King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:29 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:29 in the King James Version says “And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat h... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 13:29 · KJV


Context

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.

31

Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 16 words
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֞וּ1 of 16

did

H6213

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

נַֽעֲרֵ֤י2 of 16

And the 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

אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם3 of 16

as Absalom

H53

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

לְאַמְנ֔וֹן4 of 16

unto Amnon

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֖ה6 of 16

had commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם7 of 16

as Absalom

H53

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

וַיָּקֻ֣מוּ׀8 of 16

arose

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

כָּל9 of 16
H3605

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

בְּנֵ֣י10 of 16

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

הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ11 of 16

Then all the king's

H4428

a king

וַֽיִּרְכְּב֛וּ12 of 16

gat him up

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

אִ֥ישׁ13 of 16

and every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עַל14 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּרְדּ֖וֹ15 of 16

upon his mule

H6505

a mule (perhaps from his lonely habits)

וַיָּנֻֽסוּ׃16 of 16

and fled

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)


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 13:29 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 13:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study