King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:8 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:8 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Samuel 13:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 16 words
וַתֵּ֣לֶךְ1 of 16
H1980

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

תָּמָ֗ר2 of 16

“So Tamar”

H8559

tamar, the name of three women and a place

בֵּ֛ית3 of 16

“house”

H1004

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

אַמְנ֥וֹן4 of 16

“Amnon's”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

אָחִ֖יהָ5 of 16

“to her brother”

H251

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

וְה֣וּא6 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שֹׁכֵ֑ב7 of 16

“and he was laid down”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

וַתִּקַּ֨ח8 of 16

“And she took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת9 of 16
H853

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

הַבָּצֵ֤ק10 of 16

“flour”

H1217

dough (as swelling by fermentation)

וַתָּ֙לָוֹשׁ֙11 of 16

“and kneaded”

H3888

to knead

וַתְּלַבֵּ֣ב12 of 16

“it and made cakes”

H3823

(as denominative from h3834) to make cakes

לְעֵינָ֔יו13 of 16

“in his sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַתְּבַשֵּׁ֖ל14 of 16

“and did bake”

H1310

properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen

אֶת15 of 16
H853

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

הַלְּבִבֽוֹת׃16 of 16

“the cakes”

H3834

a cake (either as fried or turned)

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 13:8 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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