Who Was Mephibosheth in the Bible?
Who Was Mephibosheth in the Bible? Mephibosheth was the disabled son of Jonathan whom King David welcomed to his table out of covenant love for his father, demonstrating grace to the house of Saul.
Key verse: 2 Samuel 4:4 (KJV)
Mephibosheth was the disabled son of Jonathan whom King David welcomed to his table out of covenant love for his father, demonstrating grace to the house of Saul.
Mephibosheth was the disabled son of Jonathan whom King David welcomed to his table out of covenant love for his father, demonstrating grace to the house of Saul.
"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 4:4 (KJV)
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The Biblical Answer
Mephibosheth's story is one of the most beautiful pictures of grace in the Old Testament — a crippled outcast brought from obscurity to the king's table, not because of his merit but because of a covenant made with his father. He was the son of Jonathan and the grandson of Saul. When Saul and Jonathan died at Gilboa, Mephibosheth was five years old. His nurse picked him up and fled in terror, and in her haste he fell and became lame in both feet — a disability that would define his life. He was hidden in the house of Machir in Lo-debar, a remote place on the east side of the Jordan, living in obscurity with no expectation of ever returning to prominence. David, after securing his kingdom, asked, 'Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake?' He summoned Ziba, Saul's servant, who informed him of Mephibosheth's existence. David sent for him, and Mephibosheth came before the king and fell on his face in reverence. David's first words to him were astonishing: 'Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.' Mephibosheth responded with humility: 'What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?' David restored Saul's estate to him and appointed Ziba and his sons as servants. From that day, Mephibosheth ate at David's table like one of the king's sons. During Absalom's rebellion, Ziba falsely accused Mephibosheth of staying behind to claim the kingdom. David, believing the lie, gave all Mephibosheth's property to Ziba. When David returned to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth met him with an unkempt appearance, having mourned the king's exile. He did not complain about Ziba's betrayal but simply rejoiced in David's return. David, unable to determine the truth, divided the land between Ziba and Mephibosheth. But Mephibosheth magnanimously replied, 'Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come in peace unto his own house.' Mephibosheth is a type of every believer — spiritually crippled by sin, hidden in obscurity, summoned by grace to the King's table, and accepted not by merit but by covenant love. His story foreshadows the gospel: we who were enemies and outcasts are welcomed to feast with Christ because of Another's covenant on our behalf.
Key Scripture References
"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."
"And Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came unto David, and fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually."
"So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
Who Was Jonathan in the Bible?
Jonathan was the courageous son of King Saul and the beloved friend of David, who chose loyalty to God's anointed over his own claim to the throne.
What Is Grace in the Bible?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — His free gift of salvation and blessing that we cannot earn through our own efforts.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
Who Was Abraham in the Bible?
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation, called by God from Ur of the Chaldees, and known as the 'father of faith.'
Who Was Moses?
Moses was the great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel who led the Exodus from Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God.
Deep Dive Commentary
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The answer above sits inside 2 Samuel. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 2 Samuel on day 85 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Who Was Mephibosheth in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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