2 Samuel 19:26
2 Samuel 19:26 in Multiple Translations
“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,
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.
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 with the king; because thy servant is lame.
And he said in answer, Because of the deceit of my servant, my lord king: for I, your servant, said to him, You are to make ready an ass and on it I will go with the king, for your servant has not the use of his feet.
Mephibosheth answered, “Your Majesty, my servant Ziba tricked me. I told him, ‘Saddle up my donkey so I can ride her and leave with the king,’ because you know that I'm lame.
And he answered, My lorde the king, my seruant deceiued me: for thy seruant said, I would haue mine asse sadled to ride thereon, for to goe with the king, because thy seruant is lame.
And he saith, 'My lord, O king, my servant deceived me, for thy servant said, I saddle for me the ass, and ride on it, and go with the king, for thy servant [is] lame;
He answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. For your servant said, ‘I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may ride on it and go with the king,’ because your servant is lame.
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 on it, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.
And he answering, said: My lord, O king, my servant despised me: for I thy servant spoke to him to saddle me an ass, that I might get on and go with the king: for I thy servant am lame.
He replied, “Your Majesty, you know that I am crippled. When I heard that you were leaving Jerusalem, I said to my servant Ziba, ‘Put a saddle on my donkey in order that I can ride on it and go with the king.’ But he deceived me and left without me.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 19:26
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 19:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֛י
כִּי
בָ֥א
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
לִ/קְרַ֣את
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ל/וֹ֙
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
לָ֛/מָּה
לֹא
הָלַ֥כְתָּ
עִמִּ֖/י
מְפִיבֹֽשֶׁת
וַ/יְהִ֛י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בָ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל/וֹ֙
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לָ֛/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הָלַ֥כְתָּ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
עִמִּ֖/י
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
מְפִיבֹֽשֶׁת
Mᵉphîybôsheth
H4648
Mephibosheth
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 19:26
וַ/יְהִ֛י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בָ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
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.
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
ל/וֹ֙
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
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.
לָ֛/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לֹא
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.
הָלַ֥כְתָּ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
עִמִּ֖/י
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
מְפִיבֹֽשֶׁת
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.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 19:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 19:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 19:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:26
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:26
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 19:26
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 19:26
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 19:26
Context — Mephibosheth Excused
24Then 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.
25And he came from Jerusalem to meet the king, who asked him, “Mephibosheth, why did you not go with me?”
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,
27and he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. Yet my lord the king is like the angel of God, so do what is good in your eyes. 28For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 16:2–3 | “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 | 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. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 9:3 | 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.” |
2 Samuel 19:26 Summary
This verse shows Mephibosheth explaining to King David why he didn't go with him, and he tells the truth about his lameness and how his servant Ziba deceived him. Mephibosheth is being honest and humble, and he's trusting in King David's fairness, much like we can trust in God's goodness and justice, as seen in Psalm 119:68. Just like Mephibosheth, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and respond with honesty and humility when faced with challenges, and we can find comfort in knowing that God is always working for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Mephibosheth's statement about being lame?
Mephibosheth explains his lameness as the reason he couldn't go with King David, showing his humility and dependence on others, much like the Psalmist in Psalms 38:9, who pours out his heart to God in times of distress.
Who is Ziba and why did he deceive Mephibosheth?
Ziba was Mephibosheth's servant, who had previously lied to King David about Mephibosheth's loyalty, as seen in 2 Samuel 16:1-4, and now Mephibosheth is revealing the truth to the king.
How does Mephibosheth's response reflect his character?
Mephibosheth's response shows his honesty, humility, and trust in King David's justice, much like the teachings of Proverbs 10:9, which emphasize the importance of integrity and trustworthiness.
What can we learn from Mephibosheth's experience with Ziba?
We can learn about the dangers of deception and the importance of honesty, as well as the value of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28, which reminds us that God works all things together for good.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with false accusations or deception, and what can I learn from Mephibosheth's example?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with difficult circumstances, and how can I apply this trust to my everyday life?
- How can I cultivate humility and dependence on others, like Mephibosheth, in my own life and relationships?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate integrity and trustworthiness in my interactions with others, and how can I reflect the character of Christ in these situations?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 19:26
And he answered, my lord, O king, my servant deceived me,.... His servant Ziba, who, instead of saddling an ass for him by his order, went off with that and another himself, 2 Samuel 16:1; for thy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 19:26
And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:26
My servant deceived me, by carrying away the ass which I bid him saddle for me.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:26
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.Ver. 26. My servant deceived me.] He doth not say, My servant hath by false informations and unjust accusations got my land from me: this troubled Mephibosheth nothing so much as the loss of his good name, and that good esteem that David formerly had of him. He said, “ Ego si bonam famam servasso, sat dives ero.” - Plaut. His comfort was that God, howsoever, would be his character witness at the resurrection.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 19:26
(26) My servant deceived me.—It now appears that the two asses laden with provisions which Ziba had brought to David in his flight (2 Samuel 16:1-2) were those which he had been ordered to prepare for his master. When Ziba had stolen away with these, Mephibosheth was left helpless in his lameness. Most of the ancient versions read “said to him, Saddle,” &c., but the sense is plain enough as the text stands.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 19:26
26. said, I will saddle me an ass] Meaning of course, I will have my ass saddled. The Sept. however reads, said unto him, Saddle me the ass, which certainly suits the context better. Apparently Ziba, after receiving the order, saddled the asses, loaded them with provisions, and went to meet David with his fictitious story (ch. 2 Samuel 16:1), leaving Mephibosheth in the lurch.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 19:26
What appears to have happened is, that when Mephibosheth ordered Ziba to saddle the donkeys and ride with him to join David, Ziba left him under pretence of obeying, but instead laded the donkeys
Sermons on 2 Samuel 19:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Depressed Disciples) Permanent Physical Infirmity by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. The preacher emphasizes that Mephibosheth was chosen by God and given fa |