2 Samuel 16:2
2 Samuel 16:2 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ziba explains that the gifts are to carry, feed, and refresh David's weary household.
What Does 2 Samuel 16:2 Mean?
David asks the plain question, what do you mean by these? Ziba answers point by point: the donkeys to carry the household, the food for the young men, the wine for any who grow faint along the desert way.
Every item is matched to a need, and the wilderness is named as a place of weariness. Scripture honors such practical mercy, the cup of cold water given to the fainting. Even so, words of service can mask a deeper aim, and the king must soon weigh the heart behind the gift.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 16:2
What does 2 Samuel 16:2 mean?
Ziba explains that the gifts are to carry, feed, and refresh David's weary household.