King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:15 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:15 in the King James Version says “Then Amnon hated her exceedingly ; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Amnon hated her exceedingly ; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone. exceedingly: Heb. with great hatred greatly”

2 Samuel 13:15 · KJV

Love

Context

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.

15

Then Amnon hated her exceedingly ; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone. exceedingly: Heb. with great hatred greatly

16

And she said unto him, There is no cause: this evil in sending me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. But he would not hearken unto her.

17

Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after her.

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 18 words
שְׂנֵאָ֔הּ1 of 18

“hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

אַמְנ֖וֹן2 of 18

“Then Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

הַשִּׂנְאָה֙3 of 18

“so that the hatred”

H8135

hate

גְדוֹלָ֗ה4 of 18

“her was greater”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

מְאֹ֔ד5 of 18

“her exceedingly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

כִּ֣י6 of 18
H3588

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

גְדוֹלָ֗ה7 of 18

“her was greater”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

הַשִּׂנְאָה֙8 of 18

“so that the hatred”

H8135

hate

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 18
H834

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

שְׂנֵאָ֔הּ10 of 18

“hated”

H8130

to hate (personally)

מֵֽאַהֲבָ֖ה11 of 18

“than the love”

H160

love

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 18
H834

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

אֲהֵבָ֑הּ13 of 18

“wherewith he had loved”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

וַֽיֹּאמֶר14 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָ֥הּ15 of 18
H0
אַמְנ֖וֹן16 of 18

“Then Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

ק֥וּמִי17 of 18

“unto her Arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לֵֽכִי׃18 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, 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 13:15 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 13:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 23:17

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