King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:18 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:18 in the King James Version says “And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins appare... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 13:18 · KJV


Context

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.

20

And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house. Amnon: Heb. Aminon regard: Heb. set not thy heart desolate: Heb. and desolate


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
וְעָלֶ֙יהָ֙1 of 17
H5921

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

כְּתֹ֣נֶת2 of 17

And she had a garment

H3801

a shirt

פַּסִּ֔ים3 of 17

of divers colours

H6446

a long and sleeved tunic (perhaps simply a wide one; from the original sense of the root, i.e., of many breadths)

כִּי֩4 of 17
H3588

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

כֵ֨ן5 of 17
H3651

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

תִּלְבַּ֧שְׁןָ6 of 17

apparelled

H3847

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

בְנוֹת7 of 17

daughters

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ8 of 17

were the king's

H4428

a king

הַבְּתוּלֹ֖ת9 of 17

that were virgins

H1330

a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state

מְעִילִ֑ים10 of 17

upon her for with such robes

H4598

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

וַיֹּצֵ֨א11 of 17

brought

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אוֹתָ֤הּ12 of 17
H853

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

מְשָֽׁרְתוֹ֙13 of 17

Then his servant

H8334

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

הַח֔וּץ14 of 17

her out

H2351

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

וְנָעַ֥ל15 of 17

and bolted

H5274

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

הַדֶּ֖לֶת16 of 17

the door

H1817

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

אַֽחֲרֶֽיהָ׃17 of 17

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 13:18 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 13:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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