King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:36 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:36 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 13:36 · KJV

Context

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

38

So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 18
H1961

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

כְּכַלֹּת֣וֹ2 of 18

“And it came to pass as soon as he had made an end”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

לְדַבֵּ֗ר3 of 18

“of speaking”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וְהִנֵּ֤ה4 of 18
H2009

lo!

בְנֵֽי5 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

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙6 of 18

“and the king”

H4428

a king

בָּ֔אוּ7 of 18

“came”

H935

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

וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ8 of 18

“and lifted up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

קוֹלָ֖ם9 of 18

“their voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

בָּכ֕וּ10 of 18

“and wept”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

וְגַם11 of 18
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙12 of 18

“and the king”

H4428

a king

וְכָל13 of 18
H3605

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

עֲבָדָ֔יו14 of 18

“also and all his servants”

H5650

a servant

בָּכ֕וּ15 of 18

“and wept”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

בְּכִ֖י16 of 18

“sore”

H1065

a weeping; by analogy, a dripping

גָּד֥וֹל17 of 18
H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

מְאֹֽד׃18 of 18

“very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 13:36 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 13:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 13:152 Samuel 18:332 Samuel 12:21

Test Your Knowledge

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

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