King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:1 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.”

2 Samuel 13:1 · KJV

Love

Context

1

And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.

2

And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her. Amnon thought: Heb. it was marvellous, or, hidden in the eyes of Amnon

3

But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Amnon and Tamar, emphasizing unresolved sin, family breakdown. Amnon's rape of Tamar and Absalom's revenge illustrate how unresolved sin metastasizes into family-wide dysfunction. David's failure to discipline Amnon (possibly from guilt over his own sexual sin) enabled further tragedy. Hebrew terminology emphasizes Tamar's desolation and Absalom's calculated hatred. The narrative demonstrates intergenerational sin consequences and the necessity of proper justice administration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 13 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding unresolved sin, family breakdown provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of unresolved sin, family breakdown?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַֽחֲרֵי2 of 14

“And it came to pass after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כֵ֗ן3 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

וּלְאַבְשָׁל֧וֹם4 of 14

“this that Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

בֶּן5 of 14

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

דָּוִֽד׃6 of 14

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָח֥וֹת7 of 14

“sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

יָפָ֖ה8 of 14

“had a fair”

H3303

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

וּשְׁמָ֣הּ9 of 14

“whose name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

תָּמָ֑ר10 of 14

“was Tamar”

H8559

tamar, the name of three women and a place

וַיֶּֽאֱהָבֶ֖הָ11 of 14

“loved”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אַמְנ֥וֹן12 of 14

“and Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

בֶּן13 of 14

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

דָּוִֽד׃14 of 14

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 13:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 13:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 3:92 Samuel 3:2-32 Samuel 13:151 Chronicles 3:22 Samuel 14:27Genesis 29:18

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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