Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master’s grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.” (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) New Living Translation You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for your master’s household. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will eat here at my table.” (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) English Standard Version And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Berean Standard Bible You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Berean Literal Bible And you will work the land for him—you and your sons and your servants, and you shall bring in, that the son of your master may have food to eat. And Mephibosheth son of your master shall always eat bread at my table.” And Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. King James Bible 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. New King James Version You therefore, and your sons and your servants, shall work the land for him, and you shall bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s son shall eat bread at my table always.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. New American Standard Bible You and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce so that your master’s grandson will have food to eat; nevertheless Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, shall eat at my table regularly.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. NASB 1995 “You and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce so that your master’s grandson may have food; nevertheless Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall eat at my table regularly.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. NASB 1977 “And you and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce so that your master’s grandson may have food; nevertheless Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall eat at my table regularly.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Legacy Standard Bible And you and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce so that your master’s grandson may have food and eat of it; nevertheless Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall eat at my table continually.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Amplified Bible You and your sons and your servants shall cultivate the land for him, and you shall bring in the produce, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat; but Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Berean Annotated Bible You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth (exterminating the idol), your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table. Now Ziba (statue) had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Christian Standard Bible You, your sons, and your servants are to work the ground for him, and you are to bring in the crops so your master’s grandson will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Holman Christian Standard Bible You, your sons, and your servants are to work the ground for him, and you are to bring in the crops so your master’s grandson will have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants. American Standard Version And thou shalt till the land for him, thou, and thy sons, and thy servants; and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have bread to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Contemporary English Version You and your 15 sons and 20 servants will work for Mephibosheth. You will farm his land and bring in his crops, so that Saul's family and servants will have food. But Mephibosheth will always eat with me at my table." English Revised Version And thou shalt till the land for him, thou, and thy sons, and thy servants; and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have bread to eat: but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread alway at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. GOD'S WORD® Translation You, your sons, and your servants should farm the land for him and harvest [the crops] so that your master's family will have food to eat. However, your master's grandson Mephibosheth will always eat at my table." (Ziba had 15 sons and 20 servants.) Good News Translation You, your sons, and your servants will farm the land for your master Saul's family and bring in the harvest, to provide food for them. But Mephibosheth himself will always be a guest at my table." (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) International Standard Version You and your servants are to farm the land on his behalf and bring in the crops in order to provide for your master's grandson. Meanwhile, Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will always have a place at my table." (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and 20 servants.) NET Bible You will cultivate the land for him--you and your sons and your servants. You will bring its produce and it will be food for your master's grandson to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master's grandson, will be a regular guest at my table." (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) New Heart English Bible You shall till the land for him, you, and your sons, and your servants, and you shall bring food into your master’s house that they may eat. But Mippibaal your master's son shall eat bread always at my table." Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Webster's Bible Translation 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 always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYou and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. World English Bible Till the land for him—you, your sons, and your servants. Bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have bread to eat; but Mephibosheth your master’s son will always eat bread at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand you have served the land for him, you and your sons, and your servants, and have brought in, and there has been bread for the son of your lord, and he has eaten it; and Mephibosheth, son of your lord, continually eats bread at my table”; and Ziba has fifteen sons and twenty servants. Berean Literal Bible And you will work the land for him—you and your sons and your servants, and you shall bring in, that the son of your master may have food to eat. And Mephibosheth son of your master shall always eat bread at my table.” And Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Young's Literal Translation and thou hast served for him the land, thou and thy sons, and thy servants, and hast brought in, and there hath been to the son of thy lord bread, and he hath eaten it; and Mephibosheth son of thy lord doth eat continually bread at my table;' and Ziba hath fifteen sons and twenty servants. Smith's Literal Translation And work for him the land, thou and thy sons, and thy servants, and bring in and it being bread for the son of thy lord, and they shall eat: and Mephibosheth, son of thy lord, shall eat always bread upon my table. And to Ziba, fifteen sons and twenty servants. