King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:39 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:39 in the King James Version says “And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead. l...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 13:39 · KJV

Context

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

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
וַתְּכַל֙1 of 12

“longed”

H3615

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

דָּוִ֣ד2 of 12

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ3 of 12

“And the soul of king”

H4428

a king

לָצֵ֖את4 of 12

“to go forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אֶל5 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם6 of 12

“unto Absalom”

H53

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

כִּֽי7 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִחַ֥ם8 of 12

“for he was comforted”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

עַל9 of 12
H5921

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

אַמְנ֖וֹן10 of 12

“concerning Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

כִּי11 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵֽת׃12 of 12

“seeing he was dead”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 13:39 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 13:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 24:67Genesis 37:35Genesis 38:12Philippians 2:262 Samuel 12:19-23Deuteronomy 28:32

Test Your Knowledge

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

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