2 Samuel 19:28

Verse

For 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?”

American Standard Version (1901)

For all my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the king; yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet that I should cry any more unto the king?

Bible in Basic English

For all my father's family were only dead men before my lord the king: and still you put your servant among those whose place is at the king's table. What right then have I to say anything more to the king?

Douay-Rheims 1899

For all of my father’s house were no better than worthy of death before my lord the king; and thou hast set me thy servant among the guests of thy table: what just complaint therefore have I? or what right to cry any more to the king?

Free Bible Version

All my grandfather's family could only expect death from Your Majesty, but you included me, your servant, among those who eat at your table. So what right do I have to ask the king for anything more?”

Geneva Bible 1599

For all my fathers house were but dead men before my lord the king, yet diddest thou set thy seruant among them that did eate at thine owne table: what right therefore haue I yet to crye any more vnto the king?

King James (Authorized) Version

For all of my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?

Translation for Translators

All of my grandfather’s family expected/deserved that we would be executed. But you did not execute me; you allowed me to eat food with you at your table! So I certainly do not have [RHQ] the right to request you for anything more.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

For all my father's house were dead men before my master the king, but you set your servant among those who ate at your own table. What right therefore have I that I should still cry any more to the king?”

Noah Webster Bible

For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that ate at thy own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more to the king?

World English Bible

For all my father’s house were but dead men before my lord the king; yet you set your servant among those who ate at your own table. What right therefore have I yet that I should appeal any more to the king?”

Young's Literal Translation

for all the house of my father have been nothing except men of death before my lord the king, and thou dost set thy servant among those eating at thy table, and what right have I any more — even to cry any more unto the king?'

Context

Mephibosheth Excused

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?”

Summary

In this verse, Barzillai expresses his humility and gratitude by acknowledging his unworthiness to enjoy the king's favor. Despite being offered a place of honor and comfort in Jerusalem by King David, Barzillai chooses to return home and die in his own land. His selfless and loyal character stands out as he prioritizes his responsibilities and values over personal gain, setting an example of faithfulness and integrity. Barzillai's actions reflect a deep sense of duty and honor, illustrating the importance of staying true to one's commitments and roots even in the face of tempting opportunities.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

For all of my, father's house were but dead men before my lord the king,.... Or "men of death" (m); worthy of death, not on account of Saul's persecution, for which his family did not deserve to suffer; rather for the attempt of Ishbosheth to get the kingdom from him, which might be deemed treason, and so the family was tainted for it; though the sense may be only this, that their lives lay at his mercy, and that if he had dealt with rigour and severity towards them, as was usual for princes to do towards the family of their predecessors, who had any claim to the kingdom, put them to death, this would have been their case: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that eat at thine own table; which was showing him great kindness, and doing him great honour: what right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king? to ask any favour of him, or make any complaint to him. (m) "viris mortis", Montanus.