2 Samuel 16 4

2 Samuel 16:4 kjv

Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

2 Samuel 16:4 nkjv

So the king said to Ziba, "Here, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours." And Ziba said, "I humbly bow before you, that I may find favor in your sight, my lord, O king!"

2 Samuel 16:4 niv

Then the king said to Ziba, "All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours." "I humbly bow," Ziba said. "May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king."

2 Samuel 16:4 esv

Then the king said to Ziba, "Behold, all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours." And Ziba said, "I pay homage; let me ever find favor in your sight, my lord the king."

2 Samuel 16:4 nlt

"In that case," the king told Ziba, "I give you everything Mephibosheth owns." "I bow before you," Ziba replied. "May I always be pleasing to you, my lord the king."

2 Samuel 16 verses

2 Samuel 16 4 Meaning

King David, in his flight from Absalom, rashly declares that all the property previously granted to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, now belongs to Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant. This decree is made without investigation, based solely on Ziba's manipulative accusation that Mephibosheth had sided with Absalom. Ziba responds with effusive gratitude, bowing low and expressing a desire for continued favor from the king, underscoring his opportunistic success.

2 Samuel 16 4 Context

This verse occurs at a critical juncture in King David's life, during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel chapters 15-18). David has been forced to flee Jerusalem to save his life from his own son. In his hurried and distressed flight, he encounters Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth (Jonathan's son). Ziba brings provisions to David and attributes Mephibosheth's absence to an opportunistic betrayal, claiming Mephibosheth believes he will regain Saul's kingdom during the chaos. David, vulnerable, heartbroken, and likely prone to rash judgment under the extreme stress of betrayal by his own son, accepts Ziba's word without verification. This context highlights David's momentary lapse in wise governance and the dire consequences of unverified slander during a time of crisis and deep personal anguish.

2 Samuel 16 4 Word analysis

• And the king said (וַיֹּאמֶר הַמֶּלֶךְ - vayyomer hammelekh): "Vayyomer" denotes a quick, immediate verbal response, fitting David's distress. "Hammelekh" emphasizes his continued authority despite his exiled state, making his pronouncement legally binding.
• to Ziba (לְצִיבָא - letsiba): The direct address indicates a personal exchange, underscoring the trust David momentarily places in this individual.
• Behold (הִנֵּה - hinneh): An emphatic interjection drawing immediate attention to the following significant declaration, conveying a sense of finality and authority.
• all that belonged to Mephibosheth (כֹּל אֲשֶׁר לְמֵפִיבֹשֶׁת - kol asher leMephibosheth): Refers to all property previously granted by David to Mephibosheth (2 Sam 9:7-10), which included Saul's former estate, lands, and servants—a substantial inheritance. "Asher" is a relative pronoun meaning "that which."
• is yours (לְךָ - lekha): This is a legal declaration of transfer. The simplicity and brevity of "lekha" ("to you") emphasize the abrupt and decisive nature of the king's gift, or rather, re-allocation of property based on a grave accusation.
• And Ziba said (וַיֹּאמֶר צִיבָא - vayyomer Tsiba): Again, "vayyomer" denotes an immediate reaction.
• I bow down (הִשְׁתַּחֲוֵיתִי - hishtachawiti): From the verb shachah, meaning to prostrate oneself in worship or deference. It signifies deep respect, submission, and often, gratitude. Here, it also conveys a cunning servant's successful manipulation and effusive, perhaps insincere, thanks for vast unexpected gain.
• I pray that I may find favor (אֶמְצָא־חֵן בְּעֵינֶיךָ - emtza-khen b'eynekha): A common formulaic expression requesting continued benevolence. In Ziba's mouth, it cements his perceived loyalty while securing his future. "Khen" means grace or favor.
• in your sight, my lord, O king (אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶךְ - adoni hammelekh): Ziba's address acknowledges David's supreme authority, even in his vulnerable state, reinforcing the king's right to bestow such a gift, and validating the recipient's perceived submission.

2 Samuel 16 4 Bonus section

The legal concept of the lex talionis (eye for an eye) found in the Torah often aimed to prevent hasty or excessive judgments, suggesting the need for careful consideration. David's action here directly contrasts with the principles of fair judgment and hearing all sides (Deut 1:16-17, Prov 18:13).This incident provides a theological lesson: even the anointed king can make mistakes. God allows these human failures to highlight that ultimate righteousness and perfect judgment reside with Him alone.The narrative introduces a dramatic irony: David's first interaction with Mephibosheth (2 Sam 9) was an act of extreme grace to fulfill a covenant with Jonathan; this second interaction, through Ziba, effectively nullifies that grace due to deception. This contrast deepens the tragedy of the moment.The episode concerning Ziba's false accusation finds echoes in various biblical narratives of slandering the righteous, such as Joseph by Potiphar's wife (Gen 39) and Daniel by the satraps (Dan 6). These narratives consistently highlight the ultimate vindication of the innocent and the exposure of the deceitful.

2 Samuel 16 4 Commentary

2 Samuel 16:4 records David's hasty and ill-advised judgment during a moment of profound personal and political crisis. Under the immense pressure of his son's rebellion and a fresh wave of grief, David's typical wisdom faltered. He was easily swayed by Ziba's cunning and calculated accusation against Mephibosheth, demonstrating how even a godly leader can be vulnerable to deception when under duress and unable to thoroughly vet information. The immediate and complete transfer of Mephibosheth's vast estate to Ziba illustrates the king's absolute authority and the devastating power of a false report. Ziba's subsequent display of gratitude, though appearing respectful, likely stemmed from his opportunistic success rather than genuine loyalty, showcasing the cunning of a heart set on gain. This verse serves as a stark warning against acting on unverified information and highlights the potential for irreparable harm from slander and unchecked self-interest. It subtly sets up the later revelation of truth and partial reversal of this injustice (2 Sam 19:24-30), ultimately underscoring God's work in bringing justice to light.