King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:30 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:30 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's s... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 13:30 · KJV


Context

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.

32

And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar. appointment: Heb. mouth determined: or, settled


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 18 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 18
H1961

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

הֵ֣מָּה2 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בַדֶּ֔רֶךְ3 of 18

And it came to pass while they were in the way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְהַשְּׁמֻעָ֣ה4 of 18

that tidings

H8052

something heard, i.e., an announcement

בָ֔אָה5 of 18

came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל6 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֖ד7 of 18

to David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֵאמֹ֑ר8 of 18

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִכָּ֤ה9 of 18

hath slain

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙10 of 18

Absalom

H53

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

אֶת11 of 18
H853

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

כָּל12 of 18
H3605

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

בְּנֵ֣י13 of 18

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

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ14 of 18

all the king's

H4428

a king

וְלֹֽא15 of 18
H3808

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

נוֹתַ֥ר16 of 18

of them left

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

מֵהֶ֖ם17 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֶחָֽד׃18 of 18

and there is not one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first


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 13:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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