King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:2 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:2 in the King James Version says “And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her. Amnon thought: Heb. it was marvellous, or, hidden in the eyes of Amnon”

2 Samuel 13:2 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.

2

And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her. Amnon thought: Heb. it was marvellous, or, hidden in the eyes of Amnon

3

But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.

4

And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister. lean: Heb. thin from day: Heb. morning by morning

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to 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 · 15 words
וַיֵּ֨צֶר1 of 15

“was so vexed”

H3334

to press (intransitive), i.e., be narrow; figuratively, be in distress

אַמְנ֔וֹן2 of 15

“And Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

לְהִתְחַלּ֗וֹת3 of 15

“that he fell sick”

H2470

properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat

בַּֽעֲבוּר֙4 of 15
H5668

properly, crossed, i.e., (abstractly) transit; used only adverbially, on account of, in order that

תָּמָ֣ר5 of 15

“Tamar”

H8559

tamar, the name of three women and a place

אֲחֹת֔וֹ6 of 15

“for his sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

כִּ֥י7 of 15
H3588

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

בְתוּלָ֖ה8 of 15

“for she was a virgin”

H1330

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

הִ֑יא9 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַיִּפָּלֵא֙10 of 15

“it hard”

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

בְּעֵינֵ֣י11 of 15

“thought”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אַמְנ֔וֹן12 of 15

“And Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת13 of 15

“for him to do”

H6213

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

לָ֖הּ14 of 15
H0
מְאֽוּמָה׃15 of 15

“any thing”

H3972

properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing

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 13:2 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 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 21:42 Corinthians 7:10Song of Solomon 5:8

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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