King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:12 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:12 in the King James Version says “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 f...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 13:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 16 words
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 16

“And she answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ2 of 16
H0
אַל3 of 16
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

אָחִי֙4 of 16

“him Nay my brother”

H251

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

אַל5 of 16
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תְּעַנֵּ֔נִי6 of 16

“do not force”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

כִּ֛י7 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹֽא8 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַּעֲשֵׂ֖ה9 of 16

“do”

H6213

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

כֵ֖ן10 of 16

“me for no such thing ought”

H3651

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

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל11 of 16

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אַֽל12 of 16
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּעֲשֵׂ֖ה13 of 16

“do”

H6213

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

אֶת14 of 16
H853

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

הַנְּבָלָ֥ה15 of 16

“not thou this folly”

H5039

foolishness, i.e., (morally) wickedness; concretely, a crime; by extension, punishment

הַזֹּֽאת׃16 of 16
H2063

this (often used adverb)

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 13:12 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 13:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 19:23Leviticus 20:17Judges 20:6Genesis 34:7Leviticus 18:9Leviticus 18:11

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