King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:37 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:37 in the King James Version says “But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud , king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. Ammi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 13:37 · KJV

Context

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.

39

And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead. longed: or, was consumed

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.

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 · 14 words
וְאַבְשָׁל֣וֹם1 of 14

“But Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

בָּרַ֔ח2 of 14

“fled”

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

וַיֵּ֛לֶךְ3 of 14
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶל4 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תַּלְמַ֥י5 of 14

“to Talmai”

H8526

talmai, the name of a canaanite and a syrian

בְּנ֖וֹ6 of 14

“for his son”

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

עַמִּיה֖וּר7 of 14

“of Ammihud”

H5991

ammichur, a syrian prince

מֶ֣לֶךְ8 of 14

“king”

H4428

a king

גְּשׁ֑וּר9 of 14

“of Geshur”

H1650

geshur, a district of syria

וַיִּתְאַבֵּ֥ל10 of 14

“And David mourned”

H56

to bewail

עַל11 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנ֖וֹ12 of 14

“for his son”

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

כָּל13 of 14
H3605

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

הַיָּמִֽים׃14 of 14

“every day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 13:37 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 13:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 3:32 Samuel 13:341 Chronicles 3:22 Samuel 14:232 Samuel 14:32

Places in This Verse

GeshurRegion · Modern: Fiq · 32.77°N, 35.70°E11 verses across 3 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 13 →

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