And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.

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

What does 2 Samuel 13:2 mean?

2 Samuel 13:2 describes how Amnon, King David’s son, became so obsessed and troubled over his half-sister Tamar that he made himself physically ill. The verse explains that Tamar was a virgin, and Amnon believed it would be difficult or impossible for him to act on his feelings toward her.

This verse sets the stage for a troubling story in David’s family. Amnon’s intense desire and frustration are highlighted, showing his emotional turmoil. The mention of Tamar’s status as a virgin emphasizes the social and moral barriers that made Amnon feel trapped and desperate, which is important for understanding his later actions.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:2

  • "vexed" (וַיֵּצֶר, vayyetser; H3334) means to be distressed or tormented. This word shows that Amnon’s feelings were not just a passing attraction but caused him real inner suffering.
  • "sick" (חָלָה, chalah; H2470) means to be physically ill. The verse uses this word to show that Amnon’s emotional struggle affected his health.
  • "thought" (עַיִן, ayin; H5869) literally means "eye," but here it refers to Amnon’s perception or view—it was "in his eyes" hard to do anything to Tamar. This phrase highlights that the obstacle was real to Amnon, whether or not it was objectively impossible.
  • "hard" (פָּלָא, pala; H6381) means something extraordinary, difficult, or impossible. The verse uses this word to show that Amnon saw no way to get what he wanted without crossing a serious line.

Why 2 Samuel 13:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Amnon’s obsession was not just emotional but also had physical consequences, underlining the seriousness of his fixation.
  • The focus on Tamar’s status as a virgin and Amnon’s perception of difficulty highlights the cultural and legal boundaries in ancient Israel regarding family and sexual relations.
  • Understanding Amnon’s mindset in this verse helps explain the tragic events that follow in the chapter, showing how unchecked desire and frustration can lead to destructive choices.

Where else these words appear

“vexed” Hebrew H3334 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 32:7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands;
  • Judges 10:9 Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was sore distressed.
  • Job 20:22 In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits: every hand of the wicked shall come upon him.

“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.

“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.

“thing” Hebrew H3972 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • 1 Samuel 12:4 And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand.
  • 1 Kings 10:21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.