📖 Biblical Definition
Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul — lamed in both feet at age five when his nurse fled with him at the news of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths at Mount Gilboa (2 Samuel 4:4). He grew up hidden in Lo-debar ("no pasture") under the patron Machir. Years later, David, having consolidated 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?" (2 Samuel 9:1). Mephibosheth was sought out and given a permanent seat at the king’s table — and the restored estate of Saul. The story preaches the gospel: a lame, hidden son of a fallen line is sought out by the King for the sake of His Son, and brought to the table forever.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Mephibosheth — the lame son of Jonathan, shown kindness by David.
expand to see more
Mephibosheth was the last surviving son of Jonathan, hidden in Lo-debar ('no pasture') lest the new dynasty exterminate him. David, remembering his covenant with Jonathan, restored Saul's lands to him and seated him at the royal table continually, 'as one of the king's sons.'
📖 Key Scripture
2 Samuel 4:4 — "He fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth."
2 Samuel 9:7 — "I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake."
2 Samuel 9:8 — "What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?"
2 Samuel 9:13 — "So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Reduced to a sweet illustration; the covenant logic and the dead-dog confession are missed.
expand to see more
No major postmodern redefinition of this figure. The risk is simply that they fade from common Christian vocabulary, and the lessons their life teaches fade with them. Recover the figure to recover the lesson.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Mephivosheth — possibly 'from the mouth of shame' or 'exterminator of shame.'
expand to see more
H4648 — Mephivosheth — Mephibosheth
H2617 — chesed — covenant kindness, lovingkindness
H1241 — baqar — to seek out, attend to
Usage
"A dead dog at the king's table is the gospel in one verse."
"Lo-debar means no pasture; grace finds you there and brings you home."
"David sought him for Jonathan's sake; the Father seeks us for the Son's."