2 Samuel 9:3
2 Samuel 9:3 in Multiple Translations
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.”
And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.
And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, who is lame of his feet.
And the king said, Is there anyone of Saul's family still living, to whom I may be a friend in God's name? And Ziba said, There is a son of Jonathan, whose feet are damaged.
The king asked him, “Is there anyone still left of Saul's family so I can be kind to him as I promised before God?” “There's still one of Jonathan's sons, who is lame in both feet,” Ziba replied.
Then the King sayd, Remayneth there yet none of the house of Saul, on whome I may shewe the mercie of God? Ziba then answered the King, Ionathan hath yet a sonne lame of his feete.
And the king saith, 'Is there not yet a man to the house of Saul, and I do with him the kindness of God?' And Ziba saith unto the king, 'Jonathan hath yet a son — lame.'
The king said, “Is there not yet any of Saul’s house, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “Jonathan still has a son, who is lame in his feet.”
And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him? and Ziba said to the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, who is lame in his feet.
And the king said: Is there any one left of the house of Saul, that I may shew the mercy of God unto him? And Siba said to the king: There is a son of Jonathan left, who is lame of his feet.
The king asked him, “Is there anyone in Saul’s family to whom I can be kind, as I promised Jonathan that I would do?” Ziba replied, “Yes, there is one son of Jonathan who is still alive. His feet are crippled.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 9:3
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2 Samuel 9:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 9:3
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 9:3
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 9:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 9:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:3
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 9:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:3
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 9:3
Context — David and Mephibosheth
3So the king asked, “Is there anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I can show the kindness of God?” Ziba answered, “There is still Jonathan’s son, who is lame in both feet.”
4“Where is he?” replied the king. And Ziba said, “Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.” 5So King David had him brought from the house of Machir son of Ammiel in Lo-debar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Titus 3:3–4 | For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 20:14–17 | And as long as I live, treat me with the LORD’s loving devotion, that I may not die, and do not ever cut off your loving devotion from my household—not even when the LORD cuts off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.” So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the LORD hold David’s enemies accountable.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his vow out of love for him, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. |
| 4 | Matthew 5:44–45 | But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. |
| 5 | Luke 6:36 | Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 10:15 | Yet the LORD has set His affection on your fathers and loved them. And He has chosen you, their descendants after them, above all the peoples, even to this day. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 4:37 | Because He loved your fathers, He chose their descendants after them and brought you out of Egypt by His presence and great power, |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 19:26 | “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, |
2 Samuel 9:3 Summary
In this verse, King David asks about showing kindness to anyone left in Saul's family as a way to honor his friend Jonathan. He wants to extend God's kindness to them, just as God shows kindness to us. This shows that King David values loyalty and faithfulness, just like God does, as seen in Psalm 36:5 and Psalm 103:8. By showing kindness to Jonathan's son, King David demonstrates what it means to reflect God's heart towards others, especially those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated King David to ask about showing kindness to Saul's family?
King David's motivation stemmed from his covenant with Jonathan, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:3 and 1 Samuel 20:16, where he promised to show kindness to Jonathan's family.
Who is Ziba and why is he significant in this verse?
Ziba was a servant of Saul's family, and his significance lies in his ability to provide information about Jonathan's son, as seen in 2 Samuel 9:3, allowing King David to fulfill his promise to Jonathan.
What does the phrase 'kindness of God' mean in this context?
The phrase 'kindness of God' refers to the gracious and loving acts that God shows to His people, as seen in Psalm 23:6 and Psalm 103:4, which King David wanted to extend to Jonathan's son as an act of loyalty and faithfulness to his friend Jonathan.
Why did King David specifically ask about showing kindness to Saul's family after so much time had passed?
King David asked about showing kindness to Saul's family after becoming established as king, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:1, to fulfill his promise to Jonathan and to demonstrate his commitment to his friend's family, reflecting the heart of God towards the vulnerable and marginalized, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show the kindness of God to those around me, just as King David did to Jonathan's son?
- How can I reflect the heart of God towards those who may be marginalized or overlooked in my community?
- What promises have I made to others that I need to fulfill, just as King David fulfilled his promise to Jonathan?
- In what ways can I demonstrate loyalty and faithfulness to my friends and family, just as King David did to Jonathan's family?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 9:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:3
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:3
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 9:3
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:3
Sermons on 2 Samuel 9:3
| 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 |
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(Titus - Part 23): Christian Subjection to Government by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians actively engaging in doing good works. He encourages believers to be responsive to the needs of others and to b |
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Regeneration - Part 1 by Charles Leiter | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of regeneration, emphasizing its supernatural and miraculous nature. He highlights the contrast between our previous state of fool |
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The Saved Jew Blesses His Merciful God by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing a conversation he had with someone about believers' baptism. He takes his time to explain every text in the New Testament that supp |
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Hating, Forgiving, Loving One Another by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships. He shares a story of a boy who had a fight with his brother and encourages |
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Salvation Is by Revelation by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for transformation through the grace and love of God. He highlights the sinful nature of humanity, living in envy, jealousy, and va |
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Does Doctrine Matter - Part 7 by Derek Melton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the Christian experience of being dead in sin and feeling the wrath of God. He criticizes the idea of coming to God for personal gain rather |






