֹֽשֶׁתMephibosheth

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree on this verse, with only minor variations in wording. The Septuagint retains most of the Hebrew structure, indicating a strong alignment between the two texts.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וְלִמְפִיבֹ֥שֶׁת בֵּן־ קָטָ֖ן וּשְׁמ֣וֹ מִיכָ֑א וְכֹל֙ מוֹשַׁ֣ב בֵּית־ צִיבָ֔א עֲבָדִ֖ים לִמְפִיבֹֽשֶׁת׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וְלִמְפִיבֹ֥שֶׁתμεμφιβοσθεבֵּן־υἱὸςקָטָ֖ןμικρὸςוּשְׁמ֣וֹαὐτῷמִיכָ֑אμιξαוְכֹל֙πᾶσαבֵּית־οἴκουצִיבָ֔אσιβαעֲבָדִ֖יםδοῦλοιלִמְפִיבֹֽשֶׁת׃μεμφιβοσθε

10 of the 11 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

2 Samuel 9:12מְרִיבand [belongand [belonged] מְרִיבבֵּןa sona sonבֵּןקָטָןyoungyoungקָטָןשֵׁםand name hiand name hisשֵׁםמִיכָא[was] Mica[was] Micaמִיכָאכֹּלand everyand everyכֹּלמוֹשָׁבresident ofresident ofמוֹשָׁבבֵּית[the] house[the] house ofבֵּיתצִיבָאZibaZibaצִיבָאעֶ֫בֶד[were] serv[were] servantsעֶ֫בֶדמְרִיבof Mephibosof Mephiboshethמְרִיבבָּנָהto buildto buildבָּנָהפָּאָהto cleaveto cleaveפָּאָהקוּטto loathto loathקוּטשׂוּםto set: mato set: makeשׂוּםכָּלַלto perfectto perfectכָּלַליָשַׁבto dwellto dwellיָשַׁבעָבַדto serveto serveעָבַדמִיכָהMicaiahMicaiahמִיכָהצוֹבָאZobahZobahצוֹבָאצִיבָאZibaZibaצִיבָאעַמּוֹןAmmonAmmonעַמּוֹןרְאוּבֵןReubenReubenרְאוּבֵןגָּדוֹלGreat (SeaGreat (Sea)גָּדוֹלאָחוֹתsistersisterאָחוֹתקָרָאto call: cto call: call tקָרָאיָדָהto give thto give thanksיָדָהמַתַּנְיָ֫הוּMattaniahMattaniahמַתַּנְיָ֫הוּבֵּןson: childson: childבֵּן
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in 2 Samuel 9:12

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and [belonged] to Mephibosheth a son young and name his [was] Mica and every resident of [the] house of Ziba [were] servants of Mephibosheth
וְלִמְפִיבֹ֥שֶׁתve.lim.fi.Vo.shet and [belonged] to Mephibosheth H4648 Conjunction · preposition · noun proper masculine
18× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
grandson of King Saul, exterminating the idol
Tyndale gloss
Mephibosheth
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מְפִיבֹשֶׁת (Mephibosheth) refers to a name meaning 'dispeller of shame' or 'exterminating the idol.' It denotes two individuals from the tribe of Benjamin, one being the son of Jonathan and the other the grandson of Saul. The name is also associated with the title מְרִיב בַּ֫עַל (Merib-baal), indicating a connection to Baal.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מְרִיב בַּ֫עַל n.pr.m. (Baal is (our, my, his) advocate (?))

son of Jonathan

son of Saul and Riṣpah

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4648 מְרִיב בַּ֫עַל

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4648 Mphiybosheth mef-ee-bo'-sheth

or Mphibosheth {mef-ee-bo'-sheth}; probably from 6284 and

1322; dispeller of shame (i.e. of Baal); Mephibosheth, the

name of two Israelites:--Mephibosheth.

see HEBREW for 06284

see HEBREW for 01322

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מְפִיבֹשֶׁת (me.phi.vo.shet) — Mephibosheth.

A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.4.4;

son of: Jonathan (H3083H);

father of: Micah (H4318H); also called Merib-baal at 1Ch.8.34; 9.40;

§ 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'

מְפִיבֹשֶׁת (me.phi.vo.shet) — Mephibosheth.

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)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | Prep | N-proper — Conjunction · preposition · noun proper masculine
HC/R/Npm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

me-fib'-o-sheth (mephibhosheth, "idol-breaker," also MERIB-BAAL (which see); Memphibosthe):

(1) Son of Saul by his concubine RIZPAH (which see), daughter of Aiah (2Sa 21:8).

See also ARMONI.

(2) Grandson of Saul, son of Jonathan, and nephew of Mephibosheth (1) (2Sa 4:4). He was 5 years old when his father and grandfather were slain. He was living in charge of a nurse, possibly because his mother was dead. Tidings of the disaster at Jezreel and the onsweep of the Philistines terrified the nurse. She fled with her charge in such haste that a fall lamed the little prince in both feet for life. His life is a series of disasters, disappointments, and anxieties. It is a weary, broken, dispirited soul that speaks in all his utterances. The nurse carried him to Lo-debar among the mountains of…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Mephibosheth

Exterminator of shame; i.e., of idols. (1.) The name of Saul’s son by the concubine Rizpah (q.v.), the daughter of Aiah. He and his brother Armoni were with five others “hanged on a hill before the Lord” by the Gibeonites, and their bodies exposed in the sun for five months (2 Sam. 21:8-10). (2.) The son of Jonathan, and grandson of Saul (2 Sam. 4:4). He was but five years old when his father and grandfather fell on Mount Gilboa. The child’s nurse hearing of this calamity, fled with him from Gibeah, the royal residence, and stumbling in her haste, the child was thrown to the ground and maimed in both his feet, and ever after was unable to walk (19:26). He was carried to the land of Gilead, where he found a refuge in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(exterminating the idol), the name borne by two members of the family of Saul --his son and his grandson. Saul’s son by Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, his concubine. (2 Samuel 21:8) He and his brother Armoni were among the seven victims who were surrendered by David to the Gibeonites, and by them crucified to avert a famine from which the country was suffering. The son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul and nephew of the preceding; called also Merib-baal. (1 Chronicles 8:34) His life seems to have been, from beginning to end, one of trial and discomfort. When his father and grandfather were slain on Gilboa he was an infant but five years old. At this age he met with an accident which deprived him for life of the use of both feet. (2 Samuel…

A son of Jonathan, also called Merib-baal, 1Ch 8:34. See ESHBAAL. Mephibosbeth was very young when his father was killed in the battle of Gilboa, 2Sa 4:4, and his nurse was in such consternation at the news, that she let the child fall; and from this accident he was lame all his life. When David found himself in peaceable possession of the kingdom, he sought for all that remained of the house of Saul, that he might show them kindness, in consideration of the friendship between him and Jonathan. He gave Mephibosheth the estate of his grandfather Saul. Of a part of this, however, he was afterwards deprived by the treachery of his steward Zeba, and the hasty injustice, as it appears, of David towards and unfortunate but noble and loyal prince,

and [belonged] to Mephibosheth a son young and name his [was] Mica and every resident of [the] house of Ziba [were] servants of Mephibosheth
בֵּן־ben- a son H1121 Noun common · masculine singular absolute
4,943× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Tyndale gloss
son: child
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

בֵּן (ben) means 'son' or 'male child' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including descendants, young animals, and even figurative uses like sparks or arrows. It can refer to members of a tribe or class and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:26. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to build' and implies a connection to family or lineage.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּן 4870 n.m. son

son, male child, born of a woman

children (male and female)

youth, young men

the young of animals

of plant shoots

fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

member of a guild, order or class

of animals son of (the) herd

ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

n. relat. of age

base

בְּנוֹ 1 Ch 24:26, 27 as n.pr.m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son, cf. VB & Be Öt.

done

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1121a בֵּן son . son, male child, born of a woman

. children (male and female)

. youth, young men

. the young of animals

. of plant shoots

. fig. of lifeless things, sparks, stars, arrows

. . member of a guild, order or class

. of animals son of (the) herd

. ב׳ as n. relat. followed by word of quality, characteristic, etc.

