King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:4 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:4 in the King James Version says “And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said un...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister. lean: Heb. thin from day: Heb. morning by morning”

2 Samuel 13:4 · KJV

Love

Context

2

And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her. Amnon thought: Heb. it was marvellous, or, hidden in the eyes of Amnon

3

But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.

4

And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister. lean: Heb. thin from day: Heb. morning by morning

5

And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.

6

So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand.

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.

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 · 23 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 23

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ2 of 23
H0
מַדּ֣וּעַ3 of 23
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

אַ֠תָּה4 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

כָּ֣כָה5 of 23
H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

דַּ֤ל6 of 23

“lean”

H1800

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

בֶּן7 of 23

“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

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙8 of 23

“unto him Why art thou being the king's”

H4428

a king

בַּבֹּ֔קֶר9 of 23

“from day”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

בַּבֹּ֔קֶר10 of 23

“from day”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

הֲל֖וֹא11 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַּגִּ֣יד12 of 23

“wilt thou not tell”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לִ֑י13 of 23
H0
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר14 of 23

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לוֹ֙15 of 23
H0
אַמְנ֔וֹן16 of 23

“me And Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

אֶת17 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תָּמָ֗ר18 of 23

“Tamar”

H8559

tamar, the name of three women and a place

אֲח֛וֹת19 of 23

“sister”

H269

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

אַבְשָׁלֹ֥ם20 of 23

“Absalom's”

H53

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

אָחִ֖י21 of 23

“my brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֲנִ֥י22 of 23
H589

i

אֹהֵֽב׃23 of 23

“unto him I love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

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 13:4 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 13:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 20:17Leviticus 18:9Jeremiah 8:12Esther 5:13-14Luke 12:32Isaiah 3:9

Test Your Knowledge

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

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