2 Samuel 9:8
New International Version
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?”

New Living Translation
Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”

English Standard Version
And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”

Berean Standard Bible
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?”

King James Bible
And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?

New King James Version
Then he bowed himself, and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?”

New American Standard Bible
Again he prostrated himself, and said, “What is your servant, that you should be concerned about a dead dog like me?”

NASB 1995
Again he prostrated himself and said, “What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?”

NASB 1977
Again he prostrated himself and said, “What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?”

Legacy Standard Bible
So he prostrated himself and said, “What is your servant, that you should regard a dead dog like me?”

Amplified Bible
Again Mephibosheth lay himself face down and said, “What is your servant, that you would be concerned for a dead dog like me?”

Christian Standard Bible
Mephibosheth paid homage and said, “What is your servant that you take an interest in a dead dog like me? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant that you take an interest in a dead dog like me?”

American Standard Version
And he did obeisance, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?

Contemporary English Version
Mephibosheth knelt down again and said, "Why should you care about me? I'm worth no more than a dead dog."

English Revised Version
And he did obeisance, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Mephibosheth bowed down [again] and answered, "Who am I that you would look at a dead dog like me?"

Good News Translation
Mephibosheth bowed again and said, "I am no better than a dead dog, sir! Why should you be so good to me?"

International Standard Version
Mephibosheth bowed low again and asked, "Who am I, your servant, that you would pay attention to a dead dog like me?"

Majority Standard Bible
Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?”

NET Bible
Then Mephibosheth bowed and said, "Of what importance am I, your servant, that you show regard for a dead dog like me?"

New Heart English Bible
He bowed down, and said, "What is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am?

World English Bible
He bowed down, and said, “What is your servant, that you should look at such a dead dog as I am?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he bows himself and says, “What [is] your servant, that you have turned to the dead dog—such as I?”

Young's Literal Translation
And he boweth himself, and saith, 'What is thy servant, that thou hast turned unto the dead dog -- such as I?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will worship him and say, What is thy servant that thou didst look to a dead dog which is like me?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He bowed down to him, and said: Who am I thy servant, that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And reverencing him, he said, “Who am I, your servant, that you should look with favor upon a dead dog like me?”

New American Bible
Bowing low, he answered, “What am I, your servant, that you should pay attention to a dead dog like me?”

New Revised Standard Version
He did obeisance and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon a dead dog such as I?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he bowed himself and said, What is your servant, that you should look upon me? For I am like a dead dog.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he worshiped and he said: “What is your Servant that you have looked at me, for I am as a dead dog!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he bowed down, and said: 'What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Memphibosthe did obeisance, and said, Who am I thy servant, that thou hast looked upon a dead dog like me?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David and Mephibosheth
7“Do not be afraid,” said David, “for surely I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” 8Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog like me?” 9Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said to him, “I have given to your master’s grandson all that belonged to Saul and to all his house.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 7:18
Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?

1 Samuel 18:23
But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.”

2 Samuel 16:4
So the king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I humbly bow before you,” said Ziba. “May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king!”

2 Kings 8:13
“But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram.”

1 Chronicles 17:16
Then King David went in, sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far?

1 Samuel 24:14
Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?

2 Samuel 19:28
For all the house of my grandfather deserves death from my lord the king, yet you have set your servant among those who eat at your table. What further right, then, do I have to keep appealing to the king?”

1 Samuel 9:21
Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?”

2 Samuel 7:19
And as if this was a small thing in Your eyes, O Lord GOD, You have also spoken about the future of the house of Your servant. Is this Your custom with man, O Lord GOD?

1 Kings 3:7
And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.

Luke 15:19
I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’

Matthew 15:27
“Yes, Lord,” she said, “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

Luke 7:6-7
So Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends with the message: “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. / That is why I did not consider myself worthy to come to You. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Matthew 8:8
The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

Philippians 2:7
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.