. n. relat. of age

H1121b בְּנוֹ as n. pr. m. in AV, RV, but render: the sons of Jaaziah his son, & the sons of Merari by Jaaziah his son

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1121 ben bane

from 1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the

widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship,

including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition,

etc., (like 1, 251, etc.)):--+ afflicted, age, (Ahoh-)

(Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-)ite, (anoint-)ed one, appointed to,

(+) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-)ian, one born,

bough, branch, breed, + (young) bullock, + (young) calf, X

came up in, child, colt, X common, X corn, daughter, X of

first, + firstborn, foal, + very fruitful, + postage, X in, +

kid, + lamb, (+) man, meet, + mighty, + nephew, old, (+)

people, + rebel, + robber, X servant born, X soldier, son, +

spark, + steward, + stranger, X surely, them of, + tumultuous

one, + valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.

see HEBREW for 01129

see HEBREW for 01

see HEBREW for 0251

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּן (ben) — son: child.

: child/son

בְּנוֹ (be.no) — Beno.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.24.26;

son of: Jaaziah (H3269);

brother of: Shoham (H7719), Zaccur (H2139I) and Ibri (H5681)

§ Beno = "his son"

the sons of Jaaziah and the sons of Merari by Jaahziah (his son)

בֵּן (ben) — son: descendant/people.

: descendant, people, tribe, nation

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : child/son

בֵּן (ben) — son: young animal.

: calf/lamb/young(ANIMAL)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : descendant

בֵּן (ben) — son: type of.

: rebel/son(Belial)

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

§ : people/men/nation/tribe

בֵּן (ben) — son.

: [inheriting]son/heir

A sub-meaning of ben (בֵּן ": child" H1121)

בֵּן (ben) — son: warrior.

: warrior/son(strong)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absolute
HNcmsa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Smith's Bible Dictionary

The term "son" is used in Scripture language to imply almost any kind of descent or succession, as ben shanah , "son of a year," i.e. a year old; ben kesheth , "son of a bow," i.e. an arrow. The word bar is often found in the New Testament in composition, as Bar-timaeus.

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Sometimes denotes a grandson, or any remote descendant, Ge 29:5 2Sa 19:24. At other times a son by adoption is meant, Ge 48:5; or by law, Ru 4:17; or by education, 1Sa 3:6 20:35; or by conversion, as Titus was Paul’s "son father the common faith," Tit 1:4. And again it denotes a mental or moral resemblance, etc., Jud 19:22 Ps 89:6 Isa 57:3 Ac 13:10. In a…

Nave's Topical Bible

→ FIGURATIVE

Of a person' s relation to God Ex 4:22

See ADOPTION

See GOD, FATHERHOOD OF

See JESUS, SON OF GOD

See JESUS, SON OF MAN

and [belonged] to Mephibosheth a son young and name his [was] Mica and every resident of [the] house of Ziba [were] servants of Mephibosheth
קָטָ֖ןka.Tan young H6996 Adj
101× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
small, insignificant
Tyndale gloss
small
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קָטָן (qatan) means small, young, or unimportant. It can refer to size, quantity, or age, and is often used to describe something insignificant. The entries indicate that it is a diminutive form, with variations in spelling. The lexicons highlight its meanings consistently, without significant disagreement.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קָטָן adj. small, young, unimportant

base

קָטֹן 64 adj. small, insignificant

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6996a קָטָן small, young, unimportant H6996b קָטֹן small, insignificant

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6996 qatan kaw-tawn'

or qaton {kaw-tone'}; from 6962; abbreviated, i.e.

diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or

figuratively (in age or importance):--least, less(-er),

little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing),

young(-er, -est).

see HEBREW for 06962

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קָטָן (qa.tan) — small.

young, small, unimportant

Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)

קָטֹן (qa.ton) — small.

: small

small, insignificant

קָטֹן (qa.ton) — small: young.

: young

small, insignificant

A sub-meaning of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Adj — Adj
HAamsa
and [belonged] to Mephibosheth a son young and name his [was] Mica and every resident of [the] house of Ziba [were] servants of Mephibosheth
וּשְׁמ֣וֹu.she.Mo and name his H8034 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
864× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Tyndale gloss
name
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)

of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it

usu. of pers.

