King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:7 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:7 in the King James Version says “Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.”

2 Samuel 13:7 · KJV

Context

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.

7

Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.

8

So Tamar went to her brother Amnon's house; and he was laid down. And she took flour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his sight, and did bake the cakes. flour: or, paste

9

And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.

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
וַיִּשְׁלַ֥ח1 of 14

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

דָּוִ֛ד2 of 14

“Then David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶל3 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תָּמָ֖ר4 of 14

“to Tamar”

H8559

tamar, the name of three women and a place

בֵּ֚ית5 of 14

“home”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לֵאמֹ֑ר6 of 14

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְכִ֣י7 of 14
H1980

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

נָ֗א8 of 14
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

בֵּ֚ית9 of 14

“home”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אַמְנ֣וֹן10 of 14

“Amnon's”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

אָחִ֔יךְ11 of 14

“now to thy brother”

H251

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

וַֽעֲשִׂי12 of 14

“and dress”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

ל֖וֹ13 of 14
H0
הַבִּרְיָֽה׃14 of 14

“him meat”

H1279

food

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 13:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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