2 Samuel 16:2
New International Version
The king asked Ziba, “Why have you brought these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and fruit are for the men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”

New Living Translation
“What are these for?” the king asked Ziba. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s people to ride on, and the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat. The wine is for those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”

English Standard Version
And the king said to Ziba, “Why have you brought these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who faint in the wilderness to drink.”

Berean Standard Bible
“Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And the king said to Ziba, “What do you mean to do with these?” So Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink.”

New American Standard Bible
And the king said to Ziba, “Why do you have these?” And Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine, for whoever is weary in the wilderness to drink.”

NASB 1995
The king said to Ziba, “Why do you have these?” And Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine, for whoever is faint in the wilderness to drink.”

NASB 1977
And the king said to Ziba, “Why do you have these?” And Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine, for whoever is faint in the wilderness to drink.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the king said to Ziba, “Why do you have these?” And Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine, for whoever is faint in the wilderness to drink.”

Amplified Bible
The king said to Ziba, “Why do you have these?” Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household (family) to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine is for anyone to drink who becomes weary in the wilderness.”

Christian Standard Bible
The king said to Ziba, “Why do you have these? ” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is for those to drink who become exhausted in the wilderness.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The king said to Ziba, “Why do you have these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is for those to drink who become exhausted in the desert."”

American Standard Version
And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses are 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 are faint in the wilderness may drink.

Contemporary English Version
"What's all this?" David asked. Ziba said, "The donkeys are for your family to ride. The bread and fruit are for the people to eat, and the wine is for them to drink in the desert when they are tired out."

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Why did you bring these?" David asked Ziba. "The donkeys are for the king's family to ride on," Ziba answered. "The bread and the ripe fruit are for [your] servants to eat. The wine is for those who become tired and thirsty in the desert."

Good News Translation
King David asked him, "What are you going to do with all that?" Ziba answered, "The donkeys are for Your Majesty's family to ride, the bread and the fruit are for the men to eat, and the wine is for them to drink when they get tired in the wilderness."

International Standard Version
The king asked Ziba, "What are those for?" Ziba replied, "The donkeys are for the king's household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for your young men to eat, and the wine is for whoever wants to drink if they get weary in the wilderness."

Majority Standard Bible
?Why do you have these?? asked the king. Ziba replied, ?The donkeys are for the king?s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.?

NET Bible
The king asked Ziba, "Why did you bring these things?" Ziba replied, "The donkeys are for the king's family to ride on, the loaves of bread and the summer fruit are for the attendants to eat, and the wine is for those who get exhausted in the desert."

New Heart English Bible
And the king said to Ziba, "Why did you bring these things?" And Ziba replied, ?The donkeys are for the king?s household to ride on, and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine is for those who get exhausted in the desert."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the king said to Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses are 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 are faint in the wilderness may drink.

World English Bible
The king said to Ziba, “What do you mean by these?” Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that those who are faint in the wilderness may drink.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the king says to Ziba, “What [are] these to you?” And Ziba says, “The donkeys for the household of the king to ride on, and the bread and the summer-fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for the wearied to drink in the wilderness.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the king saith unto Ziba, 'What -- these to thee?' and Ziba saith, 'The asses for the household of the king to ride on, and the bread and the summer-fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for the wearied to drink in the wilderness.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king will say to Ziba, What are these to thee? and Ziba will say, The asses for the house of the king to ride; and the bread and the fruits for the food of the boys, and the wine for the drinking of the faint in the desert.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king said to Siba: What mean these things? And Siba answered: The asses are for the king's household to sit on: and the loaves and the figs for thy servants to eat, and the wine to drink if any man be faint in the desert.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the king said to Ziba, “What do you intend to do with these things?” And Ziba responded: “The donkeys are for the household of the king, so that they may sit. And the loaves and dried figs are for your servants to eat. But the wine is for anyone to drink who may be faint in the desert.”

New American Bible
The king said to Ziba, “What are you doing with all this?” Ziba replied: “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on. The bread and summer fruits are for your servants to eat, and the wine to drink when they grow weary in the wilderness.”

New Revised Standard Version
The king said to Ziba, “Why have you brought these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine is for those to drink who faint in the wilderness.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the king said to Ziba, Where did you get these? Ziba said to him, The asses are to carry the burden of the king's household; and the bread and fig cakes are for the young men to eat, and the wine, that those who faint in the wilderness may drink.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The King said to Tsiba: “From where do you have these?” Tsiba said to the King: “The donkeys which carry the produce of the house of the King, and the bread and the cheese that the young Manservants may eat, and the wine that those who are weakened in the wilderness would drink
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the king said unto Ziba: 'What meanest thou by these?' And Ziba said: 'The asses are 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 are faint in the wilderness may drink.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king said to Siba, What meanest thou by these? and Siba, said, The asses are for the household of the king to sit upon, and the loaves and the dates are for the young men to eat, and the wine is for them that are faint in the wilderness to drink.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David and Ziba
1When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth was there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred clusters of raisins, a hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine. 2“Why do you have these?” asked the king. Ziba replied, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.” 3“Where is your master’s grandson?” asked the king. And Ziba answered, “Indeed, he is staying in Jerusalem, for he has said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore to me the kingdom of my grandfather.’ ”…

Cross References
Genesis 43:11
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.

1 Samuel 25:18
Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys

2 Samuel 17:27-29
When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. / They brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, as well as wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, / honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, “The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”

1 Kings 10:2
She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind.

1 Kings 4:22-23
Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal, / ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry.

