King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:26 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:26 in the King James Version says “Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go wi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?”

2 Samuel 13:26 · KJV

Prayer

Context

24

And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.

25

And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.

26

Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

27

But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.

28

Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant . have: or, will you not, since I have commanded you? valiant: Heb. sons of valour

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?

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
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 14

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם2 of 14

“Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

וָלֹ֕א3 of 14
H3808

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

יֵֽלֶךְ4 of 14
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

נָ֥א5 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

אִתָּ֖נוּ6 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אַמְנ֣וֹן7 of 14

“Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

אָחִ֑י8 of 14

“If not I pray thee let my brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר9 of 14

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לוֹ֙10 of 14
H0
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ11 of 14

“with us And the king”

H4428

a king

לָ֥מָּה12 of 14
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יֵלֵ֖ךְ13 of 14
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

עִמָּֽךְ׃14 of 14
H5973

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

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 13:26 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 13:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 55:212 Samuel 20:92 Samuel 3:272 Samuel 11:13-15

Test Your Knowledge

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

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