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThou therefore and thy sons and thy servants shall till the land for him: and thou shalt bring in food for thy master's son, that he may be maintained: and Miphiboseth the son of thy master shall always eat bread at my table. And Siba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Catholic Public Domain Version And so, work the land for him, you and your sons and your servants. And you shall bring in food for the son of your lord, for nourishment. And Mephibosheth, the son of your lord, shall always eat bread at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. New American Bible You and your sons and servants must till the land for him. You shall bring in the produce, which shall be food for your lord’s household to eat. But Meribbaal, your lord’s son, shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. New Revised Standard Version You and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and shall bring in the produce, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat; but your master’s grandson Mephibosheth shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYou therefore and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and you shall bring in food for your master's son, that he may eat; but Mephibosheth your master's son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you shall cultivate the land for him, you and your sons and your Servants, and you shall bring bread to the son of your Master and he shall eat, and Maphibshath, son of your Master, will be eating bread at my table continuously.” And Tsiba had fifteen sons and twenty Servants OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And thou shalt till the land for him, thou, and thy sons, and thy servants; and thou shalt bring in the fruits, that thy master's son may have bread to eat; but Mephibosheth thy master's son shall eat bread continually at my table.' Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Brenton Septuagint Translation And thou, and thy sons, and thy servants, shall till the land for him; and thou shalt bring in bread to the son of thy lord, and he shall eat bread: and Memphibosthe the son of thy lord shall eat bread continually at my table. Now Siba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context David and Mephibosheth…9Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said to him, “I have given to your master’s grandson all that belonged to Saul and to all his house. 10You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11And Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do all that my lord the king has commanded.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s own sons.… Cross References You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him Genesis 3:23 Therefore the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. Proverbs 12:11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment. Proverbs 28:19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. and bring in the harvest, Proverbs 10:5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. Psalm 126:5-6 Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain. Ruth 2:3 So Ruth departed and went out into the field and gleaned after the harvesters. And she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech. so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. Genesis 45:11 And there I will provide for you, because there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you and your household and everything you own will come to destitution.’ 1 Kings 17:14-16 for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” / So she went and did according to the word of Elijah, and there was food every day for Elijah and the woman and her household. / The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Elijah. Psalm 111:5 He provides food for those who fear Him; He remembers His covenant forever. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” 2 Samuel 19:28 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?” 1 Kings 2:7 But show loving devotion to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, because they stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom. 2 Kings 25:29 So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 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 Genesis 24:2 So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan. 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. Treasury of Scripture You therefore, and your sons, and your servants, shall till the land for him, and you shall bring in the fruits, that your master's son may have food to eat: but Mephibosheth your master's son shall eat bread always at my table. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 1 Kings 2:7 But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother. 2 Samuel 9:7,11-13 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 19:28 For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king? Jump to Previous Alway Always Bread Continually Eat Fifteen Food Fruits Master's Mephibosheth Mephib'osheth Produce Servants Table Twenty ZibaJump to Next Alway Always Bread Continually Eat Fifteen Food Fruits Master's Mephibosheth Mephib'osheth Produce Servants Table Twenty Ziba2 Samuel 9 1. David by Ziba sends for Mephibosheth7. For Jonathan's sake he restores to him all that was Saul's 9. He makes Ziba his farmer You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for him This directive is given by King David to Ziba, a servant of Saul's household. The command reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where land and its produce were central to sustenance and wealth. The phrase underscores the importance of land inheritance and stewardship in Israelite culture, as well as the responsibility of servants and family members to support the household. This act of working the land for Mephibosheth, the grandson of Saul, is a demonstration of David's loyalty to his covenant with Jonathan, Saul's son, and reflects the biblical principle of honoring commitments and showing kindness to the house of one's friend. and bring in the harvest, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe King of Israel who seeks to show kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake. 2. Mephibosheth The son of Jonathan, grandson of Saul, who is shown kindness by David. 3. Ziba A servant of Saul's household, tasked by David to manage the land for Mephibosheth. 4. Jonathan The deceased son of Saul and father of Mephibosheth, who had a covenant of friendship with David. 5. Jerusalem The city where David reigns and where Mephibosheth is brought to eat at the king's table. Teaching Points Grace and KindnessDavid's actions towards Mephibosheth exemplify grace and kindness, reflecting God's grace towards us. We are called to show kindness to others, especially those who cannot repay us. Faithfulness to Promises David honors his covenant with Jonathan by caring for Mephibosheth. This teaches us the importance of keeping our promises and being faithful to our commitments. Provision and Stewardship Ziba is tasked with working the land for Mephibosheth, illustrating the importance of stewardship and providing for others. We are called to use our resources to bless those in need. Inclusion and Honor Mephibosheth, despite his disability, is given a place of honor at David's table. This challenges us to include and honor those who are marginalized or overlooked in society. Legacy of Relationships The relationship between David and Jonathan impacts the next generation. Our relationships and actions can leave a lasting legacy for others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 9:10?2. How does 2 Samuel 9:10 demonstrate David's commitment to his covenant with Jonathan? 3. What does Mephibosheth's inclusion at the king's table symbolize in God's kingdom? 4. How can we show kindness to others as David did in 2 Samuel 9:10? 