King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:10 in the King James Version says “And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.”

2 Samuel 13:10 · KJV

Context

8

So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes. flour: or, paste

9

And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.

10

And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.

11

And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.

12

And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. force: Heb. humble me no such: Heb. it ought not so to be done

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.

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 · 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְאַמְנ֥וֹן2 of 19

“And Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תָּמָ֗ר4 of 19

“And Tamar”

H8559

tamar, the name of three women and a place

וַתָּבֵ֛א5 of 19

“Bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַבִּרְיָה֙6 of 19

“the meat”

H1279

food

הֶחָֽדְרָה׃7 of 19

“into the chamber”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

וְאֶבְרֶ֖ה8 of 19

“that I may eat”

H1262

to select; to feed; to render clear

מִיָּדֵ֑ךְ9 of 19

“of thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַתִּקַּ֣ח10 of 19

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

תָּמָ֗ר11 of 19

“And Tamar”

H8559

tamar, the name of three women and a place

אֶת12 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַלְּבִבוֹת֙13 of 19

“the cakes”

H3834

a cake (either as fried or turned)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֔תָה15 of 19

“which she had made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וַתָּבֵ֛א16 of 19

“Bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְאַמְנ֥וֹן17 of 19

“And Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

אָחִ֖יהָ18 of 19

“her brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הֶחָֽדְרָה׃19 of 19

“into the chamber”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

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 13:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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