King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:17 in the King James Version says “Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after h...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 13:17 · KJV

Context

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.

19

And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then he called his servant that ministered unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from me, and bolt the door after 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 · 14 words
וַיִּקְרָ֗א1 of 14

“Then he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶֽת2 of 14
H853

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

נַעֲרוֹ֙3 of 14

“his servant”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

מְשָׁ֣רְת֔וֹ4 of 14

“that ministered”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר5 of 14

“unto him and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שִׁלְחוּ6 of 14

“Put”

H7971

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

נָ֥א7 of 14
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶת8 of 14
H853

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

זֹ֛את9 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

מֵֽעָלַ֖י10 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַח֑וּצָה11 of 14

“now this woman out”

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

וּנְעֹ֥ל12 of 14

“from me and bolt”

H5274

properly, to fasten up, i.e., with a bar or cord; hence, to sandal, i.e., furnish with slippers

הַדֶּ֖לֶת13 of 14

“the door”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

אַֽחֲרֶֽיהָ׃14 of 14

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

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 13:17 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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