King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:27 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:27 in the King James Version says “But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 13:27 · KJV

Context

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

29

And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled. gat: Heb. rode

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 11 words
וַיִּפְרָץ1 of 11

“pressed”

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

בּ֖וֹ2 of 11
H0
אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם3 of 11

“But Absalom”

H53

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

וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח4 of 11

“go”

H7971

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

אִתּוֹ֙5 of 11
H854

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

אֶת6 of 11
H853

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

אַמְנ֔וֹן7 of 11

“him that he let Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

וְאֵ֖ת8 of 11
H853

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

כָּל9 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵ֥י10 of 11

“sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃11 of 11

“and all the king's”

H4428

a king

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 13:27 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 13:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 26:24-26

Test Your Knowledge

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