And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.

2 SAMUEL 13:32KJV
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2 Samuel 13:32 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:32 mean?

2 Samuel 13:32 explains that only Amnon, not all of King David’s sons, has been killed, and that this was Absalom’s plan ever since Amnon assaulted his sister Tamar. Jonadab reassures David that the other sons are safe and reveals that Absalom’s actions were a long-planned response to Amnon’s wrongdoing.

Jonadab, David’s nephew, is speaking to David after news reaches the king that all his sons might have been killed. Jonadab clarifies the situation, saying that only Amnon is dead and that Absalom had planned this ever since Amnon forced Tamar. This verse shows Jonadab’s awareness of the family conflict and highlights the consequences of Amnon’s earlier crime.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:32

  • "Appointment" (פִּי, pi): This word is often understood as "command" or "mouth," but here it means "by the word of" or "by the decision of" Absalom. It shows that Amnon’s death was not a random act but something Absalom had decided on.
  • "Forced" (עָנָה, anah): This word means "to afflict" or "to humble," and in this context, it refers to Amnon’s assault of Tamar. The use of this word underlines the seriousness of Amnon’s crime and the motive for Absalom’s revenge.

Why 2 Samuel 13:32 matters

  • This verse corrects the initial panic that all of David’s sons were killed, focusing the tragedy on Amnon alone and showing the importance of getting accurate information.
  • The verse highlights the deep family wounds and the long-standing anger Absalom held over Tamar’s mistreatment, helping readers understand the motive behind Absalom’s actions.
  • By mentioning Jonadab’s knowledge of the situation, the verse hints at how much the family’s troubles were known among relatives, adding to the sense of betrayal and intrigue in David’s household.