And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.

2 SAMUEL 13:1KJV
Know the Bible

2 Samuel 13:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:1 mean?

2 Samuel 13:1 introduces a troubling story in David’s family, stating that Absalom, David’s son, had a beautiful sister named Tamar, and another son of David, Amnon, fell in love with her. The verse sets up the relationships and tensions that will drive the events in the following chapter.

This verse is part of a narrative about King David’s children. The writer is describing the family connections: Absalom and Tamar are full siblings, while Amnon is their half-brother, all children of David but from different mothers. The mention of Amnon’s love for Tamar signals the beginning of a serious conflict within David’s household.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:1

  • "fair" (יָפָה, yafah): This word means "beautiful" or "attractive." The verse highlights Tamar’s beauty, which is central to the events that follow.
  • "loved" (אָהַב, ahav): This word is often used for various kinds of love, from deep affection to romantic or even lustful desire. Here, it suggests Amnon’s strong feelings, which will soon be shown as unhealthy and obsessive.

Why 2 Samuel 13:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies the family relationships that are crucial for understanding the coming conflict—specifically, that Tamar and Absalom are full siblings, while Amnon is their half-brother.
  • The use of "loved" (אָהַב, ahav) hints at the complexity of Amnon’s feelings, which are not simply brotherly affection but something more intense and problematic.
  • This introduction prepares the reader for the tragic events that will unfold, showing how personal desires and family dynamics can lead to serious consequences in the biblical narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Tamar” Hebrew H8559 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 38:6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.
  • 2 Samuel 13:5 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.
  • 2 Samuel 13:22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

“Amnon” Hebrew H550 · used in 22 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:2 And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
  • 2 Samuel 13:9 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.
  • 2 Samuel 13:28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

“fair” Hebrew H3303 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 12:11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
  • 2 Samuel 14:27 And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.
  • Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

“Absalom” Hebrew H53 · used in 92 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • 2 Samuel 15:2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
  • 2 Samuel 17:18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.