King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:28 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:28 in the King James Version says “Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto y... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 13:28 · KJV


Context

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

30

And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 29 words
צִוִּ֣יתִי1 of 29

had commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אַבְשָׁל֨וֹם2 of 29

Now Absalom

H53

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

אֶת3 of 29
H853

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

נְעָרָ֜יו4 of 29

his servants

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וְאָֽמַרְתִּ֨י5 of 29

and when I say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

רְא֣וּ6 of 29

Mark

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

נָ֠א7 of 29
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

כְּט֨וֹב8 of 29

is merry

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לֵב9 of 29

heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אַמְנ֛וֹן10 of 29

Amnon

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

בַּיַּ֙יִן֙11 of 29

with wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וְאָֽמַרְתִּ֨י12 of 29

and when I say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם13 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכּ֧וּ14 of 29

unto you Smite

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת15 of 29
H853

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

אַמְנ֛וֹן16 of 29

Amnon

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

וַֽהֲמִתֶּ֥ם17 of 29

then kill

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אֹת֖וֹ18 of 29
H853

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

אַל19 of 29
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָ֑אוּ20 of 29

him fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

הֲל֗וֹא21 of 29
H3808

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

כִּ֤י22 of 29
H3588

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

אָֽנֹכִי֙23 of 29
H595

i

צִוִּ֣יתִי24 of 29

had commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶתְכֶ֔ם25 of 29
H853

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

חִזְק֖וּ26 of 29

you be courageous

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וִֽהְי֥וּ27 of 29
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִבְנֵי28 of 29

and be valiant

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

חָֽיִל׃29 of 29
H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength


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 13:28 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 13:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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