King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:35 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:35 in the King James Version says “And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is. as thy: Heb. according to t...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 13:35 · KJV

Context

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

37

But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud , king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. Ammihud: or, Ammihur

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.

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 · 12 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יֽוֹנָדָב֙2 of 12

“And Jonadab”

H3122

jonadab, the name of an israelite and of a rechabite

אֶל3 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ4 of 12

“Behold the king's”

H4428

a king

הִנֵּ֥ה5 of 12
H2009

lo!

בְנֵֽי6 of 12

“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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ7 of 12

“Behold the king's”

H4428

a king

בָּ֑אוּ8 of 12

“come”

H935

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

כִּדְבַ֥ר9 of 12

“said”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

עַבְדְּךָ֖10 of 12

“as thy servant”

H5650

a servant

כֵּ֥ן11 of 12
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הָיָֽה׃12 of 12
H1961

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

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 13:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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