King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:31 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:31 in the King James Version says “Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 13:31 · KJV

Context

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

33

Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

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

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 · 12 words
וַיָּ֧קָם1 of 12

“arose”

H6965

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

הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ2 of 12

“Then the king”

H4428

a king

קְרֻעֵ֥י3 of 12

“and tare”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

אֶת4 of 12
H853

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

בְגָדִֽים׃5 of 12

“by with their clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

וַיִּשְׁכַּ֣ב6 of 12

“and lay”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אָ֑רְצָה7 of 12

“on the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְכָל8 of 12
H3605

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

עֲבָדָ֥יו9 of 12

“and all his servants”

H5650

a servant

נִצָּבִ֖ים10 of 12

“stood”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

קְרֻעֵ֥י11 of 12

“and tare”

H7167

to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)

בְגָדִֽים׃12 of 12

“by with their clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

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 13:31 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 13:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 1:112 Samuel 12:16Genesis 37:292 Samuel 3:31Joshua 7:6Genesis 37:34

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 13 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes