2 Samuel 9:4
2 Samuel 9:4 in Multiple Translations
“Where is he?” replied the king. And Ziba said, “Indeed, he is in Lo-debar at the house of Machir son of Ammiel.”
And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.
And the king said unto him, Where is he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.
And the king said to him, Where is he? And Ziba said to the king, He is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.
“Where is he?” asked the king. “He's in the town of Lo-debar, living in the home of Machir, son of Ammiel,” Ziba replied.
Then the King said vnto him, Where is he? And Ziba said vnto the King, Behold, he is in the house of Machir ye sonne of Ammiel of Lo-debar.
And the king saith to him, 'Where [is] he?' and Ziba saith unto the king, 'Lo, he [is] in the house of Machir, son of Ammiel, in Lo-Debar.'
The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.”
And the king said to him, Where is he? And Ziba said to the king, Behold, he is in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.
Where is he? said he. And Siba said to the king: Behold he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel in Lodabar.
The king asked him, “Where is he?” Ziba replied, “He is living in the house of Machir, son of Ammiel, in Lo-Debar city east of the Jordan River.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 9:4
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 9:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּֽאמֶר
ל֥/וֹ
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
אֵיפֹ֣ה
ה֑וּא
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
צִיבָא֙
אֶל
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
הִנֵּה
ה֗וּא
בֵּ֛ית
מָכִ֥יר
בֶּן
עַמִּיאֵ֖ל
בְּ/ל֥וֹ
דְבָֽר
וַ/יֹּֽאמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֵיפֹ֣ה
ʼêyphôh
H375
where?
Part
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
צִיבָא֙
Tsîybâʼ
H6717
Ziba
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
בֵּ֛ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
מָכִ֥יר
Mâkîyr
H4353
Machir
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
עַמִּיאֵ֖ל
ʻAmmîyʼêl
H5988
Ammiel
N-proper
בְּ/ל֥וֹ
Lôʼ Dᵉbar
H3810
Lo-debar
Prep | N-proper
דְבָֽר
Lôʼ Dᵉbar
H3810
Lo-debar
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 9:4
וַ/יֹּֽאמֶר
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.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
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.
אֵיפֹ֣ה
ʼêyphôh
H375
"where?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like 'where', 'when', or 'how'. It is often translated as 'what manner' or 'where' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) where? 2) what kind?
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: what manner, where. See also: Genesis 37:16; Job 4:7; Isaiah 49:21.
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
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.
צִיבָא֙
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.
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.
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.
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
ה֗וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בֵּ֛ית
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.
מָכִ֥יר
Mâkîyr
H4353
"Machir"
N-proper
Machir was an Israelite who lived during the United Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Samuel 9:4 as the son of Ammiel, and played a significant role in helping Saul and David. He was also the son of Manasseh and an Aramite woman. His name means 'sold'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.9.4; son of: Ammiel (H5988H) § Machir = "sold" 1) eldest son of Manasseh by an Aramite or Syrian concubine and progenitor of a large family 2) son of Ammiel, a powerful chief of one of the Transjordanic tribes who rendered essential services to Saul and to David
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Machir. See also: Genesis 50:23; Judges 5:14; 1 Chronicles 7:17.
בֶּן
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.
עַמִּיאֵ֖ל
ʻAmmîyʼêl
H5988
"Ammiel"
N-proper
Ammiel means 'my kinsman is God', the name of several Israelites, including the father of Bathsheba and a spy from the tribe of Dan. He is mentioned in 2 Samuel 11:3 and 1 Chronicles 3:5. Ammiel lived during the United Monarchy.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.11.3; father of: Bathsheba (H1339); also called Ammiel at 1Ch.3.5; Another name of e.li.am (אֱלִיעָם "Eliam" H0463G) § Ammiel = "my kinsman is God" 1) the spy from the tribe of Dan who perished in the plague for his evil report 2) father of Machir of Lo-debar 3) father of Bathsheba; also 'Eliam' 4) the 6th son of Obed-edom and doorkeeper of the temple
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Ammiel. See also: Numbers 13:12; 2 Samuel 17:27; 1 Chronicles 26:5.
בְּ/ל֥וֹ
Lôʼ Dᵉbar
H3810
"Lo-debar"
Prep | N-proper
Lo-debar means 'not a pasture', a town in Palestine, mentioned in 2 Samuel 9:4 and Amos 6:13. It was a place in Manasseh, east of the Jordan.
Definition: Lo-debar = "not a pasture" a town in Manasseh in Gilead east of the Jordan Also named: lid.vir (לִדְבִר "Debir" H1688B)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Debir, Lodebar. See also: 2 Samuel 9:4; 2 Samuel 9:5; 2 Samuel 17:27.
דְבָֽר
Lôʼ Dᵉbar
H3810
"Lo-debar"
N-proper
Lo-debar means 'not a pasture', a town in Palestine, mentioned in 2 Samuel 9:4 and Amos 6:13. It was a place in Manasseh, east of the Jordan.
Definition: Lo-debar = "not a pasture" a town in Manasseh in Gilead east of the Jordan Also named: lid.vir (לִדְבִר "Debir" H1688B)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Debir, Lodebar. See also: 2 Samuel 9:4; 2 Samuel 9:5; 2 Samuel 17:27.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 9:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 9:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 9:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:4
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 9:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:4
Context — David and Mephibosheth
2And there was a servant of the house of Saul named Ziba. They summoned him to David, and the king inquired, “Are you Ziba?” “I am your servant,” he replied.
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. 6And when Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he fell facedown in reverence. Then David said, “Mephibosheth!” “I am your servant,” he replied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 17:27–29 | When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.” |
2 Samuel 9:4 Summary
[In this verse, King David is asking where Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, is so that he can show him kindness. This is a beautiful picture of how God seeks us out and wants to show us His love and kindness, as seen in John 3:16. King David wants to bless Mephibosheth, even though he is living in a place called Lo-debar, which means 'no pasture' or 'no bread', and this shows us that God can provide for us even in the toughest of circumstances, as stated in Philippians 4:19.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David ask where Mephibosheth was?
King David asked where Mephibosheth was because he wanted to show him kindness, as stated in 2 Samuel 9:3, and he needed to know his location to have him brought to the palace, similar to how God seeks out those who are lost, as seen in Luke 19:10.
What is the significance of Lo-debar in this verse?
Lo-debar was the place where Mephibosheth was living, and it is notable because it means 'no pasture' or 'no bread', which contrasts with the kindness and provision that King David was about to show him, much like how Jesus provides for our spiritual needs, as stated in Matthew 6:33.
Who was Machir son of Ammiel and why was Mephibosheth living with him?
Machir son of Ammiel was the person with whom Mephibosheth was living, and although the Bible does not provide many details about him, it is clear that he was taking care of Mephibosheth, much like how the church is called to care for one another, as seen in Acts 2:45.
How does this verse relate to God's covenant with David?
This verse relates to God's covenant with David because it shows how David was seeking to honor his covenant with Jonathan, as stated in 1 Samuel 20:14-17, and by extension, to honor God's covenant with him, demonstrating the importance of keeping promises and showing kindness, as seen in Psalm 89:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show kindness to those around me, just as King David showed kindness to Mephibosheth?
- How can I trust God to provide for my needs, even when I feel like I am in a place of 'no pasture' or 'no bread'?
- What are some promises that God has made to me, and how can I trust Him to keep them, just as David trusted God to keep His covenant with him?
- How can I be more like Machir son of Ammiel, caring for those around me who may be in need?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 9:4
And the king said unto him, where is he?.... In what part of the land, city, or town, does he dwell?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 9:4
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. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:4
In a place beyond Jordan, , where his friends thought he might be kept out of David’ s sight.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:4
2 Samuel 9:4 And the king said unto him, Where [is] he? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he [is] in the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lodebar. Ver. 4. Behold, he is in the house of Machir … in Lodebar.] Which was a place beyond Jordan. Here, in a remote part of the country, Mephibosheth secreted and secured himself; little thinking of any court preferment, which yet God was now providing for him: his motto might be, “ Crede mihi bene qui latuit, bene vixit ”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:4
Verse 4. Lo-debar.] Supposed to have been situated beyond Jordan; but there is nothing certain known concerning it.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 9:4
David reaped the fruit of his kindness to Mephibosheth, for, when he fled from Absalom, Machir, the son of Ammiel, was one of those who were most liberal in providing him and his army with necessaries (marginal reference).
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 9:4
4. Machir — Josephus calls him “the principal man of Gilead.” He also showed kindness to David when he fled from Absalom. 2 Samuel 17:27.