צִיבָא (tsi.va)
tsi.va
Ziba
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Tsi(va) appears eleven times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the narrative of 2 Samuel. It identifies a specific historical figure: a servant of King Saul who later interacts with David and Mephibosheth. The lexicon data notes that the name translates to "statue" or "image," a meaning that stands out among personal names of the United Monarchy period.
Tsi(va) plays a crucial role in the political maneuvering surrounding Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. Initially presented as a loyal servant bringing provisions to David (2 Samuel 16:1), he later accuses his master of disloyalty to secure land for himself (2 Samuel 19:26-30). This shift reveals him not merely as a background character, but as a complex figure whose actions drive the tension in David’s court.
His story highlights themes of loyalty and betrayal during a time of national crisis. While his name suggests an image or representation, his actions reveal a man driven by self-interest rather than static fidelity. The biblical account uses his character to test the integrity of King David and to illustrate the fragile nature of political alliances in ancient Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tsi(va) means "statue" or "image," yet the man behind it was far from a static figure. In 2 Samuel, he appears as a servant of Saul’s house who interacts with King David and Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. His story is not one of unwavering loyalty, but of shifting allegiances driven by self-interest. When David fled Jerusalem, Ziba brought provisions, claiming Mephibosheth had stayed behind to reclaim the throne. This accusation led David to transfer all of Mephibosheth’s property to Ziba.
Later, when David returned, Mephibosheth explained he had been unable to join the king due to his disability and that Ziba had deceived him. The narrative leaves us with a complex picture of human nature: how fear and ambition can distort truth, even in those who claim service. It reminds us that appearances can be misleading, and that true loyalty is tested not just in words, but in consistent action.
This account invites reflection on our own hearts. We are all capable of rationalizing self-interest as piety or safety. The text does not excuse Ziba’s actions but presents them honestly, showing how easily trust can be broken by deceit. It challenges us to examine where our loyalties truly lie and to seek integrity even when it is difficult.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ziba11×
- to/ Ziba1×
- and/ [belonged] to/ Ziba1×
- [was] Ziba1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צִיבָא֙4×
- צִיבָ֛א2×
- צִיבָ֖א2×
- צִיבָ֔א2×
- צִיבָ֜א1×
- צִ֠יבָא1×
- לְ/צִבָ֔א1×
- וּ/לְ/צִיבָ֗א1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 9:2
There was of Saul’s house a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” He said, “I am your servant.”
This verse introduces Ziba as a servant of Saul’s house, establishing his connection to the former royal family and setting the stage for his role in David’s court.
-
II Samuel 16:3
The king said, “Where is your master’s son?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem; for he said, ‘Today the house of Israel will restore me the kingdom of my father.’”
Here Ziba accuses Mephibosheth of disloyalty, claiming he stayed in Jerusalem hoping to restore his father’s kingdom, which directly leads to the transfer of property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Tsi(va) mean?
Why did Ziba deceive David?
How does Ziba’s story affect our understanding of loyalty?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 1 books)
II Samuel 11 verses
There was of Saul’s house a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David; and the king said to him, “Are…
II Samuel 9:3The king said, “Is there not yet any of Saul’s house, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the…
II Samuel 9:4The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in…
II Samuel 9:9Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have…
II Samuel 9:10Till the land for him—you, your sons, and your servants. Bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have bread to…
II Samuel 9:11Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so your servant will do.” So…
II Samuel 9:12Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Mica. All who lived in Ziba’s house were servants to Mephibosheth.
II Samuel 16:1When David was a little past the top, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him with a couple of donkeys…
II Samuel 16:2The king said to Ziba, “What do you mean by these?” Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on;…
II Samuel 16:3The king said, “Where is your master’s son?” Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is staying in Jerusalem; for he said,…
II Samuel 16:4Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is yours.” Ziba said, “I bow down. Let me find…