2 Samuel 4:4

KJV

And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son [that was] lame of [his] feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name [was] Mephibosheth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jonathan {H3083}, Saul's {H7586} son {H1121}, had a son {H1121} that was lame {H5223} of his feet {H7272}. He was five {H2568} years {H8141} old {H1121} when the tidings {H8052} came {H935} of Saul {H7586} and Jonathan {H3083} out of Jezreel {H3157}, and his nurse {H539} took him up {H5375}, and fled {H5127}: and it came to pass, as she made haste {H2648} to flee {H5127}, that he fell {H5307}, and became lame {H6452}. And his name {H8034} was Mephibosheth {H4648}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Y'honatan the son of Sha'ul's had a son, and he was lame in both legs. He had been five years old when the news about Sha'ul and Y'honatan came from Yizre'el. His nurse had gathered him up and fled; but as she was hurrying to get away, he fell and became lame. His name was M'fivoshet.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Now Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel; and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 4:4 introduces Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, whose life was tragically marked by a crippling injury at the tender age of five. This pivotal verse recounts the circumstances of his lameness, which occurred during the chaotic flight of his nurse upon hearing the devastating news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths at Jezreel. This personal tragedy, born out of dynastic upheaval, sets the stage for Mephibosheth's later re-emergence in the narrative, highlighting themes of vulnerability, divine providence, and covenant faithfulness in the unfolding story of David's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after the assassination of Ish-bosheth, Saul's last surviving son and nominal king over the northern tribes, and the subsequent execution of his murderers. The death of Ish-bosheth (recounted in [2 Samuel 4:1-3](/2_samuel/4-1 "2 Samuel 4:1-3 - Ish-bosheth's Assassination")) effectively extinguishes the direct male line of Saul's house, paving the way for David to assume full kingship over all Israel, as detailed in [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Becomes King Over All Israel"). The introduction of Mephibosheth at this precise moment serves to remind the reader that while Saul's *reign* is over, his *line* is not entirely eradicated, specifically through Jonathan, David's beloved covenant partner. This seemingly minor detail foreshadows the significant role Mephibosheth will play in David's demonstration of covenant loyalty in [2 Samuel 9](/2_samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the transition of power from one dynasty to another was often accompanied by the ruthless extermination of the former ruling family to prevent future claims to the throne. This practice, known as *damnatio memoriae* or the "purge of the royal house," was a common and brutal reality. The news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths at [Mount Gilboa](/1_samuel/31-1 "1 Samuel 31:1 - The Battle of Mount Gilboa") would have immediately triggered fears of such a purge among any remaining members of Saul's household. The nurse's frantic flight with Mephibosheth was a desperate attempt to preserve the child's life from what she perceived as an imminent threat. Lameness, in this cultural context, was often viewed as a physical imperfection that could disqualify one from certain roles, including kingship, and sometimes carried social stigma, making Mephibosheth's condition particularly poignant.

* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights **Tragedy and Vulnerability**, illustrating how political upheaval and sudden misfortune can have devastating and lasting personal consequences, especially for the innocent. Mephibosheth's lameness, acquired at such a young age, symbolizes the fragility of life and the collateral damage of societal chaos. Secondly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Preservation**, as Mephibosheth's life, though marred, is miraculously spared amidst the destruction of his family line. This preservation is crucial for the later narrative, setting the stage for David's extraordinary act of **Covenant Faithfulness** to Jonathan, as promised in [1 Samuel 20:14-17](/1_samuel/20-14 "1 Samuel 20:14-17 - Jonathan's Covenant with David"). The survival of Jonathan's son ensures that David has an object for his loyalty, transforming a potential vulnerability into an opportunity for grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lame (Hebrew, _pisseaḥ'_):** This term (פִּסֵּחַ) describes someone who is crippled, limping, or unable to walk properly. In ancient Israel, physical blemishes, especially those affecting mobility, often carried social stigma and could disqualify individuals from priestly service ([Leviticus 21:18](/leviticus/21-18 "Leviticus 21:18 - Priestly Qualifications")). Mephibosheth's lameness is not merely a physical description but a potent symbol of his vulnerability, his marginalized status, and the brokenness that resulted from the fall of Saul's house. It highlights his complete dependence on others, a condition that will later be dramatically reversed by David's grace.
* **Tidings (Hebrew, _shmu'ah'_):** The word (שְׁמוּעָה) refers to a report, rumor, or news. Here, it signifies the sudden, catastrophic news of the deaths of Saul and Jonathan at Jezreel. The immediacy and impact of these "tidings" are emphasized, triggering a panic that directly leads to Mephibosheth's accident. It underscores the profound and disruptive effect of major political and military events on individual lives, turning a moment of national defeat into a personal tragedy.
* **Mephibosheth (Hebrew, _Mephiboshet'_):** The name (מְפִיבֹשֶׁת) is significant. While its precise etymology is debated, it is often interpreted as "from the mouth of shame" or "dispeller of shame." Interestingly, in [1 Chronicles 8:34](/1_chronicles/8-34 "1 Chronicles 8:34 - Saul's Genealogy") and [1 Chronicles 9:40](/1_chronicles/9-40 "1 Chronicles 9:40 - Saul's Genealogy"), he is called Merib-baal (מְרִיב בַּעַל), meaning "contender of Baal" or "Baal strives." The change to "bosheth" (בֹּשֶׁת), meaning "shame," is likely a deliberate scribal alteration to avoid pronouncing the name of the Canaanite deity Baal, reflecting a theological aversion. This name change itself signifies a desire to distance from pagan associations, but "shame" also ironically connects to his physical condition and marginalized status, which David's future actions will powerfully redeem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son [that was] lame of [his] feet."**: This opening clause immediately establishes Mephibosheth's identity and his defining characteristic: his physical disability. By linking him directly to Jonathan, David's covenant friend, the narrative sets up the later dramatic encounter in [2 Samuel 9](/2_samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"), where David will remember his oath to Jonathan. The lameness is presented as a fundamental aspect of his being from the outset, signaling its importance to his story.
* **"He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel,"**: This clause provides the crucial temporal and geographical context for the accident. Mephibosheth's young age (five years old) highlights his innocence and vulnerability, making the subsequent injury even more tragic. "Jezreel" refers to the location where the news of Saul and Jonathan's defeat and deaths at [Mount Gilboa](/1_samuel/31-1 "1 Samuel 31:1 - The Battle of Mount Gilboa") reached the royal household. This news ignited panic and fear, as the fall of a dynasty often led to the extermination of its remaining members.
* **"and his nurse took him up, and fled:"**: In a desperate act to preserve the royal lineage and the child's life, the nurse, a trusted caregiver, instinctively takes action. Her immediate response to flee underscores the extreme danger perceived by those associated with the fallen dynasty. This flight is not merely a change of location but a frantic dash for survival, driven by the very real threat of execution or imprisonment for any potential rival to the new king.
* **"and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame."**: This is the pivotal moment of tragedy. The nurse's urgent haste, born of fear and desperation, inadvertently leads to the very misfortune she was trying to avoid. The fall is presented as a direct consequence of the chaotic flight, permanently crippling Mephibosheth. This detail is crucial because it explains the origin of his lameness, which will become a key motif throughout his story, symbolizing his brokenness and dependence.
* **"And his name [was] Mephibosheth."**: The verse concludes by formally introducing the child by name. This naming solidifies his identity and ensures that the reader connects this tragic figure to the one who will later receive extraordinary grace from David, fulfilling the covenant made with Jonathan. The name itself, potentially linked to "shame," adds another layer of pathos to his condition, setting the stage for a powerful reversal of fortune.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the introduction of Mephibosheth, as his survival and lameness set the stage for David's later act of covenant loyalty in [2 Samuel 9](/2_samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth"). The detailed account of his injury emphasizes his vulnerability, making David's subsequent kindness even more profound. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the nurse's actions: her desperate attempt to save Mephibosheth's life inadvertently causes his lifelong disability. This highlights the unpredictable and often tragic consequences of human fear and chaos. Furthermore, Mephibosheth's **Lameness** functions as a powerful **Symbolism**. It represents not only his physical brokenness but also the "brokenness" of Saul's fallen dynasty and the vulnerability of those caught in the maelstrom of political transition. His condition becomes a tangible mark of the chaos and tragedy that befell his family, yet it also becomes the very condition through which God's grace and David's faithfulness are most strikingly displayed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Mephibosheth's injury, though seemingly a minor detail in the grand narrative of David's ascent, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder that even in moments of profound human chaos, tragedy, and political upheaval, God's sovereign hand is at work, often preserving individuals for His greater purposes. Mephibosheth's survival, despite the purge of Saul's house, is an act of divine preservation, setting the stage for David to demonstrate the enduring power of covenant faithfulness, not merely as a human promise, but as a reflection of God's own steadfast love and commitment to His promises. His lameness, a symbol of brokenness and marginalization, becomes the very canvas upon which extraordinary grace is painted, illustrating that God often works through the weak and the vulnerable to display His power and mercy.

* [1 Samuel 20:14-17](/1_samuel/20-14 "1 Samuel 20:14-17 - Jonathan's Covenant with David")
* [2 Samuel 9:1-13](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1-13 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")
* [Psalm 146:8](/psalms/146-8 "Psalm 146:8 - The Lord Lifts Up Those Who Are Bowed Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mephibosheth's story begins with an unexpected fall that leaves him permanently disabled, a poignant reminder that life's most challenging circumstances can arise suddenly and without warning, often as collateral damage from larger events beyond our control. Yet, this initial tragedy sets the stage for a remarkable display of grace and covenant keeping. His lameness, a symbol of his brokenness and inability to stand on his own, becomes the very condition through which God's providence and David's faithfulness are most clearly seen. Just as David, years later, sought out Mephibosheth to show him kindness for Jonathan's sake ([2 Samuel 9:1](/2_samuel/9-1 "2 Samuel 9:1 - David Seeks Jonathan's Family")), this narrative foreshadows God's own initiative to extend grace to us, even in our spiritual "lameness" or brokenness, bringing us into His presence and providing for us. It encourages us to look beyond immediate misfortune to the greater plan of divine providence and the enduring power of faithfulness, knowing that our weaknesses can become the very avenues through which God's strength and mercy are revealed. We are called to trust that even in our most vulnerable states, God sees us, remembers His covenant, and desires to bring us to His table.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do unexpected tragedies or "falls" in our lives, like Mephibosheth's, shape our perspective on vulnerability and dependence?**
* **In what ways might our own "lameness" or brokenness, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, become a pathway for experiencing God's unexpected grace?**
* **How does Mephibosheth's story encourage us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust?**
* **What does this verse, in light of Mephibosheth's later story, teach us about the enduring nature of covenant and faithfulness, both human and divine?**

### FAQ
**Why is Mephibosheth's lameness emphasized so early in the narrative?**

Answer: Mephibosheth's lameness is emphasized early because it is central to his identity and future role in the narrative. It serves several purposes: it highlights his vulnerability and the tragic consequences of the political upheaval surrounding Saul's death; it sets him apart as someone who is physically dependent and socially marginalized, making David's later act of kindness in [2 Samuel 9](/2_samuel/9 "2 Samuel 9 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth") all the more profound; and it underscores the theme of God's unexpected grace working through human brokenness. His condition makes him an unlikely recipient of royal favor, thus magnifying David's covenant faithfulness.

**What was the significance of "Jezreel" in this verse?**

Answer: Jezreel was a royal city and a strategic location in Israel. In this context, it is the place from which the devastating "tidings" of Saul and Jonathan's deaths at [Mount Gilboa](/1_samuel/31-1 "1 Samuel 31:1 - The Battle of Mount Gilboa") reached the royal household. It signifies the immediate aftermath of the battle and the epicenter of the panic that ensued among Saul's remaining family and servants. The news from Jezreel directly triggered the nurse's frantic flight, which led to Mephibosheth's fall and subsequent lameness.

**Why did Mephibosheth's nurse flee with him?**

Answer: The nurse fled with Mephibosheth out of fear for his life. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, it was a common and brutal practice for a new king to eliminate all potential rivals from the previous dynasty to secure his claim to the throne. As the grandson of King Saul and son of Jonathan, Mephibosheth represented a direct threat to David's burgeoning reign, even as a five-year-old. The nurse's flight was a desperate, albeit tragically flawed, attempt to save the last male descendant of Saul's direct line from what she perceived as an inevitable purge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of Mephibosheth's lameness, born of chaos and fear, beautifully foreshadows the spiritual condition of humanity and the radical grace found in Christ. Just as Mephibosheth was crippled and marginalized, unable to approach the king on his own terms, so too are we, by nature, spiritually "lame" and helpless, alienated from God due to our sin ([Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins")). We are descendants of a fallen lineage, marked by the "fall" of Adam, and are utterly incapable of bridging the chasm between ourselves and a holy God. Yet, the story of David's unwavering covenant faithfulness to Jonathan, leading him to seek out and restore Mephibosheth to his table ([2 Samuel 9:7](/2_samuel/9-7 "2 Samuel 9:7 - David's Kindness to Mephibosheth")), powerfully illustrates God's initiative in Christ. Our Heavenly King, out of His boundless love and covenant commitment, sought us out in our brokenness and brought us into His presence, not because of our merit, but because of His grace ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Through Jesus, the true Son of David, we who were once far off and spiritually crippled are now brought near, adopted into God's family, and invited to feast at the King's table forever ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood"); [Luke 14:15-24](/luke/14-15 "Luke 14:15-24 - The Parable of the Great Banquet")). Mephibosheth's restoration, eating at the king's table as one of the king's sons, is a vivid picture of our own redemption and adoption through the finished work of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

1 Chronicles 8:34

And the son of Jonathan [was] Meribbaal; and Meribbaal begat Micah.

2 Samuel 9:6

Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant!

1 Chronicles 9:40

And the son of Jonathan [was] Meribbaal: and Meribbaal begat Micah.

1 Samuel 29:1

¶ Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which [is] in Jezreel.

1 Samuel 31:1

¶ Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.

1 Samuel 31:10

And they put his armour in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan.