And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.

2 SAMUEL 13:25KJV
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2 Samuel 13:25 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:25 mean?

2 Samuel 13:25 shows King David refusing Absalom’s invitation for the whole royal family to attend a feast, saying it would be too much of a burden for Absalom to host everyone. Even though Absalom insists, David does not go, but he gives Absalom his blessing instead.

In this scene, King David is speaking to his son Absalom, who has invited him and the royal household to a special gathering. David politely declines, concerned about the cost and trouble it would cause Absalom. Absalom presses him to come, but David stands firm in his refusal, choosing instead to offer a blessing, which was a way of showing goodwill and approval.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:25

  • "chargeable" (כָּבֵד, kavēd): This word often means "to be heavy" or "to be burdensome." David is saying he does not want to be a burden to Absalom by bringing everyone along.
  • "pressed" (פָּרַץ, parats): This word means "to urge strongly" or "to press." Absalom is not just politely asking—he is really trying to persuade David to come.
  • "blessed" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): To bless here means David gives Absalom a formal expression of goodwill, which was a significant gesture in their culture.

Why 2 Samuel 13:25 matters

  • This verse highlights David’s sensitivity to not overburden his son, showing a thoughtful side to his leadership and family relationships.
  • The strong urging by Absalom hints at his determination and possibly hidden motives, which become important as the story unfolds in the following verses.
  • David’s blessing, even though he does not attend, shows he still supports Absalom, which adds emotional depth to the family dynamics in this chapter.

Where else these words appear

“pressed” Hebrew H6555 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 28:14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:38 These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly.
  • Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

“would” Hebrew H14 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 24:5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
  • 1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

“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.

“chargeable” Hebrew H3513 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • 2 Samuel 6:22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
  • Proverbs 12:9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.