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2 Samuel 9:2

2 Samuel 9:2 in Multiple Translations

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.

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him unto David; and the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.

Now there was of Saul's people a servant named Ziba, and they sent him to David; and the king said to him, Are you Ziba? And he said, I am.

There was a man called Ziba who used to be a servant of Saul's family. They called for him to come to David, and the king asked him, “Are you Ziba?” “Yes, I am your servant,” he replied.

And there was of the housholde of Saul a seruant whose name was Ziba, and when they had called him vnto Dauid, the King sayd vnto him, Art thou Ziba? And he sayd, I thy seruant am he.

And the house of Saul hath a servant, and his name [is] Ziba, and they call for him unto David; and the king saith unto him, 'Art thou Ziba?' and he saith, 'Thy servant.'

There was of Saul’s house a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” He said, “I am your servant.”

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him to David, the king said to him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he .

Now there was of the house of Saul, a servant named Siba: and when the king had called him to him, he said to him: Art thou Siba? And he answered: I am Siba thy servant.

They told him that there was in Jerusalem a man named Ziba who had been a servant of Saul’s family. So David sent messengers to summon Ziba. When he arrived, the king asked him, “Are you Ziba?” He replied, “Yes, your majesty, I am.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 9:2

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 9:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/לְ/בֵ֨ית שָׁא֥וּל עֶ֨בֶד֙ וּ/שְׁמ֣/וֹ צִיבָ֔א וַ/יִּקְרְאוּ ל֖/וֹ אֶל דָּוִ֑ד וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר הַ/מֶּ֧לֶךְ אֵלָ֛י/ו הַ/אַתָּ֥ה צִיבָ֖א וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר עַבְדֶּֽ/ךָ
וּ/לְ/בֵ֨ית bayith H1004 place Conj | Prep | N-ms
שָׁא֥וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
עֶ֨בֶד֙ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms
וּ/שְׁמ֣/וֹ shêm H8034 name Conj | N-ms | Suff
צִיבָ֔א Tsîybâʼ H6717 Ziba N-proper
וַ/יִּקְרְאוּ qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל֖/וֹ Prep | Suff
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
דָּוִ֑ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֧לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
אֵלָ֛י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
הַ/אַתָּ֥ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Part | Pron
צִיבָ֖א Tsîybâʼ H6717 Ziba N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַבְדֶּֽ/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 9:2

וּ/לְ/בֵ֨ית bayith H1004 "place" Conj | Prep | 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.
שָׁא֥וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
עֶ֨בֶד֙ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms
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.
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.
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.
וַ/יִּקְרְאוּ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
ל֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
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.
דָּוִ֑ד Dâvid H1732 "David" 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.
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר 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/מֶּ֧לֶךְ 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.
אֵלָ֛י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
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.
הַ/אַתָּ֥ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Part | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
צִיבָ֖א 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.
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר 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.
עַבְדֶּֽ/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff
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.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 9:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 16:1–4 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. “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.’” So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I humbly bow before you,” said Ziba. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!”
2 2 Samuel 19:17 along with a thousand men of Benjamin, as well as Ziba the steward of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan before the king
3 2 Samuel 19:27–29 and 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. 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?” The king replied, “Why say any more? I hereby declare that you and Ziba are to divide the land.”
4 Genesis 24:2 So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh,
5 Genesis 39:6 So Potiphar left all that he owned in Joseph’s care; he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome,
6 Genesis 15:2–3 But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.”

2 Samuel 9:2 Summary

In this verse, King David asks for Ziba, a servant of Saul's family, to show kindness to anyone left from Saul's household, due to his promise to Jonathan. Ziba responds by acknowledging his submission to King David, saying 'I am your servant'. This shows the importance of humility and servanthood, as we see in other parts of the Bible, such as in Matthew 20:26-28, where Jesus teaches that the greatest among us should be the servant of all. By acknowledging and submitting to God's authority, we can demonstrate our faith and trust in Him, just as Ziba did before King David.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King David ask for Ziba, a servant of Saul's family?

King David asked for Ziba to show kindness to anyone left from the house of Saul, as seen in 2 Samuel 9:1, due to his covenant with Jonathan, as recorded in 1 Samuel 18:3 and 1 Samuel 20:16.

What can we learn from King David's inquiry, 'Are you Ziba?'

This question demonstrates King David's desire to verify the identity of Ziba, showing the importance of confirmation and accuracy, similar to the apostle Paul's instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to test all things.

What is the significance of Ziba's response, 'I am your servant'?

Ziba's response acknowledges his submission to King David, reflecting a posture of humility, as seen in other biblical accounts, such as when Jesus taught that the greatest among us should be the servant of all, in Matthew 20:26-28.

How does this verse relate to the concept of servanthood in the Bible?

This verse illustrates the idea of servanthood, where an individual acknowledges and submits to a higher authority, in this case, King David, reflecting the biblical principle that we are all servants of God, as stated in Romans 6:22 and 1 Corinthians 7:22.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate humility and servanthood in my own life, as Ziba did before King David?
  2. How can I, like King David, show kindness and compassion to those around me, especially those who may be in need or marginalized?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge and submit to God's authority, just as Ziba submitted to King David?
  4. In what ways can I, like Ziba, be a faithful servant and steward of the resources and opportunities God has given me?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:2

And [there was] of the house of Saul a servant whose name [was] Ziba,.... Or there was a servant that belonged to Saul's family; not that any of Saul's family was a servant; and this servant the Jews

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 9:2

And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. A servant, whose name was Ziba.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:2

A servant; one who had been a servant, and, as it may seem, a steward to Saul. See Poole "".

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:2

2 Samuel 9:2 And [there was] of the house of Saul a servant whose name [was] Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, [Art] thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant [is he].Ver. 2. A servant whose name was Ziba.] An old flatter, such as Saul had many about him; Qualis herus, tolis servus.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:2

2. Ziba — This slave of Saul seems to have become a freedman at his master’s death, and so well did he improve all advantages that at this time he had himself become the head of a family of fifteen sons and twenty slaves.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 9:2

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
Jacob Prasch Metatron by Jacob Prasch In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Messiahship of Jesus and how it can be proven to both Jewish and Gentile Christians. The speaker encourages the audience to share the vide
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 24:2-9 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Genesis 24, where Abraham instructs his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. The preacher highlights the cultural context of oath-takin
J.R. Miller Practical Lessons From the Story of Joseph by J.R. Miller J.R. Miller explores the life of Joseph, emphasizing God's providence in his journey from being a favored son to a slave and then a prisoner, ultimately rising to power in Egypt. H
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 98 by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and his faithfulness to God. The sermon highlights the intense struggle Abraham faced when God asked him to sacrifice h
Watchman Nee The Man in the Land by Watchman Nee Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of fellowship among believers, urging us to value one another and practice patience as exemplified by Jesus. He illustrates this through Ab

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