2 Samuel 9:8

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 9:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he did obeisance, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he did obeisance, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?
2 Samuel 9:8 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And he did obeisance, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he bowed himself, etc.] In token of gratitude, and as a sign of humility, and of the sense he had of his unworthiness to enjoy such a favour: and said, what [is] thy servant, that thou shouldest look on such a dead dog as I [am]? one so mean, and base, and worthless; which he might say with respect to the infirmities of his body, the rejection of his family by the Lord, their attainder of high treason for rebellion against David, and the low circumstances he was brought into and now under; though one of the royal family, the son of a prince, and grandson of a king; such was his humility, and the sense he had of his being undeserving of any favour from the king, and says this with…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Mephibosheth’s humility of expression, even in the mouth of an Oriental, is painful. It was perhaps in part the result of his helpless lameness, and of the other misfortunes of his life. A dead dog - The wild dogs of the East, which still abound in every town, are the natural objects of contempt and dislike. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Bowed himself - It is good to have the heart humbled under humbling providences. If when divine providence brings our condition down, divine grace brings our spirits down, we shall be easy. Next: 2 Kings (2 Samuel) Chapter 10”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“9:8 a dead dog like me: Mephibosheth knew that anyone with a possible claim to the throne might be killed as a threat.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“a dead dog: Sa2 3:8, Sa2 16:9; Sa1 24:14, Sa1 24:15, Sa1 26:20; Mat 15:26, Mat 15:27 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 9:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification