And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left.

2 SAMUEL 13:30KJV
Know the Bible

2 Samuel 13:30 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:30 mean?

2 Samuel 13:30 describes how, while David’s sons were traveling, a report reached King David saying that Absalom had killed all of the king’s sons and that none of them were left alive. The verse captures the moment when David receives shocking and devastating news about his family.

The verse takes place after Absalom’s revenge against his brother Amnon for the assault of their sister Tamar. The “tidings” or report that comes to David is exaggerated and incorrect—Absalom has not killed all the king’s sons, but only Amnon. This moment shows the confusion and fear that spread quickly after a violent event in the royal family.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:30

  • “tidings” (שְׁמוּעָה, shemu‘ah): This word means “report” or “news.” In this context, it highlights how rumors or incomplete information can spread quickly and cause panic.
  • “slain” (נָכָה, nakhah): This word means “to strike” or “to kill.” Here, it is used to describe the supposed killing of all the king’s sons, emphasizing the seriousness of the report David receives.
  • “left” (יָתַר, yathar): This word means “to remain” or “to be left over.” The report claims that not a single son is left, stressing the totality of the supposed disaster.

Why 2 Samuel 13:30 matters

  • This verse shows how misinformation or rumors can quickly escalate a crisis, especially in a tense family or political situation.
  • The verse sets up the emotional impact on David and prepares the reader for the clarification that follows, where the truth is revealed.
  • It connects to the larger story of Absalom’s rebellion and the ongoing consequences of violence and broken trust within David’s family.

Where else these words appear

“tidings” Hebrew H8052 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress.
  • Psalms 112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 49:14 I have heard a rumour from the LORD, and an ambassador is sent unto the heathen, saying, Gather ye together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle.

“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.

“left” Hebrew H3498 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 30:36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
  • Joshua 18:2 And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs: