2 Samuel 9:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David asks again for any survivor that he may show 'the kindness of God,' and Ziba reveals that Jonathan has a surviving son who is lame.
What Does 2 Samuel 9:3 Mean?
David sharpens his earlier question, now calling the kindness he intends 'the kindness of God' -- mercy patterned after the LORD's own loyal love. Ziba answers that one heir remains: a son of Jonathan, crippled and hidden away. His lameness marks him as helpless, unable to claim or defend a thing.
The king seeks not the strong but the broken, and the broken one is exactly whom grace delights to find. 'The kindness of God' is the measure here -- not what the man deserves, but what God's own heart is like. Such mercy still seeks the lame and helpless to seat them in honor.
2 Samuel 9:3 in the Original Language
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים), 'God' -- the kindness David shows is 'of God,' patterned after the LORD's own merciful character.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 9:3
What does 2 Samuel 9:3 mean?
David asks again for any survivor that he may show 'the kindness of God,' and Ziba reveals that Jonathan has a surviving son who is lame.