5. What other biblical examples show honoring commitments as seen in 2 Samuel 9:10? 6. How can you provide for others in need, following David's example in 2 Samuel 9:10? 7. What is the significance of David's kindness to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:10? 8. How does 2 Samuel 9:10 reflect God's covenant faithfulness? 9. Why did David choose to honor Jonathan's son in 2 Samuel 9:10? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 9? 11. Who was Rizpah in the Bible? 12. Does the sudden bestowal of Saul's property to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:7-10 conflict with earlier accounts suggesting David had already taken Saul's possessions? 13. Given Mephibosheth's disability (2 Samuel 9:3, 13), why is no mention made of his care or limitations in other related narratives, suggesting possible inconsistencies in the text? 14. Why does 2 Samuel 9:4 specify Lo-debar as Mephibosheth's hiding place if there is no clear extra-biblical record of such a location or its significance? What Does 2 Samuel 9:10 Mean You and your sons and servants are to work the ground for himDavid commands Ziba to farm the land that once belonged to Saul. This act honors the covenant he made with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17) and proves that covenant loyalty is more than words; it requires tangible service. By assigning Ziba’s entire household to the task, David ensures steady, practical care. Scripture often links stewardship of the land with faithfulness (Genesis 2:15; Psalm 37:3), and Paul later affirms the dignity of diligent work (2 Thessalonians 3:12). Here, labor is framed as an expression of covenant mercy. And bring in the harvest David expects results, not mere activity. “Bring in the harvest” underlines productivity and accountability (Proverbs 10:5; Matthew 9:37-38). The land is not to lie fallow while Mephibosheth enjoys royal favor; it is to flourish. The king’s order pictures God’s design that blessings be cultivated, not wasted (Genesis 1:28). So that your master’s grandson may have food to eat Provision is the reason for the assignment: “so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat.” David’s grace meets Mephibosheth’s real needs, echoing God’s own promise of daily bread (Exodus 16:4; Philippians 4:19). Even in generosity, David plans sustainable care, not fleeting charity (2 Samuel 21:7). But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, is always to eat at my table While Ziba tills the soil, Mephibosheth receives a permanent seat at the king’s table. This double provision—land income and royal fellowship—portrays lavish grace (2 Samuel 9:11). It foreshadows believers’ adoption and promised place at Christ’s banquet (Romans 8:15; John 14:2-3; Revelation 19:9). The crippled prince, once in hiding, now enjoys unbroken intimacy with the king—a vivid picture of salvation by grace alone. Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants The narrative notes Ziba’s sizable household to show he is fully able to fulfill the charge (Luke 12:48). God often equips those He calls, providing means equal to the mandate (Genesis 24:35; Psalm 112:3). Ziba’s resources remove any excuse for neglecting David’s command. summary 2 Samuel 9:10 reveals covenant faithfulness in action. David orders Ziba’s household to farm Saul’s land so Mephibosheth is supplied, while also granting the disabled heir perpetual fellowship at the royal table. The verse blends stewardship, provision, and grace, depicting how a righteous king mirrors God’s heart: practical care, abundant resources, and intimate communion for those brought under his favor. Verse 10. - That thy master's son may have food to eat. Instead of "son," Hebrew ben, some commentators prefer the reading of a few Greek versions, namely, "house," Hebrew, beth. But the difficulty which they seek to avoid arises only from extreme literalness of interpretation. Though Mephibosheth ate at the king's table, he would have a household to maintain - for he had a wife and son - and other expenses; and his having "food to eat" includes everything necessary, as does our prayer for "daily bread." He would live at Jerusalem as a nobleman and Ziba would cultivate his estates, paying, as is usual in the East, a fixed proportion of the value of the produce to his master. Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants (slaves). He had evidently thriven; for, beginning as a slave in Saul's household, he had now several wives and many slaves of his own, and had become a person of considerable importance. He would still remain so, though somewhat shorn both of wealth and dignity in becoming only Mephibosheth's farmer.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Youאַתָּה֩ (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you and your sons וּבָנֶ֨יךָ (ū·ḇā·ne·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son and servants וַעֲבָדֶ֜יךָ (wa·‘ă·ḇā·ḏe·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 5650: Slave, servant are to work וְעָבַ֣דְתָּ (wə·‘ā·ḇaḏ·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave the ground for him הָאֲדָמָ֡ה (hā·’ă·ḏā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 127: Ground, land and bring in [the harvest], וְהֵבֵ֗אתָ (wə·hê·ḇê·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go so that your master’s אֲדֹנֶ֤יךָ (’ă·ḏō·ne·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller grandson לְבֶן־ (lə·ḇen-) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son may have וְהָיָ֨ה (wə·hā·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be food לֶּ֙חֶם֙ (le·ḥem) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain to eat. וַאֲכָל֔וֹ (wa·’ă·ḵā·lōw) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 398: To eat But Mephibosheth, וּמְפִיבֹ֙שֶׁת֙ (ū·mə·p̄î·ḇō·šeṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4648: Mephibosheth -- 'dispeller of shame' your master’s אֲדֹנֶ֔יךָ (’ă·ḏō·ne·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller grandson, בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son is always תָּמִ֛יד (tā·mîḏ) Adverb Strong's 8548: Continuance, constant, ellipt, the regular, sacrifice to eat יֹאכַ֥ל (yō·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 398: To eat at עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against my table.” שֻׁלְחָנִ֑י (šul·ḥā·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 7979: A table, a meal Now Ziba וּלְצִיבָ֗א (ū·lə·ṣî·ḇā) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6717: Ziba -- a servant in Saul's house had fifteen חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה (ḥă·miš·šāh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 2568: Five sons בָּנִ֖ים (bā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1121: A son and twenty וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים (wə·‘eś·rîm) Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth servants. עֲבָדִֽים׃ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5650: Slave, servant Links 2 Samuel 9:10 NIV2 Samuel 9:10 NLT 2 Samuel 9:10 ESV 2 Samuel 9:10 NASB 2 Samuel 9:10 KJV 2 Samuel 9:10 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 9:10 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 9:10 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 9:10 French Bible 2 Samuel 9:10 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 9:10 You shall till the land for him (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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