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2 Samuel 19:24

2 Samuel 19:24 in Multiple Translations

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 Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king; and he had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came home in peace.

And Mephibosheth, the son of Saul's son, came down for the purpose of meeting the king; his feet had not been cared for or his hair cut or his clothing washed from the day when the king went away till the day when he came back in peace.

Then Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, went to meet the king. He had refused to look after his feet or trim his mustache or have his clothes washed from the day the king left until the day of his peaceful return.

And Mephibosheth the sonne of Saul came downe to meete the king, and had neither washed his feete, nor dressed his beard, nor washed his clothes from the time the king departed, vntill he returned in peace.

And Mephibosheth son of Saul hath come down to meet the king — and he prepared not his feet, nor did he prepare his upper lip, yea, his garments he washed not, even from the day of the going away of the king, till the day that he came in peace —

Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king; and he had neither groomed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came home in peace.

And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

And Miphiboseth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and he had neither washed his feet, nor trimmed his beard: nor washed his garments from the day that the king went out, until the day of his return in peace.

Then Miphibosheth, Saul’s grandson, came down to the river to greet the king. He had not washed his feet or trimmed his beard or washed his clothes, from the time that the king left Jerusalem until the day that he returned.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 19:24

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 19:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶל שִׁמְעִ֖י לֹ֣א תָמ֑וּת וַ/יִּשָּׁ֥בַֽע ל֖/וֹ הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
שִׁמְעִ֖י Shimʻîy H8096 Shimei N-proper
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
תָמ֑וּת mûwth H4191 to die V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וַ/יִּשָּׁ֥בַֽע shâbaʻ H7650 to swear Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֖/וֹ Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 19:24

וַ/יֹּ֧אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שִׁמְעִ֖י Shimʻîy H8096 "Shimei" N-proper
Shimei was a common name among Israelites, with at least 20 people having this name. One notable Shimei was the brother of David and son of Jesse, who lived during the United Monarchy.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.16.9; son of: Jesse (H3448); brother of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J); father of: Jonadab (H3122); also called Shimei (KJV: Shimea) at 2Sa.21.21; Shammah at 1Sa.16.9; 17.13; Shimea at 1Ch.2.13; 20.7; Another name of shim.ah (שִׁמְעָה "Shimeah" H8093) § Shimei or Shimhi or Shimi or Shimea = "renowned" 1) a Benjamite, son of Gera of the house of Saul in the time of David 2) a Benjamite, son of Elah and commissariat officer in the time of Solomon 3) the Ramathite in charge of the vineyards of David 4) son of Gershon and grandson of Levi 5) a Levite, son of Jeduthun and chief of the 10th division of singers in the time of David 6) a Levite of the sons of Heman who took part in the purification of the temple in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah 7) a Levite, brother of Cononiah in charge of receiving the tithes and offerings in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah 8) a Levite who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 9) a Judaite, son of Pedaiah and brother of Zerubbabel 10) a Simeonite, son of Zacchur 11) a Reubenite, son of Gog and father of Micah 12) one of the sons of Hashum who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 13) one of the sons of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 14) a Benjamite, son of Kish, father of Jair, and grandfather of Mordecai in the time of Esther 15) a Levite, son of Jahath, grandson of Gershon, and great grandson of Levi 16) Benjamite, father of Adaiah, Beraiah, and Shimrath. Spelled 'Shimhi'
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Shimeah (from the margin), Shimei, Shimhi, Shimi. See also: Exodus 6:17; 1 Chronicles 3:19; Esther 2:5.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תָמ֑וּת mûwth H4191 "to die" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וַ/יִּשָּׁ֥בַֽע shâbaʻ H7650 "to swear" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
ל֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 19:24

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 41:5 eighty men who had shaved off their beards, torn their garments, and cut themselves came from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, carrying grain offerings and frankincense for the house of the LORD.
2 Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
3 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.
4 2 Samuel 9:6–10 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.
5 Isaiah 15:2 Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off.
6 Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
7 2 Samuel 16:3 “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.’”
8 Hebrews 13:3 Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.

2 Samuel 19:24 Summary

This verse, 2 Samuel 19:24, tells us about Mephibosheth, who was waiting for King David to return safely. Mephibosheth showed his loyalty and love for the king by not taking care of his appearance, which is a sign of mourning and sorrow, similar to what we see in Deuteronomy 21:12. This story teaches us about the importance of loyalty, trust, and humility, as we see in the relationship between Mephibosheth and King David, and it reminds us of God's love and care for us, as described in Psalms 103:8-14. Just like Mephibosheth, we can demonstrate our love and devotion to God by trusting in His goodness and waiting on Him, even in difficult times, as encouraged in Psalms 27:14.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Mephibosheth not caring for his appearance?

Mephibosheth's unkempt appearance, as described in 2 Samuel 19:24, signifies his mourning and sorrow during King David's absence, similar to the actions of those in mourning in the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 21:12 and Leviticus 13:45.

Who is Mephibosheth and why is he important in this story?

Mephibosheth is the grandson of King Saul and the son of Jonathan, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 4:4, and his presence in this story highlights the complexities of loyalty and forgiveness, especially considering his relationship to King David, as seen in 2 Samuel 9:1-13.