= reputation

esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons

name, as designation of God

of false gods, use forbidden

= memorial, monument

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

8034 shem shame

a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea

of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an

appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by

implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,

(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.

see HEBREW for 07760

see HEBREW for 08064

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

שֵׁם (shem) — name.

1) name

1a) name

1b) reputation, fame, glory

1c) the Name (as designation of God)

1d) memorial, monument

Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct · suffix
HC/Ncmsc/Sp3ms
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

hiz: Used often in the King James Version with reference to a neuter or inanimate thing, or to a lower animal (Ge 1:11, "after his kind"; Le 1:16, "pluck away his crop"; Ac 12:10, "of his own accord"; 1Co 15:38, "his own body"), etc. the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes "its."

and [belonged] to Mephibosheth a son young and name his [was] Mica and every resident of [the] house of Ziba [were] servants of Mephibosheth
מִיכָ֑אmi.Kha' [was] Mica H4316 Noun proper masculine
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Mica, meaning who is like God, was the name of two Israelites, including the son of Mephibosheth and a Levite who signed a covenant with Nehemiah. Mica's name reflects a deep spiritual question about God's nature and humanity's relationship with Him.
Amplified meaning
who is like God
Tyndale gloss
Mica
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מִיכָא (Miyka') refers to Mica, a name associated with two Israelites. It is derived from a variation of another name, מִיכָה (Micah), meaning "who is like God." The entries note Mica as a Levite involved in the Exile and Return, and also as the son of Mephibosheth, with mentions in 2 Samuel and Nehemiah.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מִיכָא n.pr.m.

son of Mephibosheth, 2 S 9:12

Ne 10:12.

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4316 מִיכָא

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4316 Miyka' mee-kaw'

a variation for 4318; Mica, the name of two

Israelites:--Micha.

see HEBREW for 04318

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מִיכָא (mi.kah) — Mica.

A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.15;

son of: Zichri (H2147K);

father of: Mattaniah (H4983)

Also named: mi.khah (מִיכָה "Mica" H4318L)

§ Micha = "who is like God"

1) son of Mephibosheth

2) a Levite who signed the covenant with Nehemiah

3) father of Mattaniah, a Gershonite Levite and descendant of Asaph

מִיכָא (mi.kah) — Mica.

A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.10.11

§ Micha = "who is like God"

1) son of Mephibosheth

2) a Levite who signed the covenant with Nehemiah

3) father of Mattaniah, a Gershonite Levite and descendant of Asaph

מִיכָא (mi.kah) — Mica.

A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.11.22;

father of: Mattaniah (H4983O); also called Micaiah (KJV: Michaiah; NIV: Micaiah) at Neh.12.35;

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

mi'-ka (mikha'): A variant of the name Micah, and probably like it a contracted form of MICAIAH (which see). In the King James Version it is sometimes spelled "Micha."

(1) A son of Merib-baal or Mephibosheth (2Sa 9:12, the King James Version "Micha"). In 1Ch 8:34, he is called "Micah."

(2) The son of Zichri (1Ch 9:15). In Ne 11:17 (the King James Version "Micha"), he is designated "the son of Zabdi," and in Ne 12:35, his name appears as "Micaiah (the King James Version "Michaiah"), the son of Zaccur."

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [belonged] to Mephibosheth a son young and name his [was] Mica and every resident of [the] house of Ziba [were] servants of Mephibosheth
וְכֹל֙ve.Khol and every H3605 Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
5,415× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Amplified meaning
every single one
Tyndale gloss
all
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all

with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

Absolutely:

without the art., all things, all

with the art. הַכֹּל

where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every

. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all

. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned

. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3605 kol kole

or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;

hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a

plural sense):--(in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any

(manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as

many as, (no-)thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole,

whoso(-ever).

see HEBREW for 03634

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

כֹּל (kol) — all.

