King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 13:34 Mean?
“But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.”
2 Samuel 13:34 · KJV
Context
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.
34
But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.
35
And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is. as thy: Heb. according to the word of thy servant
36
And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore . very: Heb. with a great weeping greatly
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBut Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind 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.
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
- How does this passage deepen your understanding of unresolved sin, family breakdown?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
- In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 16 wordsאַבְשָׁל֑וֹם2 of 16
“But Absalom”
H53abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite
וַיִּשָּׂ֞א3 of 16
“lifted up”
H5375to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
הַנַּ֤עַר4 of 16
“And the young man”
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
הַצֹּפֶה֙5 of 16
“that kept the watch”
H6822properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await
אֶת6 of 16
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֵינָ֔ו7 of 16
“his eyes”
H5869an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וַיַּ֗רְא8 of 16
“and looked”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עַם10 of 16
“people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הֹֽלְכִ֥ים12 of 16
“and behold there came”
H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
מִדֶּ֛רֶךְ13 of 16
“by the way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אַֽחֲרָ֖יו14 of 16
“behind”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
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 13:34 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 13:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge