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2 Samuel 16:1

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2 Samuel 16:1 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

American Standard Version ASV

And when David was a little past the top of the ascent, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and a hundred clusters of raisins, and a hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when David had gone a little way past the top of the slope, Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, came to him, with two asses on which were two hundred cakes of bread and a hundred stems of dry grapes and a hundred summer fruits and a skin of wine.

Free Bible Version FBV

After David had gone a little way past the top of the mountain, there was Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, waiting to meet him. He had two donkeys already saddled with him carrying two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred raisin cakes, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

When Dauid was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the seruant of Mephibosheth mette him with a couple of asses sadled, and vpon them two hundreth cakes of bread, and an hundreth bunches of raisins, and an hundreth of dryed figges, and a bottel of wine.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And David hath passed on a little from the top, and lo, Ziba, servant of Mephibosheth — to meet him, and a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves, and a hundred bunches of raisins, and a hundred [of] summer-fruit, and a bottle of wine.

World English Bible WEB

When David was a little past the top, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him with a couple of donkeys saddled, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, and one hundred clusters of raisins, and one hundred summer fruits, and a container of wine.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when David was a little past the top of the hill , behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and a hundred bunches of raisins, and a hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold Siba the servant of Miphiboseth came to meet him with two asses, laden with two hundred loaves of bread, and a hundred bunches of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs, and a vessel of wine.

Translation for Translators T4T

When David and the others had gone a little way past the top of the hill, Mephibosheth’s servant Ziba met him. He had with him two donkeys that were carrying 200 loaves of bread, 100 bunches/clusters of raisins, 100 bunches of fresh fruit, and a leather bag full of wine.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 16:1

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 16:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/דָוִ֗ד עָבַ֤ר מְעַט֙ מֵֽ/הָ/רֹ֔אשׁ וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה צִיבָ֛א נַ֥עַר מְפִי בֹ֖שֶׁת לִ/קְרָאת֑/וֹ וְ/צֶ֨מֶד חֲמֹרִ֜ים חֲבֻשִׁ֗ים וַ/עֲלֵי/הֶם֩ מָאתַ֨יִם לֶ֜חֶם וּ/מֵאָ֧ה צִמּוּקִ֛ים וּ/מֵ֥אָה קַ֖יִץ וְ/נֵ֥בֶל יָֽיִן
וְ/דָוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 David Conj | N-proper
עָבַ֤ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מְעַט֙ mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little N-ms
מֵֽ/הָ/רֹ֔אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | Art | N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 behold Conj | Part
צִיבָ֛א Tsîybâʼ H6717 Ziba N-proper
נַ֥עַר naʻar H5288 youth N-ms
מְפִי Mᵉphîybôsheth H4648 Mephibosheth N-proper
בֹ֖שֶׁת Mᵉphîybôsheth H4648 Mephibosheth N-proper
לִ/קְרָאת֑/וֹ qârâʼ H7122 to encounter Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וְ/צֶ֨מֶד tsemed H6776 pair Conj | N-ms
חֲמֹרִ֜ים chămôwr H2543 donkey N-cp
חֲבֻשִׁ֗ים châbash H2280 to saddle/tie V-Qal-Inf-c
וַ/עֲלֵי/הֶם֩ ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep | Suff
מָאתַ֨יִם mêʼâh H3967 hundred Adj
לֶ֜חֶם lechem H3899 food N-cs
וּ/מֵאָ֧ה mêʼâh H3967 hundred Conj | Adj
צִמּוּקִ֛ים tsammûwq H6778 cluster N-mp
וּ/מֵ֥אָה mêʼâh H3967 hundred Conj | Adj
קַ֖יִץ qayits H7019 summer N-ms
וְ/נֵ֥בֶל nebel H5035 bag Conj | N-ms
יָֽיִן yayin H3196 wine N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 16:1

וְ/דָוִ֗ד Dâvid H1732 "David" Conj | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
עָבַ֤ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
מְעַט֙ mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
מֵֽ/הָ/רֹ֔אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
צִיבָ֛א Tsîybâʼ H6717 "Ziba" N-proper
Ziba was an Israelite servant of Saul who helped David care for Jonathan's son Mephibosheth. His name means 'statue' and he is mentioned in 2 Samuel 9:2. Ziba was a loyal steward.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.9.2 § Ziba = "statue" a servant of Saul whom David made steward of Jonathan's son Mephibosheth
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Ziba. See also: 2 Samuel 9:2; 2 Samuel 9:12; 2 Samuel 19:30.
נַ֥עַר naʻar H5288 "youth" N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
מְפִי Mᵉphîybôsheth H4648 "Mephibosheth" N-proper
Mephibosheth was a man in the Bible, grandson of King Saul and son of Rizpah. His name means exterminating the idol, and he is mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:8.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Sa.21.8; son of: Saul (H7586G) and Rizpah (H7532); brother of: Armoni (H0764); half-brother of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324) and Ish-bosheth (H0378) § Mephibosheth = "exterminating the idol" 1) grandson of Saul and son of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, Saul's concubine; he and his brother Armoni were among the 7 victims surrendered by David to the Gibeonites to avert a famine 2) son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul 2a) also 'Merib-baal'
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Mephibosheth. See also: 2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 16:1; 2 Samuel 21:8.
בֹ֖שֶׁת Mᵉphîybôsheth H4648 "Mephibosheth" N-proper
Mephibosheth was a man in the Bible, grandson of King Saul and son of Rizpah. His name means exterminating the idol, and he is mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:8.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Sa.21.8; son of: Saul (H7586G) and Rizpah (H7532); brother of: Armoni (H0764); half-brother of: Jonathan (H3083H), Abinadab (H0041H), Malchi-shua (H4444), Merab (H4764), Michal (H4324) and Ish-bosheth (H0378) § Mephibosheth = "exterminating the idol" 1) grandson of Saul and son of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, Saul's concubine; he and his brother Armoni were among the 7 victims surrendered by David to the Gibeonites to avert a famine 2) son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul 2a) also 'Merib-baal'
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Mephibosheth. See also: 2 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 16:1; 2 Samuel 21:8.
לִ/קְרָאת֑/וֹ qârâʼ H7122 "to encounter" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This word means to encounter or meet someone, either by chance or on purpose. It can describe a friendly meeting or a hostile one. In Exodus, the Israelites encountered God on Mount Sinai.
Definition: : meet 1) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to meet, meet unexpectedly 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: befall, (by) chance, (cause to) come (upon), fall out, happen, meet. See also: Genesis 42:4; 1 Samuel 17:48; Isaiah 51:19.
וְ/צֶ֨מֶד tsemed H6776 "pair" Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a pair or team, often of animals, and can also mean an acre of land that a yoke of cattle can plow in a day. It's used to describe a unit or a set of two things working together.
Definition: 1) couple, pair, team, yoke 1a) couple, pair, span (usually of animals) 1b) acre 1b1) the amount of land a span of oxen could plow in one day
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: acre, couple, [idiom] together, two (donkeys), yoke (of oxen). See also: Judges 19:3; 2 Kings 5:17; Isaiah 5:10.
חֲמֹרִ֜ים chămôwr H2543 "donkey" N-cp
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
חֲבֻשִׁ֗ים châbash H2280 "to saddle/tie" V-Qal-Inf-c
This verb means to tie or bind something firmly, like a turban or a saddle. It is also used figuratively to mean stopping or ruling something. In 1 Kings 20:12, it describes the binding of a wound.
Definition: 1) to tie, bind, bind on, bind up, saddle, restrain, bandage, govern 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bind, bind on 1a2) to bind up 1b) (Piel) to bind, restrain 1c) (Pual) to be bound up
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: bind (up), gird about, govern, healer, put, saddle, wrap about. See also: Genesis 22:3; Job 34:17; Psalms 147:3.
וַ/עֲלֵי/הֶם֩ ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מָאתַ֨יִם mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
לֶ֜חֶם lechem H3899 "food" N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וּ/מֵאָ֧ה mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Conj | Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
צִמּוּקִ֛ים tsammûwq H6778 "cluster" N-mp
This Hebrew word describes a cluster or bunch of dried grapes, often translated as a bunch of raisins. It's a specific type of food made from grapes.
Definition: bunch of raisins, raisin-bunch
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bunch (cluster) of raisins. See also: 1 Samuel 25:18; 2 Samuel 16:1; 1 Chronicles 12:41.
וּ/מֵ֥אָה mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Conj | Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
קַ֖יִץ qayits H7019 "summer" N-ms
The Hebrew word for summer refers to the harvest season or the fruit of that season, and is also used to describe the dry summer months, as seen in its Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) summer, summer-fruit 1a) summer 1b) summer-fruit Aramaic equivalent: qa.yit (קַ֫יִט "summer" H7007)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: summer (fruit, house). See also: Genesis 8:22; Isaiah 28:4; Psalms 32:4.
וְ/נֵ֥בֶל nebel H5035 "bag" Conj | N-ms
A harp is a musical instrument, and this word is also used to describe a skin-bag for liquids or a vase. It is often translated as a psaltery or viol in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a skin-bag, jar, pitcher 1a) skin-bottle, skin 1b) jar, pitcher (earthen)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol. See also: 1 Samuel 1:24; Nehemiah 12:27; Psalms 33:2.
יָֽיִן yayin H3196 "wine" N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 16:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 25:18 Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys
2 2 Samuel 15:32 When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.
3 2 Samuel 9:2–13 And 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. So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.” “Where is he?” replied the king. And Ziba said, “Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.” So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar. And 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. “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.” Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?” Then 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. You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. And Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do all that my lord the king has commanded.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s own sons. And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth. So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet.
4 1 Samuel 16:20 And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat, and sent them to Saul with his son David.
5 1 Samuel 10:3 Then you will go on from there until you come to the Oak of Tabor. Three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three young goats, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine.
6 Jeremiah 40:10 As for me, I will stay in Mizpah to represent you before the Chaldeans who come to us. As for you, gather wine grapes, summer fruit, and oil, place them in your storage jars, and live in the cities you have taken.”
7 Proverbs 29:4–5 By justice a king brings stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it. A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
8 1 Chronicles 12:40 And their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food on donkeys, camels, mules, and oxen—abundant supplies of flour, fig cakes and raisin cakes, wine and oil, oxen and sheep. Indeed, there was joy in Israel.
9 Amos 8:1 This is what the Lord GOD showed me: I saw a basket of summer fruit.
10 2 Samuel 15:30 But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.

2 Samuel 16:1 Summary

In this verse, we see Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, meeting David with a generous supply of food and drink, which would have been a great comfort to David during a difficult time. This act of kindness and hospitality reminds us of God's heart of provision and care for His people, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Matthew 6:25-34. We can learn from Ziba's example to show kindness and hospitality to those around us, and to trust in God's provision for our lives, just like David did during his time of need. By doing so, we can experience the peace and comfort that comes from knowing that God is our provider and caregiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Ziba and why was he meeting David?

Ziba was the servant of Mephibosheth, the grandson of King Saul, and he was meeting David to provide him with supplies, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:1, likely as an act of loyalty and kindness, reminiscent of the hospitality shown to guests in Biblical times, such as in Genesis 18:1-8.

What were the supplies that Ziba brought to David?

According to 2 Samuel 16:1, Ziba brought 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, which would have been a generous provision for David and his household, similar to the provisions given to the Israelites in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 16:4-36.

What can we learn from Ziba's actions in this verse?

We can learn about the importance of hospitality, kindness, and provision for those in need, as demonstrated by Ziba's actions, which reflect the heart of God, who provides for His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-4 and Matthew 6:25-34.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of David's life?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of David's flight from Absalom, and it highlights the loyalty and kindness of some individuals, like Ziba, during a time of great turmoil and uncertainty in David's life, as described in 2 Samuel 15:13-37.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can show hospitality and kindness to those around me, just like Ziba showed to David?
  2. How can I trust in God's provision for my life, just like the Israelites trusted in His provision in the wilderness?
  3. What are some times in my life when I have experienced God's provision and care, and how can I give thanks for those times?
  4. How can I balance the desire to provide for myself and my loved ones with the need to trust in God's provision and care?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 16:1

And when David was a little past the top [of the hill],.... Of the mount of Olives, the ascent of which he is said to go up by, and to come to the top of it, 2 Samuel 15:30; behold, Ziba, the servant

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 16:1

And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:1

2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 16 Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtaineth of David his master’ s inheritance, . Shimei revileth and curseth David, who restraineth Abishai from revenging it, . Absalom cometh with Ahithophel to Jerusalem; lieth with his father’ s concubines in the sight of all Israel, according to the counsel of Ahithophel, who was esteemed as an oracle, 15— 23. Ziba; a crafty man, who, being persuaded that God would in due time appear for the righteous cause of so good a king, and scatter the cloud which was now upon him, takes this occasion to make way for his future advancement. A bottle; a large bottle or vessel proportionable to the other provisions.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:1

2 Samuel 16:1 And when David was a little past the top [of the hill], behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred [loaves] of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.Ver. 1. Met him with a couple of asses saddled.] His master Mephibosheth could not get him to saddle one ass for him to go along with David, for he had a design by false accusation, to wrest his land from him, as also he did; furnishing, meanwhile, this rich present out of Mephibosheth’ s means; which it is likely he made bold with for his own advantage.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:1

XVI.(1) Ziba . . . met him.—It is evident from the sequel of the story (2 Samuel 19:24-30) that Ziba grossly slandered his master, doubtless for the purpose (as appears from 2 Samuel 16:4) of personal gain. This story was, indeed, almost too improbable to be believed; for, quite independently of his obligations to David, Mephibosheth, a helpless cripple of the house of Saul, could hardly have hoped that Absalom’s rebellion would bring the throne to him; yet David, apt to be hasty in his judgments, was in a state to believe in any story of ingratitude, and to be deeply affected by Ziba’s large contribution to his necessities. Ziba shows entire want of principle, and could, therefore, have adhered to David’s cause only because he had the shrewdness to foresee its ultimate success.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:1

CHAPTER XVI Ziba, servant of Mephibosheth, meets David with provisions, and by false insinuations obtains the grant of his masters property, 1-4. Shimei abuses and curses David, who restrains Abishai from slaying him, 5-14. Hushai makes a feigned tender of his services to Absalom, 15-19. Absalom calls a council and Ahithophel advises him to go in to his father's concubines, 20-22. Character of Ahithophel as a counselor, 23. NOTES ON CHAP. XVI Verse 1. Two hundred loaves of bread] The word loaf gives us a false idea of the ancient Jewish bread; it was thin cakes, not yeasted and raised like ours. Bunches of raisins] See on 1 Samuel 25:18. Summer fruits] These were probably pumpions, cucumbers, or watermelons. The two latter are extensively used in those countries to refresh travellers in the burning heat of the summer. Mr. Harmer supposes they are called summer fruits on this very account. A bottle of wine.] A goat's skin full of wine; this I have already shown was the general bottle in the Eastern countries; see on 1 Samuel 25:18.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 16:1

Ch. 2 Samuel 16:1-4. David met by Ziba with a present 1. the top of the hill] See note on ch. 2 Samuel 15:32. two hundred loaves of bread, &c.] Compare Abigail’s present (1 Samuel 25:18). Ziba was shrewd enough to foresee the result of the rebellion, and wished to secure the king’s favour. an hundred of summer fruits] Probably cakes of dried figs (so the Vulg.) or dates (so the Sept.). Cp. Amos 8:1. a bottle of wine] A skin, holding a considerable quantity.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 16:1

A couple of donkeys saddled - Those that Mephibosheth and his servant should have ridden. See 2 Samuel 19:26 note.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 16:1

ZIBA’S AND SLANDER, 2 Samuel 16:1-4. 1. Two hundred loaves — Ziba’s load very much resembled that of Abigail. Compare 1 Samuel 25:18.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 16:1

SermonDescription
David Guzik (2 Samuel) Trusting in Adversity by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and how he found refreshment in the midst of trials. Despite being a fugitive on the run, David was able to find comfort
Scott Hynds Abominable Apostasy by Scott Hynds In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bringing souls to King Jesus as the only thing of eternal value. The scripture passage discussed is 1 Samuel 16:20-21, wher
Charles Stanley Turning the Tide - Part 1 by Charles Stanley This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings throughout history to avoid the consequences of disobedience. It reflects on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden
Ernest Woodhouse Deserting Principal for Convenience by Ernest Woodhouse In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Proverbs 29 and discusses the importance of standing up for principles and doing what is right, rather than what is convenient. He highlight
Chip Brogden Pray for Kings - Part 6 by Chip Brogden This sermon delves into the biblical framework and reasons behind God's institution of secular authority, emphasizing the importance of spiritual, criminal, civil, and social justi
John Gill The Manifestation of Christ, as a Savior to His People, a Cause of Great Joy. by John Gill John Gill preaches about the profound joy that comes from the manifestation of Christ as the Savior of His people, drawing parallels between the joy in Israel at David's kingship a
C.H. Spurgeon A Basket of Summer Fruit by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the individuality of the prophets, particularly Amos, who speaks from his own experiences as a herdsman. He illustrates how God's purposes are always timel
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