1) all, the whole

1a) all, the whole of

1b) any, each, every, anything

1c) totality, everything

Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular construct
HC/Ncmsc
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [belonged] to Mephibosheth a son young and name his [was] Mica and every resident of [the] house of Ziba [were] servants of Mephibosheth
מוֹשַׁ֣בmo.Shav resident of H4186 Noun common · masculine singular construct
44× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
A seat can refer to a physical place of sitting or a gathering of people, like an assembly. It can also mean a dwelling place or location, and is sometimes used to describe a group of people living together.
Amplified meaning
lived, resided
Tyndale gloss
seat
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מוֹשָׁב (mowshab) refers to a seat or dwelling-place, encompassing meanings such as assembly, location, and the act of dwelling. It can denote both a physical site and an abstract concept of a session or time of dwelling. The word suggests a community of dwellers or those who sit together.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מוֹשָׁב n.m. seat, assembly, dwelling-place, dwelling, dwellers

seat

sitting = those sitting, sitting company or assembly

dwelling-place of people, tribe, etc.

alm. = abstr. dwelling

= house

situation of city; location of image

time of dwelling

coll. = those dwelling

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4186 מוֹשָׁב seat, assembly, dwelling-place, dwelling, dwellers . . seat

. sitting = those sitting, sitting company or assembly

. . dwelling-place of people, tribe, etc.

. alm. = abstr. dwelling

. = house

. situation of city; location of image

. time of dwelling

. coll. = those dwelling

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4186 mowshab mo-shawb'

or moshab {mo-shawb'}; from 3427; a seat; figuratively, a

site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place

or the time); by implication, population:--assembly, dwell

in, dwelling(-place), wherein (that) dwelt (in), inhabited

place, seat, sitting, situation, sojourning.

see HEBREW for 03427

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מוֹשָׁב (mo.shav) — seat.

1) seat, assembly, dwelling-place, dwelling, dwellers

1a) seat, sitting, those sitting, sitting company or assembly

1b) dwelling place, dwelling

1c) situation, location

1d) time of dwelling

1e) those dwelling, dweller

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and [belonged] to Mephibosheth a son young and name his [was] Mica and every resident of [the] house of Ziba [were] servants of Mephibosheth
בֵּית־beit- [the] house of H1004 Noun common · masculine singular construct
2,049× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Amplified meaning
family, household
Tyndale gloss
place
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word בַּיִת (*bayith*) means 'house' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including dwelling, family, and place. It can refer to physical structures, such as homes and temples, as well as metaphorical uses like the body or household affairs. The word is built from the root related to 'between' and appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between

base

בַּ֫יִת 2034 n.m. house

house

place

receptacle

of house as containing a family

household, family (592 t.)

house, including household affairs

lit. housewards, hence metaph. inwards

מִבַּיִת

adv. on the inside

prep. within

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H1004a בֵּית fem. of בַּיִן, בֵּין prep. between H1004b בַּ֫יִת house

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

1004 bayith bah'-yith

probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest

variation of applications, especially family, etc.):--court,

daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, X great as

would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold),

inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet,

temple, web, + within(-out).

see HEBREW for 01129

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

בֵּית (bet) — place.

nm

place, origin, between

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — house: home.

: home/temple/building

nm

1) house

1a) house, dwelling habitation

1b) shelter or abode of animals

1c) human bodies (fig.)

1d) of Sheol

1e) of abode of light and darkness

1f) of land of Ephraim

2) place

3) receptacle

4) home, house as containing a family

5) household, family

5a) those belonging to the same household

5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body

6) household affairs

7) inwards (metaph.)

8) (TWOT) temple

adv

9) on the inside

prep

10) within

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(ashbea).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with ash.be.a (אַשְׁבֵּעַ "Ashbea" H0791)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth (Haggan).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Combined with hag (גַּן "Haggan" H1588)

בַּ֫יִת (ba.yit) — Beth-(togarmah).

nm

This name is used for a house, habitation

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular construct
HNcmsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and [belonged] to Mephibosheth a son young and name his [was] Mica and every resident of [the] house of Ziba [were] servants of Mephibosheth
צִיבָ֔אtzi.Va' Ziba H6717 Noun proper masculine
16× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
statue, servant of Saul
Tyndale gloss
Ziba
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

צִיבָא (Tsiyba') refers to Ziba, a servant of Saul's household mentioned in 2 Samuel 9:2. The name is linked to the concept of a 'station' or 'statue.' The entries consistently identify Ziba as an Israelite associated with the United Monarchy.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

צִיבָא and צִבָא 16 n.pr.m. servant of Saul’s house

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6717 צִיבָא, צִבָא

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6717 Tsiyba' tsee-baw'

from the same as 6678; station; Tsiba, an Israelite:--Ziba.

see HEBREW for 06678

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

צִיבָא (tsi.va) — Ziba.

