2 Samuel 13:22 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:22 mean?

2 Samuel 13:22 shows a gap between Absalom’s outward silence and his inward hatred of Amnon. Absalom’s hatred arose because Amnon had sexually assaulted Tamar, Absalom’s sister. The verse lets the reader see the hostility that Amnon could not hear in Absalom’s words.

The phrase “neither good nor bad” presents Absalom as saying nothing to Amnon about the offense, whether friendly or hostile. Following David’s anger in verse 21, the narrator turns to Absalom’s response. Absalom does not speak in this verse; the narrator describes his behavior and gives the reason for it.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:22

• “good” — טוֹב (tov): This word often means “good” or “pleasant.” Paired with “bad,” it helps form an expression covering both favorable and unfavorable speech.
• “forced” — עָנָה (ʿanah): This word can carry the sense of afflicting or violating someone. Here, in light of the account in verse 14, it refers to Amnon’s sexual assault of Tamar.

Why 2 Samuel 13:22 matters

• The family relationships sharpen the account: Amnon is called Absalom’s brother, while Tamar is called Absalom’s sister. Amnon’s act has set one brother against another over what he did to their sister.
• Absalom’s silence helps explain the later surprise. Two years afterward, he invites Amnon to a gathering and orders his servants to kill him (verses 23–29). The hatred named in verse 22 prepares the reader for that order, even though Absalom has kept quiet toward Amnon.