King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:20 Mean?

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

Context

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

21

But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.

22

And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Hath Amnon.**—The Hebrew, by a clerical error, has here *Aminon. *Absalom at once sees how the case stands, comforts his sister, but counsels silence as necessary to the purpose of revenge he had at once formed, and takes his desolate sister to his own house.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 13:20 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 13:20

Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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