King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:11 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:11 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 13:11 · KJV

Context

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

13

And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee.

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 11 words
וַתַּגֵּ֥שׁ1 of 11

“And when she had brought”

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

אֵלָ֖יו2 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֶֽאֱכֹ֑ל3 of 11

“them unto him to eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַיַּֽחֲזֶק4 of 11

“he took hold”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בָּהּ֙5 of 11
H0
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר6 of 11

“of her and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֔הּ7 of 11
H0
בּ֛וֹאִי8 of 11

“unto her Come”

H935

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

שִׁכְבִ֥י9 of 11

“lie”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עִמִּ֖י10 of 11
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲחוֹתִֽי׃11 of 11

“with me my sister”

H269

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

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 13:11 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 13:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 39:11-12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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