2 Samuel 19 30

2 Samuel 19:30 kjv

And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

2 Samuel 19:30 nkjv

Then Mephibosheth said to the king, "Rather, let him take it all, inasmuch as my lord the king has come back in peace to his own house."

2 Samuel 19:30 niv

Mephibosheth said to the king, "Let him take everything, now that my lord the king has returned home safely."

2 Samuel 19:30 esv

And Mephibosheth said to the king, "Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home."

2 Samuel 19:30 nlt

"Give him all of it," Mephibosheth said. "I am content just to have you safely back again, my lord the king!"

2 Samuel 19 verses

2 Samuel 19 30 Meaning

2 Samuel 19:30 conveys Mephibosheth's profound loyalty and selflessness towards King David. After King David returns to Jerusalem following Absalom's rebellion, Mephibosheth declares that Ziba can take all his property, as his greatest joy and only concern is the safe return of his lord, the King, to his rightful place. This statement serves as an ultimate vindication of Mephibosheth's true allegiance, discrediting Ziba's prior false accusations and revealing the purity of Mephibosheth's heart which prioritized David's well-being over personal wealth.

2 Samuel 19 30 Context

2 Samuel 19:30 takes place during King David's return to Jerusalem after his son Absalom's rebellion has been quelled. David is on his way back, and various individuals come to greet him, including those who had been loyal and those who had betrayed him. Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson, presents himself to David in a state of dishevelment (untrimmed beard, unwashed clothes), demonstrating his mourning during David's absence. This verse is Mephibosheth's final response to David's question (verse 29) about why he didn't join David earlier. Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, had previously lied to David (2 Sam 16:1-4), accusing Mephibosheth of hoping for the kingdom's return to Saul's house. David's prior decision to divide Mephibosheth's land between him and Ziba (19:29) sets the stage for Mephibosheth's profound, selfless declaration here. The historical context underscores the complexities of loyalty and betrayal within David's court, particularly as David sought to re-establish his rule.

2 Samuel 19 30 Word analysis

• And Mephibosheth: (וּמְפִיבֹשֶׁת - U-Mefīvošēt)

  • The conjunction "And" connects this statement directly to the preceding dialogue.
  • "Mephibosheth" means "from the mouth of shame" or "dispeller of shame." He is the crippled son of Jonathan, granted mercy and a place at David's table (2 Sam 9:7). His appearance here, unkempt and ready to explain, highlights his desperate need to clear his name.

• said to the king, (אָמַר אֶל-הַמֶּלֶךְ - ʾāmar ʾel-hammeleḵ)

  • Direct address to "the king" shows respect and direct engagement with David's authority. It emphasizes the hierarchical relationship and Mephibosheth's reverence for David.

• "Indeed, (הֵן - hēn)

  • An emphatic particle, often translated as "behold," "indeed," or "truly." It highlights the earnestness and certainty of Mephibosheth's following statement. It functions like "let him" or "it is fine for him to..."

• let him take everything, (יִקַּח הַכֹּל - yiqqaḥ hak-kol)

  • "Let him take" (יִקַּח - yiqqaḥ) is the third-person masculine singular imperfect form of the verb "to take" (לָקַח - lāqaḥ), often expressing a permissive or optative sense. It clearly refers to Ziba, though his name is not repeated, as he was the subject of the previous verses regarding the property.
  • "Everything" (הַכֹּל - hak-kol) denotes Mephibosheth's entire inheritance and possessions. This demonstrates a complete surrender of his material claims. This word also contrasts with David's proposal to split it "half" (19:29).

• since my lord the king (כִּי-בָא אֲדֹנִי הַמֶּלֶךְ - kî-ḇāʾ ʾăḏonî ham-meleḵ)

  • "Since" (כִּי - kî) explains the reason or cause for his indifference to his possessions. It means "because" or "for the reason that."
  • "My lord the king" is a deferential and respectful title, reiterating Mephibosheth's profound submission and allegiance to David.

• has come safely to his house." (בְּשָׁלוֹם אֶל-בֵּיתוֹ - bə-šālōm ʾel-bêṯô)

  • "Safely" (בְּשָׁלוֹם - bə-šālōm), meaning "in peace," "in health," "wholly," or "intact." This term, derived from shalem, signifies David's successful and peaceful return, having overcome the rebellion.
  • "To his house" (ʾel-bêṯô) refers to the royal palace in Jerusalem, symbolizing the restoration of David's reign and order.
  • The phrase emphasizes Mephibosheth's singular focus on David's well-being and established authority. His peace and joy come not from property, but from the restoration of his King.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Indeed, let him take everything": This phrase encapsulates Mephibosheth's radical renunciation of personal gain. It directly contradicts the mercenary motive implied by Ziba's accusations, presenting a profound contrast between genuine loyalty and self-serving ambition. It reveals a spirit that places ultimate value on relationships and principle over material wealth, a theme resonated throughout scripture.
  • "since my lord the king has come safely to his house": This clause provides the overriding reason for Mephibosheth's indifference to material loss. It signifies that David's safe return and restoration to his throne are paramount in Mephibosheth's eyes, far outweighing any personal inconvenience or financial loss. This demonstrates his heart's true devotion, celebrating the restoration of legitimate authority and order over his own possessions.

2 Samuel 19 30 Bonus section

Mephibosheth's gesture can be seen as foreshadowing spiritual principles where temporal concerns are subordinate to divine restoration. His limp feet symbolize humanity's inability to 'stand on its own,' yet being brought into the King's presence by grace (2 Sam 9). His surrender of material wealth for the King's presence reflects the disciple's call to forsake all for Christ (Lk 14:33). Just as Mephibosheth celebrated David's secure return, so too is the believer's greatest joy the secure reign of King Jesus and His eventual return, making all earthly concerns pale in comparison. This verse, therefore, illustrates the priority of a devoted heart above any earthly estate, emphasizing the lasting joy found in the triumph and peace of God's anointed one.

2 Samuel 19 30 Commentary

2 Samuel 19:30 is a powerful testament to unfeigned loyalty and selflessness. Mephibosheth, previously slandered by Ziba and consequently half-dispossessed, utterly dismisses his personal loss when confronted with David's question. His joy at David's safe return overwhelms any concern for his material inheritance. This single declaration serves as his true defense, demonstrating that his heart's allegiance rested with the King, not with property or the prospect of an overturned dynasty. His attitude is one of deep relief and profound adoration for David's reinstated leadership. It showcases a character valuing spiritual peace (David's restoration) over earthly possession, fulfilling the covenant of kindness David had shown him because of Jonathan. It teaches that true devotion is not conditional on personal benefit or earthly status, but finds its deepest satisfaction in the well-being and victory of the beloved ruler.