King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 13:9 Mean?

2 Samuel 13:9 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 13:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.

Read 2 Samuel 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 17 words
וַתִּקַּ֤ח1 of 17

“And she took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת2 of 17
H853

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

הַמַּשְׂרֵת֙3 of 17

“a pan”

H4958

a pan

וַתִּצֹ֣ק4 of 17

“and poured them out”

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

לְפָנָ֔יו5 of 17

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיְמָאֵ֖ן6 of 17

“him but he refused”

H3985

to refuse

לֶֽאֱכ֑וֹל7 of 17

“to eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר8 of 17

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַמְנ֗וֹן9 of 17

“And Amnon”

H550

amnon (or aminon), a son of david

וַיֵּֽצְא֥וּ10 of 17

“Have out”

H3318

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

כָל11 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אִ֖ישׁ12 of 17

“all men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֵֽעָלַ֔י13 of 17
H5921

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

וַיֵּֽצְא֥וּ14 of 17

“Have out”

H3318

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

כָל15 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אִ֖ישׁ16 of 17

“all men”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מֵֽעָלָֽיו׃17 of 17
H5921

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

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 13:9 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 13:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 45:1John 3:20Judges 3:19

Test Your Knowledge

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