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 16:4KJV
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2 Samuel 16:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 16:4 mean?

2 Samuel 16:4 describes King David telling Ziba that everything belonging to Mephibosheth now belongs to Ziba. Ziba responds with deep respect, asking to remain in the king’s favor. The verse shows a transfer of property and status based on David’s decision during a moment of crisis.

In this scene, King David is fleeing Jerusalem because of Absalom’s rebellion. Ziba, who was a servant of Saul’s family, meets David with supplies and claims that Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son) has stayed behind, hoping to reclaim Saul’s throne. David, trusting Ziba’s words, gives Mephibosheth’s possessions to Ziba. Ziba’s reply is formal and humble, expressing gratitude and a desire to please the king.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 16:4

  • חֵן (ḥen, “grace”): This word means favor or kindness. Ziba’s request to “find grace” in David’s sight is a way of asking for continued goodwill and acceptance from the king.
  • שָׁחָה (shachah, “humbly”): The word used here often means to bow down or show deep respect. Ziba’s posture and words together emphasize his submission and gratitude toward David.
  • עַיִן (ayin, “sight”): When Ziba asks to find grace “in thy sight,” the phrase means to be viewed favorably by the king, not just physically seen but approved and accepted.

Why 2 Samuel 16:4 matters

  • This verse shows how quickly decisions could be made based on trust or appearances during times of political upheaval, especially when David is vulnerable and on the run.
  • The exchange highlights the importance of loyalty and the risks of relying on one person’s report without hearing both sides; later in the story, it becomes clear that Ziba’s account may not have been entirely truthful.
  • The verse also connects to the wider theme of shifting fortunes and loyalties in David’s reign, as those around him try to secure their own positions during uncertain times.

Where else these words appear

“Ziba” Hebrew H6717 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 9:2 And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he.
  • 2 Samuel 9:10 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.
  • 2 Samuel 16:2 And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

“Mephibosheth” Hebrew H4648 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Samuel 4:4 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.
  • 2 Samuel 9:12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.
  • 2 Samuel 19:25 And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?

“grace” Hebrew H2580 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
  • Numbers 11:11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?
  • Esther 8:5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces: