2 Samuel 9:12

2 Samuel 9:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth.

King James Version KJV

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.

American Standard Version ASV

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. And all the people living in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.

Free Bible Version FBV

Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. All the people who lived in Ziba's house became Mephibosheth's servants.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Mephibosheth also had a yong sonne named Micha, and all that dwelled in the house of Ziba, were seruants vnto Mephibosheth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Mephibosheth hath a young son, and his name [is] Micha, and every one dwelling in the house of Ziba [are] servants to Mephibosheth.

World English Bible WEB

Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. All who lived in Ziba’s house were servants to Mephibosheth.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micah. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Miphiboseth had a young son whose name was Micha: and all the kindred of the house of Siba served Miphiboseth.

Translation for Translators T4T

Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. All of Ziba’s family became servants of Mephibosheth.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 9:12

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 9:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/לִ/מְפִיבֹ֥שֶׁת בֵּן קָטָ֖ן וּ/שְׁמ֣/וֹ מִיכָ֑א וְ/כֹל֙ מוֹשַׁ֣ב בֵּית צִיבָ֔א עֲבָדִ֖ים לִ/מְפִיבֹֽשֶׁת

וְ/לִ/מְפִיבֹ֥שֶׁת Mᵉphîybôsheth H4648 Mephibosheth Conj | Prep | N-proper

בֵּן bên H1121 son N-ms

קָטָ֖ן qâṭân H6996 small Adj

וּ/שְׁמ֣/וֹ shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms | Suff

מִיכָ֑א Mîykâʼ H4316 Mica N-proper

וְ/כֹל֙ kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms

מוֹשַׁ֣ב môwshâb H4186 seat N-ms

בֵּית bayith H1004 place N-ms

צִיבָ֔א Tsîybâʼ H6717 Ziba N-proper

עֲבָדִ֖ים ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp

לִ/מְפִיבֹֽשֶׁת Mᵉphîybôsheth H4648 Mephibosheth Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 9:12

וְ/לִ/מְפִיבֹ֥שֶׁת Mᵉphîybôsheth H4648 "Mephibosheth" Conj | Prep | 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.

בֵּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

קָטָ֖ן qâṭân H6996 "small" Adj

This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)

Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.

וּ/שְׁמ֣/וֹ shêm H8034 "name" Conj | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

מִיכָ֑א Mîykâʼ H4316 "Mica" N-proper

Mica, meaning who is like God, was the name of two Israelites, including the son of Mephibosheth and a Levite who signed a covenant with Nehemiah. Mica's name reflects a deep spiritual question about God's nature and humanity's relationship with Him.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.9.12; son of: Mephibosheth (H4648); father of: Pithon (H6377), Melech (H4429), Tarea (H8390) and Ahaz (H0271H); also called Mica at 2Sa.9.12; Another name of mi.khah (מִיכָה "Micah" H4318H) § Micha = "who is like God" 1) son of Mephibosheth 2) a Levite who signed the covenant with Nehemiah 3) father of Mattaniah, a Gershonite Levite and descendant of Asaph

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Micha. See also: 2 Samuel 9:12; Nehemiah 10:12; Nehemiah 11:22.

וְ/כֹל֙ kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

מוֹשַׁ֣ב môwshâb H4186 "seat" N-ms

A seat can refer to a physical place of sitting or a gathering of people, like an assembly. It can also mean a dwelling place or location, and is sometimes used to describe a group of people living together.

Definition: 1) seat, assembly, dwelling-place, dwelling, dwellers 1a) seat, sitting, those sitting, sitting company or assembly 1b) dwelling place, dwelling 1c) situation, location 1d) time of dwelling 1e) those dwelling, dweller

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: assembly, dwell in, dwelling(-place), wherein (that) dwelt (in), inhabited place, seat, sitting, situation, sojourning. See also: Genesis 10:30; 1 Samuel 20:25; Psalms 1:1.

בֵּית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

צִיבָ֔א 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.

עֲבָדִ֖ים ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

לִ/מְפִיבֹֽשֶׁת Mᵉphîybôsheth H4648 "Mephibosheth" Prep | 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.

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 9:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 9:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 9:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:12
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:12
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 9:12
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 9:12
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:12
Sermons on 2 Samuel 9:12

Context — David and Mephibosheth

10You 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. 11And 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.

12And Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica, and all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth.

13So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Chronicles 9:40–44	The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, who was the father of Micah. The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tahrea, and Ahaz. Ahaz was the father of Jarah; Jarah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri was the father of Moza. Moza was the father of Binea. Rephaiah was his son, Elasah his son, and Azel his son. And Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.
2	1 Chronicles 8:8	Shaharaim had sons in the country of Moab after he had divorced his wives Hushim and Baara.
3	1 Chronicles 8:34–40	The son of Jonathan: Merib-baal, and Merib-baal was the father of Micah. The sons of Micah: Pithon, Melech, Tarea, and Ahaz. Ahaz was the father of Jehoaddah, Jehoaddah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth, and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza. Moza was the father of Binea. Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, and Azel his son. Azel had six sons, and these were their names: Azrikam, Bocheru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. The sons of his brother Eshek: Ulam was his firstborn, Jeush second, and Eliphelet third. The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and they had many sons and grandsons—150 in all. All these were the descendants of Benjamin.
4	Micah 7:5–6	Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.

2 Samuel 9:12 Summary

This verse tells us about Mephibosheth, the grandson of King Saul, who had a son named Mica. It also says that all the people in the house of Ziba, who was a servant of Saul, were now serving Mephibosheth. This shows how King David was keeping his promise to take care of Mephibosheth, just like he had promised his friend Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17). It's a reminder that God cares for those who are vulnerable and provides for their needs through the kindness of others (Psalm 41:1).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Mephibosheth having a young son named Mica in 2 Samuel 9:12?

The mention of Mephibosheth's son Mica highlights God's faithfulness to the family of Jonathan, as seen in 1 Samuel 20:14-17, where David promises to show kindness to Jonathan's family.

Why does the verse mention that all who dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants of Mephibosheth?

This emphasizes the authority and position of Mephibosheth as the grandson of Saul and the recipient of David's kindness, as seen in 2 Samuel 9:10-11, where Ziba and his household are instructed to work for Mephibosheth.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of David's kindness to Mephibosheth?

This verse demonstrates the extent of David's kindness to Mephibosheth, as he not only provides for him but also ensures that his household is taken care of, reflecting the love and loyalty that David had for Jonathan, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:1-4.

What can we learn from Mephibosheth's experience in 2 Samuel 9:12 about God's care for the vulnerable?

Mephibosheth's story, including the detail about his son Mica, shows how God cares for those who are vulnerable and powerless, such as the lame Mephibosheth, and provides for their needs through the kindness of others, as seen in Psalm 41:1 and Matthew 25:31-46.

Reflection Questions

How can I demonstrate kindness and loyalty to others, just as David showed to Mephibosheth and his family?
What are some ways that God has provided for my needs, even when I felt vulnerable or powerless?
How can I trust in God's faithfulness to me, just as Mephibosheth trusted in David's promise to care for him?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of caring for the needs of others, especially those who are vulnerable or powerless?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:12

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name [was] Micha,.... What his age was is not said from him sprung a progeny of several generations, 1 Chronicles 8:34; and all that dwelt in the house Ziba

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 9:12

And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micah.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:12

Mephibosheth had a young son; either, first, Before he was discovered and brought to the king; and then David seems guilty of a great error in forgetting his dear Jonathan so long; although his long and continued wars, both civil and foreign, might afford him some excuse, as filling his mind and time with business of another nature. Or, secondly, After that time; for there is nothing here which determines when this son was born. Whose name was Micha; who also had other children and grandchildren, to keep up the name and memory of worthy and famous Jonathan. See ,35 9:40,41.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:12

2 Samuel 9:12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name [was] Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba [were] servants unto Mephibosheth.Ver. 12. And Mephibosheth had a younq son.] It was no small while, therefore, ere poor Mephibosheth was thought upon - see 2 Samuel 9:1; twenty years at least. Were servants unto Mephibosheth.] He was master of the house, and Ziba but steward; till, by his false and foolish calumnies, he had wormed out his master.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 9:12

12. Micha] He had a numerous posterity. See 1 Chronicles 8:34, ff., where he is called Micah.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 9:12

Mephibosheth was five years old at Saul’s death. He may have been thirteen at David’s accession to the throne of Israel. In the eighth year of David’s reign over all Israel he would have been twenty-one.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:12

12. Micha — Called Micah in 1 Chronicles 8:35, where it appears that the posterity of Jonathan continued through many generations.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 9:12

	Sermon	Description
	When a Man's Enemies Are the Members of His Own Household by Keith Daniel	Keith Daniel delivers a powerful sermon on the painful reality of facing opposition from one's own family when choosing to follow Christ. He emphasizes that true discipleship may l
	Examples of Circumspect Behaviour by Clement of Rome	Clement of Rome emphasizes the holy and separate lifestyles of the prophets and apostles, highlighting their dedication to serving God without the distractions of relationships wit
	Luke 14 by John Nelson Darby	John Nelson Darby expounds on Luke 14, illustrating God's distributive justice and the importance of humility and grace. He emphasizes that true rest can only be found in Christ, a
	The Jesus Family in Communist China - Part 6 by Dr. D. Vaughan Rees	Dr. D. Vaughan Rees shares harrowing experiences with Communists, highlighting the cruelty and brutality faced by many, including being subjected to horrific methods of execution.