Question 1

What does 2 Samuel 13:20 mean?

Accepted Answer

2 Samuel 13:20 shows Absalom comforting his sister Tamar after she has been abused by their brother Amnon, telling her to keep quiet about what happened and to stay with him. Tamar remains isolated and devastated in Absalom’s house, showing the deep impact of her trauma and the lack of justice or support. Absalom (Tamar’s brother) speaks to Tamar after learning what Amnon has done, urging her not to dwell on the event and to keep silent because Amnon is their brother. The verse highlights the family’s attempt to handle the matter privately, leaving Tamar to live in desolation in Absalom’s home. This verse is part of a larger story about family conflict, injustice, and the consequences of unchecked wrongdoing.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:20

Accepted Answer

"Peace" — חָרֵשׁ (ḥāraš): This word is often understood as "be silent" or "hold your peace." Absalom tells Tamar to keep quiet about what happened, which adds to the sense of her isolation and the pressure to hide the wrongdoing. "Regard" — שִׂים לֵב (śîm lēḇ): This phrase means "set your heart on" or "pay attention to." Absalom is telling Tamar not to let the event consume her thoughts, though the reality is that it deeply affects her. "Desolate" — שָׁמֵם (shāmēm): This word means "ruined," "devastated," or "desolate." It describes Tamar’s emotional state and her isolated life after the incident, emphasizing the lasting damage done to her.

Question 3

Why 2 Samuel 13:20 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps clarify that Tamar’s suffering was not just a momentary event but led to ongoing isolation and emotional pain, which is sometimes overlooked. The verse highlights the failure of Tamar’s family to seek justice or provide real comfort, reflecting broader themes of silence and injustice in the narrative. Understanding the original words for "peace," "regard," and "desolate" deepens the sense of Tamar’s abandonment and the seriousness of the situation, connecting her story to the larger consequences that unfold in David’s family.

2 Samuel 13:20 (KJV)