Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The king asked, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.” New Living Translation The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.” Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.” English Standard Version And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” Berean Standard Bible So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” Berean Literal Bible And the king said, “Is not still a man to the house of Saul, that I may show to him the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “Of Jonathan there is still a son, lame in his feet.” King James Bible And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. New King James Version Then the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.” New American Standard Bible Then the king said, “Is there no one remaining of the house of Saul to whom I could show the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan, one who is disabled in both feet.” NASB 1995 The king said, “Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is crippled in both feet.” NASB 1977 And the king said, “Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is crippled in both feet.” Legacy Standard Bible And the king said, “Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the lovingkindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is crippled in both feet.” Amplified Bible And the king said, “Is there no longer anyone left of the house (family) of Saul to whom I may show the goodness and graciousness of God?” Ziba replied to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan, [one] whose feet are crippled.” Berean Annotated Bible So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul (desired) to whom I can show the kindness of God {Elohim}? Ziba (statue) answered, “There is still Jonathan’s (YHWH has given) son, who is lame in both feet. Christian Standard Bible So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family that I can show the kindness of God to? ” Ziba said to the king, “There is still Jonathan’s son who was injured in both feet.” Holman Christian Standard Bible So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family that I can show the kindness of God to?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still Jonathan’s son who was injured in both feet.” American Standard Version And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, who is lame of his feet. Contemporary English Version David asked, "Are any of Saul's family still alive? If there are, I want to be kind to them." Ziba answered, "One of Jonathan's sons is still alive, but he can't walk." English Revised Version And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. GOD'S WORD® Translation David asked, "Is there someone left in Saul's family to whom I can show God's kindness?" "Jonathan has a son who is disabled," Ziba answered. Good News Translation The king asked him, "Is there anyone left of Saul's family to whom I can show loyalty and kindness, as I promised God I would?" Ziba answered, "There is still one of Jonathan's sons. He is crippled." International Standard Version At this the king asked, "Isn't there still someone left from Saul's household to whom I may show God's gracious love?" "There's Jonathan's son. He has maimed feet, " Ziba answered. NET Bible The king asked, "Is there not someone left from Saul's family, that I may extend God's kindness to him?" Ziba said to the king, "One of Jonathan's sons is left; both of his feet are crippled." New Heart English Bible The king said, "Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?" Ziba said to the king, "Jonathan has yet a son, who is lame of his feet." Webster's Bible Translation And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him? and Ziba said to the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, who is lame in his feet. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” World English Bible The king said, “Is there not yet any of Saul’s house, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “Jonathan still has a son, who is lame in his feet.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king says, “Is there not yet a man of the house of Saul, and I do with him the kindness of God?” And Ziba says to the king, “Jonathan has yet a son—lame.” Berean Literal Bible And the king said, “Is not still a man to the house of Saul, that I may show to him the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “Of Jonathan there is still a son, lame in his feet.” Young's Literal Translation And the king saith, 'Is there not yet a man to the house of Saul, and I do with him the kindness of God?' And Ziba saith unto the king, 'Jonathan hath yet a son -- lame.' Smith's Literal Translation And the king will say, Is there not yet a man to the house of Saul? and I will do with him the mercy of God. And Ziba will say to the king, Yet a son to Jonathan, smitten of the feet. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king said: Is there any one left of the house of Saul, that I may shew the mercy of God unto him? And Siba said to the king: There is a son of Jonathan left, who is lame of his feet. Catholic Public Domain Version And the king said, “Could there be anyone alive from the house of Saul, so that I may show the mercy of God to him?” And Ziba said to the king, “There is left alive a son of Jonathan, with disabled feet.” New American Bible Then the king asked, “Is there any survivor of Saul’s house to whom I may show God’s kindness?” Ziba answered the king, “There is still Jonathan’s son, the one whose feet are crippled.” New Revised Standard Version The king said, “Is there anyone remaining of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” Ziba said to the king, “There remains a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the king said to him, Is there any one still left of the house of Saul, that I may show kindness to him for the sake of God? And Ziba said to the king, There is yet a son left to Jonathan, who is lame in his feet. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King said to him: “Is there yet a man from the household of Shaul? I shall do kindness for him for the sake of God.” And Tsiba said to the King: “A son is raised up to Jonathan, and his feet are maimed” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king said: 'Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him?' And Ziba said unto the king: 'Jonathan hath yet a son, who is lame on his feet.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king said, Is there yet a man left of the house of Saul, that I may act towards him with the mercy of God? and Siba said to the king, There is yet a son of Jonathan, lame of his feet. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David and Mephibosheth…2And there was a servant of Saul’s family named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied. 3So 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.” 4“Where is he?” replied the king. And Ziba said, “Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.”… Cross References So the king asked, 2 Samuel 21:1-2 During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.” / At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.) 2 Samuel 2:5-6 So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. / Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this. 1 Samuel 24:21-22 So now, swear to me by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants or wipe out my name from my father’s house.” / So David gave his oath to Saul. Then Saul returned home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul 1 Samuel 20:14-17 And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, / and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” / So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” … 2 Samuel 3:1 Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. 2 Samuel 21:7 Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. to whom I can show the kindness of God?” 2 Samuel 7:15-16 But My loving devotion will never be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. / Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever.” Romans 2:4 Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? Titus 3:4-5 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, / He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Ziba answered, 2 Samuel 16:1-4 When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. / “Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.” / “Where is your master’s grandson?” asked the king. And Ziba answered, “Indeed, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he has said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.’” … 2 Samuel 19:24-30 Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. / And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?” / “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, … “There is still Jonathan’s son, 2 Samuel 4:4 And Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the report about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she was hurrying to escape, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. 1 Chronicles 8:34-35 The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, and Merib-baal was the father of Micah. / The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. 1 Chronicles 9:39-40 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. / The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, who was the father of Micah. who is lame in both feet.” 2 Samuel 19:26 “My lord the king,” he replied, “because I am lame, I said, ‘I will have my donkey saddled so that I may ride on it and go with the king.’ But my servant Ziba deceived me, Isaiah 35:6 Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. Treasury of Scripture And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him? And Ziba said to the king, Jonathan has yet a son, which is lame on his feet. the kindness of God. Deuteronomy 4:37 And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt; Deuteronomy 10:15 Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day. 1 Samuel 20:14-17 And thou shalt not only while yet I live shew me the kindness of the LORD, that I die not: … yet a son 2 Samuel 4:4 And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. 2 Samuel 19:26 And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame. Jump to Previous Crippled Damaged Feet Friend God's House Jonathan Kindness Lame Saul Saul's Shew Show ZibaJump to Next Crippled Damaged Feet Friend God's House Jonathan Kindness Lame Saul Saul's Shew Show Ziba2 Samuel 9 1. David by Ziba sends for Mephibosheth7. For Jonathan's sake he restores to him all that was Saul's 9. He makes Ziba his farmer So the king asked, This phrase refers to King David, who is now firmly established as the ruler of Israel. His inquiry reflects his desire to fulfill a covenant promise he made to Jonathan, Saul's son, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:14-17. David's kingship is characterized by justice and kindness, aligning with the biblical ideal of a godly ruler. “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe second king of Israel, known for his heart after God and his desire to show kindness to the house of Saul, despite Saul's previous attempts to kill him. 2. Ziba A servant of Saul's household who informs David about the existence of Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth. 3. Jonathan The son of King Saul and a close friend of David, who had made a covenant with David to show kindness to each other's families. 4. Mephibosheth The son of Jonathan, described as "lame in both feet," representing vulnerability and need. 5. House of Saul The former royal family of Israel, now largely fallen from power, with remaining members living in obscurity or fear. Teaching Points Covenant FaithfulnessDavid's inquiry about Saul's descendants demonstrates his commitment to the covenant he made with Jonathan. This teaches us the importance of honoring our promises and commitments, even when it is not convenient. God’s Kindness David's desire to show "God’s kindness" reflects the biblical principle of hesed, or steadfast love. As believers, we are called to reflect God's kindness in our interactions with others, especially those who may not expect it. Compassion for the Vulnerable Mephibosheth's physical condition highlights the need for compassion towards those who are vulnerable or marginalized. We are reminded to extend grace and support to those in need. Reconciliation and Forgiveness David's actions towards the house of Saul illustrate the power of reconciliation and forgiveness. Despite Saul's enmity, David chooses to act with grace, setting an example for us to follow in our relationships. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 9:3?2. How does 2 Samuel 9:3 demonstrate God's kindness through David's actions? 3. What does "show him the kindness of God" teach about our relationships? 4. How can we apply David's example of kindness in our daily lives? 5. What other biblical examples show God's kindness through human actions? 6. How does David's inquiry reflect a heart aligned with God's will? 7. Why does David show kindness to Jonathan's son in 2 Samuel 9:3? 8. How does 2 Samuel 9:3 reflect God's covenantal faithfulness? 9. What is the significance of David's promise in 2 Samuel 9:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 9? 11. In 2 Samuel 9:3, how do we reconcile David’s swift willingness to help Saul’s descendant with the longstanding hostilities described elsewhere in 1 and 2 Samuel? 12. Given Mephibosheth’s disability (2 Samuel 9:3, 13), why is no mention made of his care or limitations in other related narratives, suggesting possible inconsistencies in the text? 13. Is there archaeological evidence to support the mention of the 'tower of David' and its 'thousand shields' in Song of Solomon 4:4? 14. Does the sudden bestowal of Saul's property to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7-10 conflict with earlier accounts suggesting David had already taken Saul's possessions? What Does 2 Samuel 9:3 Mean So the king askedDavid is personally involved, not delegating. Earlier, “David asked, ‘Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” (2 Samuel 9:1). His repeated question signals: • a heart that pursues covenant faithfulness, echoing Joshua 9:19; Psalm 15:4. • the initiative of a king who images God’s own seeking nature (Luke 19:10). Is there anyone left of the house of Saul The phrase recalls the once-dominant dynasty now nearly wiped out (1 Samuel 31:1-6). Despite years of conflict, David refuses vengeance (2 Samuel 3:1; 1 Peter 3:9). Instead he looks for survivors—showing that past enmity does not cancel present grace, just as God still remembered Noah (Genesis 8:1) and Israel in Egypt (Exodus 2:24). to whom I can show the kindness of God? “Kindness” is covenant loyalty. David’s motive is not political but spiritual: he wants to display “the kindness of God,” not merely human goodwill (Psalm 36:7; Ephesians 2:7). The line reaches back to Jonathan’s plea: “show me the LORD’s kindness” (1 Samuel 20:14-17). David’s promise now turns into concrete action, illustrating Proverbs 3:3: “Never let loving devotion leave you.” Ziba answered Ziba, Saul’s former servant (2 Samuel 9:2), stands as the informant. Though later his motives prove questionable (2 Samuel 16:3), here God uses him to connect David with Jonathan’s descendant, showing that the Lord can work through imperfect people (Genesis 50:20; Philippians 1:18). There is still Jonathan’s son Jonathan’s line survives through Mephibosheth (also called Merib-baal, 1 Chronicles 9:40). David’s friendship covenant with Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:3; 20:42) now extends to the next generation, picturing how God’s promises flow “to a thousand generations” (Exodus 34:7). who is lame in both feet Mephibosheth had been crippled since age five when his nurse fled after Saul’s death (2 Samuel 4:4). Mentioning his disability highlights: • his inability to earn favor or pose a threat—grace is unmerited (Romans 4:4-5). • David’s compassion for the marginalized (Leviticus 19:14; Luke 14:13-14). • a foreshadowing of Christ’s invitation to the spiritually helpless (Matthew 11:28). summary 2 Samuel 9:3 showcases a godly king searching out a forgotten, powerless descendant of a former enemy, determined to keep covenant and display divine kindness. David’s pursuit of Mephibosheth mirrors God’s pursuit of sinners: grace initiated, covenant-based, and extended to the undeserving. Verse 3. - The kindness of God. That is, extraordinary kindness. The devout mind of the Orientals saw in everything that was more than common a manifestation of God, and thus the epithet "of God" came to be applied to anything that was very great (comp. Genesis 30:8, margin; Genesis 35:5; Psalm 65:9; Jonah 3:3, margin). David would show Saul's seed kindness as wonderful as are God's dealings with man.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So the kingהַמֶּ֗לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king asked, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Is there anyone אִישׁ֙ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person left of Saul’s שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites family לְבֵ֣ית (lə·ḇêṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house to whom עִמּ֖וֹ (‘im·mōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 5973: With, equally with I can show וְאֶעֱשֶׂ֥ה (wə·’e·‘ĕ·śeh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 6213: To do, make the kindness חֶ֣סֶד (ḥe·seḏ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty of God?” אֱלֹהִ֑ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Ziba צִיבָא֙ (ṣî·ḇā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6717: Ziba -- a servant in Saul's house answered, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “There is ע֛וֹד (‘ō·wḏ) Adverb Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more still ע֥וֹד (‘ō·wḏ) Adverb Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more Jonathan’s לִיהוֹנָתָ֖ן (lî·hō·w·nā·ṯān) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites son, בֵּ֥ן (bên) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son [who is] lame נְכֵ֥ה (nə·ḵêh) Adjective - masculine singular construct Strong's 5223: Smitten, stricken in both feet.” רַגְלָֽיִם׃ (raḡ·lā·yim) Noun - fd Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda Links 2 Samuel 9:3 NIV2 Samuel 9:3 NLT 2 Samuel 9:3 ESV 2 Samuel 9:3 NASB 2 Samuel 9:3 KJV 2 Samuel 9:3 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 9:3 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 9:3 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 9:3 French Bible 2 Samuel 9:3 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 9:3 The king said Is there not yet (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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