1 Kings 17:12-16
But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.” / “Do not be afraid,” Elijah said to her. “Go and do as you have said. But first make me a small cake of bread from what you have, and bring it out to me. Afterward, make some for yourself and your son, / for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain upon the face of the earth.’” ...

2 Kings 4:42-44
Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD.

Nehemiah 5:18
Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some fowl were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all kinds of wine was provided. But I did not demand the food allotted to the governor, because the burden on the people was so heavy.

Proverbs 18:16
A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.

Isaiah 55:1-2
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.

Matthew 10:42
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.”

Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...

Mark 6:41-44
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, Jesus spoke a blessing and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to His disciples to set before the people. And He divided the two fish among them all. / They all ate and were satisfied, / and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. ...

Luke 9:13-17
But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.” / (There were about five thousand men.) He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” / They did so, and everyone was seated. ...

Luke 10:34-35
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. / The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’


Treasury of Scripture

And the king said to Ziba, What mean you 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.

What meanest

Genesis 21:29
And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

Ezekiel 37:18
And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?

2 Samuel 15:1
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

for the young

1 Samuel 25:27
And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord.

that such

2 Samuel 15:23
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

2 Samuel 17:29
And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

Judges 8:4,5
And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them

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Asses Bread Donkeys Drink Eat Faint Fruit Household King's Mean Meanest Ride Summer Wilderness Wine Young Ziba
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Asses Bread Donkeys Drink Eat Faint Fruit Household King's Mean Meanest Ride Summer Wilderness Wine Young Ziba
2 Samuel 16
1. Ziba, by presents and false suggestions, obtains his master's inheritance
5. At Bahurim, Shimei curses David
9. David with patience abstains, and restrains others, from revenge
15. Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsel
20. Ahithophel's counsel














The king asked Ziba
This phrase introduces us to a moment of inquiry and discernment. The king, David, is in a vulnerable position, fleeing from his son Absalom. The Hebrew root for "asked" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies a seeking or inquiring, often used in contexts where wisdom and discernment are necessary. David's question to Ziba reflects his need to understand the intentions behind the provisions offered. In a broader spiritual sense, this can remind believers of the importance of seeking God's wisdom in times of uncertainty.

Why do you have these?
This question highlights David's cautious nature. The phrase "these" refers to the provisions Ziba brought. In the historical context, David's inquiry is crucial as he navigates betrayal and loyalty. The question underscores the need for discernment in leadership, especially when faced with unexpected generosity. It serves as a reminder to Christians to question the motives behind actions and to seek God's guidance in interpreting the intentions of others.

Ziba answered
Ziba's response is immediate and seemingly straightforward. The Hebrew root for "answered" (עָנָה, anah) can also mean to respond or testify. This suggests that Ziba's words are not just a reply but a testimony of his intentions. In the narrative, Ziba's answer is pivotal, as it sets the stage for future events. For believers, this can be a reminder of the power of words and the importance of integrity in our testimonies.

The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride
This phrase indicates provision and support. Donkeys, in ancient Israel, were valuable for transportation and carrying burdens. The mention of "the king’s household" signifies care for the entire royal family, not just David. This act of service can be seen as a gesture of loyalty. Spiritually, it reflects the Christian call to serve and support one another, especially in times of trial.

the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat
Bread and summer fruit symbolize sustenance and refreshment. In the Hebrew context, bread is a staple, representing life and provision, while summer fruit, likely figs or raisins, signifies abundance and blessing. The "young men" refer to David's loyal followers, highlighting the importance of community and fellowship. This provision can inspire believers to offer practical support to those in need, embodying Christ's love through acts of kindness.

and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness
Wine, in biblical times, was often used for refreshment and medicinal purposes. The phrase "to refresh" (לְהָשִׁיב, lehashiv) implies restoration and renewal. The "wilderness" represents a place of trial and testing, much like the spiritual deserts believers may face. This provision of wine symbolizes the rejuvenating power of God's grace, encouraging Christians to find strength and renewal in Him during life's challenges.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Why
מָה־ (māh-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

do you have these?”
אֵ֣לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

said
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the king
הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Ziba.
צִיבָ֖א (ṣî·ḇā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6717: Ziba -- a servant in Saul's house

Ziba
צִ֠יבָא (ṣî·ḇā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6717: Ziba -- a servant in Saul's house

replied,
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“The donkeys
הַחֲמוֹרִ֨ים (ha·ḥă·mō·w·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2543: A male ass

are for the king’s
הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

household
לְבֵית־ (lə·ḇêṯ-)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

to ride,
לִרְכֹּ֗ב (lir·kōḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7392: To ride, to place upon, to despatch

the bread
וְהַלֶּ֤חֶם (wə·hal·le·ḥem)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

and summer fruit
וְהַקַּ֙יִץ֙ (wə·haq·qa·yiṣ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7019: To awake

are for the young men
הַנְּעָרִ֔ים (han·nə·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

to eat,
לֶאֱכ֣וֹל (le·’ĕ·ḵō·wl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398: To eat

and the wine
וְהַיַּ֕יִן (wə·hay·ya·yin)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3196: Wine, intoxication

is to refresh those
לִשְׁתּ֥וֹת (liš·tō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

who become exhausted
הַיָּעֵ֖ף (hay·yā·‘êp̄)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 3287: Fatigued, exhausted

in the wilderness.”
בַּמִּדְבָּֽר׃ (bam·miḏ·bār)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech


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OT History: 2 Samuel 16:2 The king said to Ziba What do (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 16:1
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