King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:38 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:38 in the King James Version says “So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 13:38 · KJV

Context

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

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 · 8 words
וְאַבְשָׁל֥וֹם1 of 8

“So Absalom”

H53

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

בָּרַ֖ח2 of 8

“fled”

H1272

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

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ3 of 8
H1980

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

גְּשׁ֑וּר4 of 8

“to Geshur”

H1650

geshur, a district of syria

וַֽיְהִי5 of 8
H1961

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

שָׁ֖ם6 of 8
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שָׁלֹ֥שׁ7 of 8

“and was there three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

שָׁנִֽים׃8 of 8

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

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 13:38 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 13:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 15:82 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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