Treasury of Scripture

And he bowed himself, and said, What is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?

a dead dog

2 Samuel 3:8
Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head, which against Judah do shew kindness this day unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, and to his friends, and have not delivered thee into the hand of David, that thou chargest me to day with a fault concerning this woman?

2 Samuel 16:9
Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.

1 Samuel 24:14,15
After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea…

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Bowed Boweth Dead Dog Face Mephibosheth Note Notice Obeisance Prostrated Regard Servant Shouldest Shouldst Turned
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Bowed Boweth Dead Dog Face Mephibosheth Note Notice Obeisance Prostrated Regard Servant Shouldest Shouldst Turned
2 Samuel 9
1. David by Ziba sends for Mephibosheth
7. For Jonathan's sake he restores to him all that was Saul's
9. He makes Ziba his farmer














Mephibosheth bowed down
The act of bowing down in ancient Near Eastern culture was a gesture of deep respect and submission. The Hebrew root for "bowed down" is "שָׁחָה" (shachah), which often implies worship or reverence. Mephibosheth's physical posture reflects his humility and recognition of King David's authority. In a spiritual sense, this act can be seen as a model for believers, illustrating the importance of approaching God with humility and reverence.

and said
The phrase "and said" introduces Mephibosheth's response, indicating a verbal acknowledgment of his position and feelings. In the Hebrew text, the verb "אָמַר" (amar) is used, which is a common term for speaking or declaring. This highlights the importance of verbal confession in expressing one's heart and mind, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture.

What is your servant
Here, Mephibosheth refers to himself as "your servant," using the Hebrew word "עֶבֶד" (eved), which denotes a servant or slave. This self-identification underscores his recognition of his lowly status in comparison to King David. It also reflects a broader biblical theme of servanthood, where true greatness is found in serving others, as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

that you should show such kindness
The word "kindness" is translated from the Hebrew "חֶסֶד" (chesed), a term rich with meaning, often translated as loving-kindness, mercy, or steadfast love. It is a covenantal term that describes God's loyal love and faithfulness. David's kindness to Mephibosheth is a reflection of God's own chesed, demonstrating grace and favor to those who may not deserve it.

to a dead dog like me
The phrase "dead dog" is a self-deprecating metaphor used by Mephibosheth to express his sense of worthlessness and insignificance. In the ancient world, dogs were often seen as unclean and despised animals, and a "dead dog" would be even more contemptible. This expression highlights Mephibosheth's humility and his astonishment at the grace shown to him. It serves as a powerful reminder of the grace of God, who lifts the lowly and grants them honor and dignity.

Verse 8. - A dead dog. At first sight this extreme self-humiliation makes us look on Mephibosheth as a poor creature, whom early misfortune and personal deformity had combined to depress But really this is to impose on an Oriental hyperbole a Western exactness of meaning. When in the East your entertainer assures you that everything he has to his last dirhem is yours, he nevertheless expects you to pay twice the value foreverything you consume; but he makes his exaction pleasant by his extreme courtliness. So Ephron offered his cave at Machpelah to Abraham as a free gift, but he took care to obtain for it an exorbitant price (Genesis 23:11, 15). Mephibosheth described himself in terms similar to those used by David of himself to Saul (1 Samuel 24:14); but he meant no more than to express great gratitude, and also to acknowledge the disparity of rank between him and the king.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Mephibosheth bowed down
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֕חוּ (way·yiš·ta·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate

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

“What
מֶ֣ה (meh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

is your servant,
עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ (‘aḇ·de·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

that
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you should show regard
פָנִ֔יתָ (p̄ā·nî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look

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

a dead
הַמֵּ֖ת (ham·mêṯ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

dog
הַכֶּ֥לֶב (hak·ke·leḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3611: A dog, a male prostitute

like me?”
כָּמֽוֹנִי׃ (kā·mō·w·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 3644: Like, as, when


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OT History: 2 Samuel 9:8 He did obeisance and said What (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 9:7
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