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.

2 SAMUEL 13:28KJV
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2 Samuel 13:28 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:28 mean?

2 Samuel 13:28 describes Absalom instructing his servants to watch for the moment when Amnon becomes drunk at a feast, and then, at Absalom’s command, to strike Amnon down without fear, assuring them that they are acting on his authority and urging them to be brave and strong. This verse shows Absalom carefully planning and ordering the murder of his brother Amnon.

Absalom is speaking privately to his own servants during a gathering he has arranged, using the opportunity to carry out revenge for Amnon’s earlier crime against their sister Tamar. The verse highlights Absalom’s control over the situation, his willingness to use his authority to command violence, and the tension as he urges his men to act decisively and without hesitation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:28

  • "Commanded" (צִוָּה, tsivvah): This word means to give a direct order or instruction. Absalom’s use of this term shows he is not just suggesting but firmly instructing his servants, giving them confidence to act.
  • "Servants" (נַעַר, naʿar): This word often refers to young men or attendants. Absalom is not acting alone; he relies on loyal young men under his authority to carry out his plan.
  • "Mark" (רָאָה, ra’ah): This word means to see or observe. Absalom tells his servants to watch closely for the right moment, showing the act is premeditated and carefully timed.
  • "Be courageous, and be valiant" (חָזַק, chazaq; בֶּן־חַיִל, ben-chayil): "Chazaq" means to be strong or courageous, and "ben-chayil" means a son of strength or valor. Absalom is urging his men to act with bravery, as if they are warriors carrying out a difficult but important task.

Why 2 Samuel 13:28 matters

  • This verse clears up that Absalom’s revenge against Amnon was not a sudden act but a carefully planned and ordered killing, involving others and not just a personal confrontation.
  • The emphasis on Absalom’s authority and his encouragement for courage shows the seriousness of the act and the fear his servants might have felt about attacking a royal prince.
  • Understanding the original words for "commanded" and "be valiant" highlights the sense of duty and bravery Absalom expects from his servants, connecting this event to the larger themes of power, justice, and family conflict in the story.

Where else these words appear

“Amnon's” 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 13:27 But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him.

“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.

“wine” Hebrew H3196 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 9:21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:
  • Isaiah 24:9 They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.