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.

2 SAMUEL 13:10KJV
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2 Samuel 13:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:10 mean?

2 Samuel 13:10 describes Amnon asking his sister Tamar to bring the food she had prepared into his private room so he could eat it from her hand, and Tamar obeying by bringing the cakes to him there. The verse sets up a private and vulnerable situation between the two siblings.

Amnon, the eldest son of King David, is speaking to his half-sister Tamar in the palace. The request for Tamar to bring the food into the "chamber" (a private room) and serve him directly is unusual and signals that Amnon is creating an opportunity to be alone with her. This verse is part of a troubling story, and the details here show how Amnon manipulates the situation to isolate Tamar.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:10

  • "Chamber" (חֶדֶר, cheder): This word means an inner room or private chamber. Its use here highlights the secrecy and privacy of the setting, which is key to understanding Amnon's intentions.
  • "Eat" (אָכַל, akhal): While the word simply means to eat, Amnon's insistence on eating from Tamar's hand adds a personal and intimate element to the scene, which is not typical for siblings in this context.
  • "Cakes" (לֵבִיבָה, levivah): This word refers to a specific kind of cake or pastry, often associated with care and special preparation. Tamar making these cakes herself shows her obedience and innocence in the situation.

Why 2 Samuel 13:10 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Amnon deliberately arranges for Tamar to be alone with him, which is crucial for understanding the events that follow in the chapter.
  • The details about Tamar's actions and the food she prepares emphasize her trust and willingness to serve, contrasting sharply with Amnon's deceitful motives.
  • This verse connects to the larger narrative of family conflict and tragedy in David's household, showing how manipulation and secrecy can lead to devastating consequences.

Where else these words appear

“meat” Hebrew H1279 · used in 3 verses

  • 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 13:7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.

“cakes” Hebrew H3834 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Samuel 13:6 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.
  • 2 Samuel 13:8 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.

“eat” Hebrew H1262 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Samuel 17:8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.
  • 2 Samuel 12:17 And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
  • 2 Samuel 13:6 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.

“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 13:8 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.
  • 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.