Lexical Definition

‎צִיבָא‎ Tsîybâʼ (tsee-baw') Ziba ^N:N-M-P
from the same as ‎צוֹבָא‎; station

Ziba.

• § Ziba = "statue"
• Tsiba, an Israelite

1) a servant of Saul whom David made steward of Jonathan's son Mephibosheth

Extended Information

• A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.9.2

Brown-Driver-Briggs

‎צִיבָא‎ and (2Sam 16:4) ‎צִבָא‎₁₆ proper name, masculine Σ(ε)ιβα: servant of Saul's house, 2Sam 9:2 (twice in verse) + 14 t. 9, 16, 19.

Brown-Driver-Briggs References

Profile

Male • David's compatriot • Servant of Saul's household, later served David

David's compatriot living at the time of United Monarchy

Ziba, a servant of Saul's household, became a servant of David and played a role in the conflict between David and Mephibosheth (2Sa.9.2,2,3,4,9,10,11,12; 16.1,2,2,3,4,4; 19.17,29).

• David's compatriot living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.9.2;
• only referred to as Ziba צִיבָא.

Ziba was a servant of Saul's household who later became a servant of King David. He first appears in the narrative when David inquires about any remaining members of Saul's family to whom he can show kindness. Ziba informs David about Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who was lame in both feet. David grants Mephibosheth all of Saul's land and appoints Ziba, along with his fifteen sons and twenty servants, to manage the property on Mephibosheth's behalf. Later, during Absalom's rebellion, Ziba meets David with supplies and falsely claims that Mephibosheth had hoped to regain the kingdom. David then grants Ziba all of Mephibosheth's possessions. After Absalom's death, when David returns to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth explains that Ziba had deceived him, and David divides the land between Ziba and Mephibosheth. Ziba's actions throughout the story suggest that he was an opportunist seeking to gain favor and wealth through his service to the king.

All entries for Ziba: צִיבָא