King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.
Complete Jewish Bible:
But M'fivoshet lived in Yerushalayim; he always ate at the king's table, and he was lame in both legs.
Berean Standard Bible:
So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, because he always ate at the king’s table, and he was lame in both feet.
American Standard Version:
So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem; for he did eat continually at the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
So Mephibosheth{H4648} dwelt{H3427} in Jerusalem{H3389}: for he did eat{H398} continually{H8548} at the king's{H4428} table{H7979}; and was lame{H6455} on both{H8147} his feet{H7272}.
Cross-References (KJV):
2 Samuel 9:7
- And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
2 Samuel 9:3
- 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.
2 Samuel 9:10
- Thou therefore, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him, and thou shalt bring in [the fruits], that thy master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
2 Samuel 9:11
- Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, [said the king], he shall eat at my table, as one of the king's sons.
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Commentary for 2 Samuel 9:13
2 Samuel 9:13 is a verse that encapsulates the themes of loyalty, mercy, and the fulfillment of a covenant promise within the historical context of ancient Israel. The verse speaks specifically of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. After Saul and Jonathan's deaths, Mephibosheth was left vulnerable, and traditionally, a new king would eliminate potential claimants to the throne, including the previous king's family.
However, in this narrative, King David, who had a deep friendship with Jonathan and had made a covenant with him, seeks out any remaining members of Saul's household to show them kindness for Jonathan's sake. Mephibosheth, who was lame in both feet due to an accident in his childhood, is brought to David and shown great favor. The verse highlights that Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem—a significant detail as it placed him under the direct protection of the king—and he was afforded the privilege of dining at the king's table regularly, a sign of high honor and adoption into the king's family.
The historical context reflects the transition of power from the house of Saul to the house of David, and David's actions demonstrate his commitment to his covenant with Jonathan, as well as his intention to unify the kingdom by integrating members of the former king's lineage into his court. The verse underscores David's character as a leader who values loyalty and compassion over political expediency, and it also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Jonathan's and David's friendship. Mephibosheth's ongoing presence at the king's table, despite his disability, is a powerful symbol of inclusivity and grace within the royal court of Israel.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H4648
There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מְפִיבֹשֶׁת
Transliteration: Mᵉphîybôsheth
Pronunciation: mef-ee-bo'-sheth
Description: or מְפִבֹשֶׁת; probably from פָּאָה and בֹּשֶׁת; dispeller of shame (i.e. of Baal); Mephibosheth, the name of two Israelites; Mephibosheth. - Strong's Number: H3427
There are 980 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָשַׁב
Transliteration: yâshab
Pronunciation: yaw-shab'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry; (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. - Strong's Number: H3389
There are 600 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְרוּשָׁלַ͏ִם
Transliteration: Yᵉrûwshâlaim
Pronunciation: yer-oo-shaw-lah'-im
Description: rarely יְרוּשָׁלַיִם; a dual (in allusion to its two main hills (the true pointing, at least of the former reading, seems to be that of יְרוּשָׁלֵם)); probably from (the passive participle of) יָרָה and שָׁלַם; founded peaceful; Jerushalaim or Jerushalem, the capital city of Palestine; Jerusalem. - Strong's Number: H398
There are 825 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָכַל
Transliteration: ʼâkal
Pronunciation: aw-kal'
Description: a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. - Strong's Number: H8548
There are 103 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תָּמִיד
Transliteration: tâmîyd
Pronunciation: taw-meed'
Description: from an unused root meaning to stretch; properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); ellipt. the regular (daily) sacrifice; alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. - Strong's Number: H4428
There are 1922 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֶלֶךְ
Transliteration: melek
Pronunciation: meh'-lek
Description: from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal. - Strong's Number: H7979
There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֻׁלְחָן
Transliteration: shulchân
Pronunciation: shool-khawn'
Description: from שָׁלַח; a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal; table. - Strong's Number: H6455
There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פִּסֵּחַ
Transliteration: piççêach
Pronunciation: pis-say'-akh
Description: from פָּסַח; lame; lame. - Strong's Number: H8147
There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שְׁנַיִם
Transliteration: shᵉnayim
Pronunciation: shen-ah'-yim
Description: dual of שֵׁנִי; feminine שְׁתַּיִם; two; also (as ordinal) twofold; both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. - Strong's Number: H7272
There are 232 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רֶגֶל
Transliteration: regel
Pronunciation: reh'-gel
Description: from רָגַל; a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda; [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time.