The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

2 Samuel 9

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Nevi'im — the Prophets

2 Samuel chapter 9 — part of the Nevi'im — the Prophets in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “And David said: 'Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?'” — the complete text of all 13 verses is below, free to read online.

1And David said: 'Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?'

2Now there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him unto David; and the king said unto him: 'Art thou Ziba?' And he said: 'Thy servant is he.'

3And the king said: 'Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of G-d unto him?' And Ziba said unto the king: 'Jonathan hath yet a son, who is lame on his feet.'

4And the king said unto him: 'Where is he?' And Ziba said unto the king: 'Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.'

5Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar.

6And Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came unto David, and fell on his face, and prostrated himself. And David said: 'Mephibosheth!' And he answered: 'Behold thy servant!'

7And David said unto him: 'Fear not; for I will surely show 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.'

8And he bowed down, and said: 'What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?'

9Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him: 'All that pertained to Saul and to all his house have I given unto thy master's son.

10And 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.

11Then said Ziba unto the king: 'According to all that my lord the king commandeth his servant, so shall thy servant do; but Mephibosheth eateth at my table as one of the king's sons.'

12Now Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.

13But Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem; for he did eat continually at the king's table; and he was lame on both his feet.

13 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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