How does Mephibosheth's actions reflect his relationship with King David?

Mephibosheth's decision to meet King David and his neglect of his personal appearance demonstrate his loyalty and devotion to the king, despite the potential risks, reflecting the trust and care shown by King David towards him in 2 Samuel 9:7-10.

What does Mephibosheth's story teach us about God's character?

Mephibosheth's story teaches us about God's mercy, grace, and redemption, as seen in King David's treatment of him, which mirrors God's love and care for us, as described in Psalms 103:8-14 and Romans 5:8.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I demonstrate loyalty and devotion to God, even in difficult circumstances, like Mephibosheth did with King David?
  2. What are some ways I can show humility and surrender before God, as Mephibosheth did by not caring for his appearance?
  3. How can I trust God's sovereignty and timing, even when faced with uncertainty or hardship, like Mephibosheth experienced during King David's absence?
  4. In what ways can I reflect God's love and care to those around me, just as King David showed kindness to Mephibosheth?
  5. What does Mephibosheth's story teach me about the importance of waiting on God and trusting in His goodness?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 19:24

And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king,.... Not down to Jordan, but Jerusalem; when the king was come thither, he came from his own dwelling to the king's palace; he is called

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:24

And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:24

The son of Saul, i.e. the grandson, ,6. Had neither dressed his feet; by cutting his nails, and by washing his feet, which was usual in those hot climates, and very refreshing; and therefore now neglected, as becoming a mourner. Nor trimmed his beard; but suffered it to grow very long and disorderly, as was usual with many persons in a forlorn or mournful state. Nor washed his clothes; his linen clothes. This and the former were signs that he was a true and obstinate mourner, that laid aside his usual refreshments; and they are here mentioned as evidences of the falsehood of Ziba’ s former relation concerning him, .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:24

2 Samuel 19:24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came [again] in peace.Ver. 24. And had neither dressed his feet.] Which in those parts were frequently fouled with travelling, and in that people - qui ex complexione olent aeque ac Arabes instar hircorum, who naturally stink as goats, say some - were usually washed and dressed, as apt to smell most of any part. Nor trimmed his beard.] Ut squallidus et hirtus appareret, in token of mourning. Nor washed his clothes.] His inner clothes, his linens.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:24

(24) Came down to meet.—The obvious meaning of this is that Mephibosheth came down from the high land of Jerusalem to meet the king in the Jordan valley, and in this case the following verse should be translated, “And it came to pass when Jerusalem” (meaning its inhabitants, with Mephibosheth among them) “was come to meet the king.” Some writers, however, prefer to keep 2 Samuel 19:25 as it is, and to suppose that during the rebellion Mephibosheth had taken refuge on his ancestral estate near the heights of Gibeah, and that he came thence to Jerusalem to meet David. In either case the signs of deep mourning used by Mephibosheth “from the day the king departed” were an evidence of his loyalty. The word for beard is used only for the moustache.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:24

Verse 24. Neither dressed his feet] He had given the fullest proof of his sincere attachment to David and his cause; and by what he had done, amply refuted the calumnies of his servant Ziba.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 19:24

24–30. Mephibosheth’s meeting with David 24. had neither dressed his feet, &c.] The neglect of his person, the unwashed feet, the untrimmed moustache, the soiled garments, were outward signs of extreme grief. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 12:20; Ezekiel 24:17. The Sept. adds “nor trimmed his nails,” after “dressed his feet” (see Deuteronomy 21:12), but the words are perhaps only a duplicate rendering of the Hebrew. beard] Properly moustache. The word occurs elsewhere only in connexion with the custom of covering the upper lip or moustache in mourning. See Leviticus 13:45; Ezekiel 24:17; Ezekiel 24:22; Micah 3:7.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 19:24

Beard - The “moustache,” the beard of the upper lip. The fact related in this verse tends to clear Mephibosheth from the suspicion of unfaithfulness to David.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:24

THE MEETING WITH , 2 Samuel 19:24-30. 24. Mephibosheth — Who had been basely slandered by his servant. See 2 Samuel 16:3. His appearance gave ample evidence of the strongest attachment and devotion to the interests of David.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 19:24

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Repent, Repent, Repent by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for the final judgment. He mentions preaching for three and a half hours on the judgment seat and expresses his
Alan Redpath Fasting by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of fasting as a form of worship. He begins by emphasizing the importance of fasting in secret, rather than seeking attention from
Derek Prince Prayer and Fasting - When You Fast by Derek Prince This sermon emphasizes the importance of fasting as a key to effective praying, highlighting the need for humility, prayer, seeking God's face, and turning from wicked ways. It dra
Gerhard Du Toit Hungry for God by Gerhard Du Toit In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a strong relationship with God and with fellow believers. He shares a story about a week of prayer in a church where
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Matthew 23-24 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being watchful and ready for the return of Jesus. He mentions the parable of the faithful and wise servant who is entrusted
Tim Conway Do You Trust in Your God or in Your Money? by Tim Conway In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of Christians not living according to the teachings of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of seeking first the Kingdom of God and
Don McClure Do Not Your Alms Before Men by Don McClure In this sermon, the preacher addresses the tiredness and frustration that people feel towards their sinful nature. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one's relationship w

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