King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 13:35 Mean?
“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
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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.
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 · 12 wordsבְנֵֽי6 of 12
“sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כִּדְבַ֥ר9 of 12
“said”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כֵּ֥ן11 of 12
H3651properly, 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
H1961to 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.