King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:16 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:16 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 13:16 · KJV

Context

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.

18

And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 said”

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

אוֹדֹ֞ת4 of 16

“unto him There is no cause”

H182

turnings (i.e., occasions); (adverb) on account of

הָֽרָעָ֤ה5 of 16

“this evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

הַגְּדוֹלָה֙6 of 16

“is greater”

H1419

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

הַזֹּ֔את7 of 16
H2063

this (often used adverb)

מֵֽאַחֶ֛רֶת8 of 16

“than the other”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

אֲשֶׁר9 of 16
H834

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

עָשִׂ֥יתָ10 of 16

“that thou didst”

H6213

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

עִמִּ֖י11 of 16
H5973

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

לְשַׁלְּחֵ֑נִי12 of 16

“in sending me away”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וְלֹ֥א13 of 16
H3808

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

אָבָ֖ה14 of 16

“unto me But he would”

H14

to breathe after, i.e., (figuratively) to be acquiescent

לִשְׁמֹ֥עַֽ15 of 16

“not hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לָֽהּ׃16 of 16
H0

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 13:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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