Said: in some languages the verb here may be more naturally rendered by “answered” or “responded” in this context.

Do not fear: it was customary in the time of David for relatives of overthrown rulers to be put to death. And in view of the history of the relationship between David and Mephibosheth’s grandfather, Saul, Mephibosheth had every reason to be afraid. However, the positive association between David and Jonathan, Mephibosheth’s father, proved to be more important than the conflict between David and Saul.

I will show you kindness: the keyword kindness is repeated here (see verses 1 and 3). Note that New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh in all three cases uses the expression “keep faith with.” And the verbal expression is actually one that is emphatic. Both King James Version and Goldman have “I will surely show thee kindness,” and Fox says “for I will show, yes, show you loyalty.”

Restore: while the verb used here means “give back,” David was not actually giving land back that Mephibosheth himself had owned beforehand. The previous possession goes back to Saul, his grandfather. For this reason it may not be possible in certain languages to use a verb like “restore” or “give back.” Rather it will be more natural to say simply “give.” This was, in fact, a royal grant, since the king had the authority to give but also to take back again (compare 16.4).

Saul your father: the Hebrew for father could also refer to “ancestor.” Saul was actually the grandfather of Mephibosheth, and this should probably be made clear in translation as has been done in New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New International Version, New Revised Standard Version, and Revised English Bible, as well as in Good News Translation.

Eat at my table: literally “eat bread at my table.” In addition to restoring the property of the house of Saul, Mephibosheth was also invited to be a guest at meals with the king, which was a special privilege (compare 1 Kgs 2.7; 18.19; 2 Kgs 25.27-29). It is not clear whether these words are to be understood literally or whether they mean “and you may live here with me at the palace!” (New Living Translation). Most translations give a rather literal translation of the Hebrew: “you yourself shall eat at my table always” (New Revised Standard Version) and “you will have a regular place at my table” (Revised English Bible).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .