But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.

2 SAMUEL 13:34KJV
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2 Samuel 13:34 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:34 mean?

2 Samuel 13:34 describes how Absalom fled after the killing of his brother Amnon, and a young man who was keeping watch saw a large group of people coming along the hillside behind him. The verse sets the scene for the aftermath of Amnon’s death and signals that something significant is happening, drawing attention to the movement of people and Absalom’s escape.

This verse comes right after Absalom has arranged for Amnon to be killed as revenge for the assault on his sister Tamar. The "young man that kept the watch" is likely a lookout or servant, whose job is to observe and report any unusual activity. His noticing "much people" coming by the hillside suggests confusion and alarm, indicating that the news of the murder is spreading and people are reacting to the event.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:34

  • The word for "fled" is נָס (nas, transliterated here as "fled" H1272), which means to escape or run away, emphasizing Absalom’s urgent departure after the murder.
  • The word for "watch" is צָפָה (tsafah, transliterated here as "watch" H6822), which refers to someone who is stationed to keep lookout, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the need for vigilance.
  • The word for "people" is עָם (am, transliterated here as "people" H5971), which often means a group or crowd, showing that the event has drawn the attention and movement of many, not just a few individuals.

Why 2 Samuel 13:34 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Absalom did not stay to face the consequences of his actions, but immediately fled, which becomes important for understanding his later relationship with King David.
  • The mention of the watchman and the crowd signals that the murder was not a private act but quickly became public knowledge, setting off a chain of events in the royal family and among the people.
  • By describing the movement of "much people," the verse hints at the confusion and fear spreading through David’s household and the wider community, preparing the reader for the reactions that follow.

Where else these words appear

“side” Hebrew H6654 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Joshua 3:16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
  • 2 Samuel 2:16 And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which is in Gibeon.

“watch” Hebrew H6822 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • Job 15:22 He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, and he is waited for of the sword.
  • Jeremiah 6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

“fled” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

“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.