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

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

zi'-ba (tsibha', tsibha' (2Sa 16:4 a), meaning unknown; Seiba): A former servant or probably dependent of Saul's house (2Sa 9:1), who was brought to David when the king inquired if there was not a member of Saul's family that he could show kindness to (compare David's oath to Jonathan in 1Sa 20:14 ff). Ziba tells David of Mephibosheth (Meribbaal), Jonathan's son, who is thereupon taken to the king from Lodebar, East of the Jordan, and given Saul's estate. Ziba is also bidden to till the land and bring in its produce, and "it shall be food for thy master's son," according to Massoretic Text in 2Sa 9:10 b; but the Septuagint and Lucian have a better reading, "thy master's…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Ziba

Post; statue, “a servant of the house of Saul” (2 Sam. 9:2), who informed David that Mephibosheth, a son of Jonathan, was alive. He afterwards dealt treacherously toward Mephibosheth, whom he slanderously misrepresented to David.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(statue), a servant of Saul whom David made steward of Saul’s son Mephibosheth. (2 Samuel 9:2-18; 16:1-4; 19:17,29) [MEPHIBOSHETH] (B.C. 1023.)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A rich steward of Saul, whom David charged with similar duties towards Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan, 2Sa 9:2-10. By a false representation David was induced to transfer to Ziba the lands he had given to Mephibosheth, but afterwards divided them between the two, being convinced that he had acted hastily, and unable to decide with certainty for either, 2Sa 16:1-4; 19:24-30.

and [belonged] to Mephibosheth a son young and name his [was] Mica and every resident of [the] house of Ziba [were] servants of Mephibosheth
עֲבָדִ֖ים'a.va.Dim [were] servants H5650 Noun common · masculine plural absolute
801× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
slaves, bondservants
Tyndale gloss
servant/slave
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עֶ֫בֶד (*ebed*) means 'slave' or 'servant' and encompasses various roles, including household servants, subjects, and worshippers of God. It can also refer to Israel as a collective servant of God and is used in polite address among equals. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to work' or 'to serve'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֶ֫בֶד 799 n.m. slave, servant

slave, servant of household

Subjects, of chief

Servants, worshippers of God

Servant of י׳, in a special sense

Israel as a people is servant of י׳

In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I

Phrases

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5650 עֶ֫בֶד slave, servant . slave, servant of household

. Subjects, of chief

. Servants, worshippers of God

. Servant of י׳, in a special sense

. Israel as a people is servant of י׳

. In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 pers. sing., I

. Phrases

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5650 `ebed eh'-bed

from 5647; a servant:--X bondage, bondman, (bond-)servant,

(man-)servant.

see HEBREW for 05647

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֶ֫בֶד (e.ved) — servant/slave.

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)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absolute
HNcmpa
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
Torrey's New Topical Textbook

- Early mention of

Ge 9:25,26

- DIVIDED INTO

. Male

Ge 24:34; 32:5

. Female

Ge 16:6; 32:5

. Bond

Ge 43:18; Le 25:46

. Hired

Mr 1:20; Lu 15:17

- Persons devoted to the service of another so called

Ps 119:49; Isa 56:6

- The subjects of a prince or king so called

Ex 9:20; 11:8

- Persons of low condition so called

and [belonged] to Mephibosheth a son young and name his [was] Mica and every resident of [the] house of Ziba [were] servants of Mephibosheth
לִמְפִיבֹֽשֶׁת׃lim.fi.Vo.shet of Mephibosheth H4648 Preposition · noun proper masculine
18× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
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.
Amplified meaning
a man of God
Tyndale gloss
Mephibosheth
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

מְפִיבֹשֶׁת (Mephibosheth) refers to a name meaning 'dispeller of shame' or 'exterminating the idol.' It denotes two individuals from the tribe of Benjamin, one being the son of Jonathan and the other the grandson of Saul. The name is also associated with the title מְרִיב בַּ֫עַל (Merib-baal), indicating a connection to Baal.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

מְרִיב בַּ֫עַל n.pr.m. (Baal is (our, my, his) advocate (?))

son of Jonathan

son of Saul and Riṣpah

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H4648 מְרִיב בַּ֫עַל

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

4648 Mphiybosheth mef-ee-bo'-sheth

or Mphibosheth {mef-ee-bo'-sheth}; probably from 6284 and

1322; dispeller of shame (i.e. of Baal); Mephibosheth, the

name of two Israelites:--Mephibosheth.

see HEBREW for 06284

see HEBREW for 01322

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

מְפִיבֹשֶׁת (me.phi.vo.shet) — Mephibosheth.

A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.4.4;

son of: Jonathan (H3083H);

father of: Micah (H4318H); also called Merib-baal at 1Ch.8.34; 9.40;

§ 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'

מְפִיבֹשֶׁת (me.phi.vo.shet) — Mephibosheth.

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)

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper masculine
HR/Npm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

me-fib'-o-sheth (mephibhosheth, "idol-breaker," also MERIB-BAAL (which see); Memphibosthe):

(1) Son of Saul by his concubine RIZPAH (which see), daughter of Aiah (2Sa 21:8).

See also ARMONI.

(2) Grandson of Saul, son of Jonathan, and nephew of Mephibosheth (1) (2Sa 4:4). He was 5 years old when his father and grandfather were slain. He was living in charge of a nurse, possibly because his mother was dead. Tidings of the disaster at Jezreel and the onsweep of the Philistines terrified the nurse. She fled with her charge in such haste that a fall lamed the little prince in both feet for life. His life is a series of disasters, disappointments, and anxieties. It is a weary, broken, dispirited soul that speaks in all his utterances. The nurse carried him to Lo-debar among the mountains of…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Mephibosheth

Exterminator of shame; i.e., of idols. (1.) The name of Saul’s son by the concubine Rizpah (q.v.), the daughter of Aiah. He and his brother Armoni were with five others “hanged on a hill before the Lord” by the Gibeonites, and their bodies exposed in the sun for five months (2 Sam. 21:8-10). (2.) The son of Jonathan, and grandson of Saul (2 Sam. 4:4). He was but five years old when his father and grandfather fell on Mount Gilboa. The child’s nurse hearing of this calamity, fled with him from Gibeah, the royal residence, and stumbling in her haste, the child was thrown to the ground and maimed in both his feet, and ever after was unable to walk (19:26). He was carried to the land of Gilead, where he found a refuge in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(exterminating the idol), the name borne by two members of the family of Saul --his son and his grandson. Saul’s son by Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, his concubine. (2 Samuel 21:8) He and his brother Armoni were among the seven victims who were surrendered by David to the Gibeonites, and by them crucified to avert a famine from which the country was suffering. The son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul and nephew of the preceding; called also Merib-baal. (1 Chronicles 8:34) His life seems to have been, from beginning to end, one of trial and discomfort. When his father and grandfather were slain on Gilboa he was an infant but five years old. At this age he met with an accident which deprived him for life of the use of both feet. (2 Samuel…

A son of Jonathan, also called Merib-baal, 1Ch 8:34. See ESHBAAL. Mephibosbeth was very young when his father was killed in the battle of Gilboa, 2Sa 4:4, and his nurse was in such consternation at the news, that she let the child fall; and from this accident he was lame all his life. When David found himself in peaceable possession of the kingdom, he sought for all that remained of the house of Saul, that he might show them kindness, in consideration of the friendship between him and Jonathan. He gave Mephibosheth the estate of his grandfather Saul. Of a part of this, however, he was afterwards deprived by the treachery of his steward Zeba, and the hasty injustice, as it appears, of David towards and unfortunate but noble and loyal prince,

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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