2 Samuel 13:36 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:36 mean?

2 Samuel 13:36 describes the moment when King David’s sons arrive, and everyone—including the king and his servants—breaks into loud, bitter weeping. The verse shows the deep grief and shock that sweeps through David’s household after hearing devastating news.

The setting is the aftermath of Absalom’s revenge against Amnon for the assault of their sister Tamar. A messenger has just finished speaking to David, and immediately the king’s sons return, confirming the tragedy. The verse highlights the collective sorrow and emotional weight felt by the royal family and their attendants in response to the loss and violence among David’s children.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:36

• "Wept" (בָּכָה, bakhah): This word appears twice in the verse, emphasizing the intensity and universality of the grief. It is not just quiet sadness but open, public mourning.
• "Very" (מְאֹד, me’od) and "sore" (תָּמֵא, tamē / גָּדוֹל, gadol): These words combine to stress the extremity of the weeping. The grief is described as exceedingly great, showing that the sorrow was overwhelming and deeply felt by all present.
• "Lifted up their voice" (נָשָׂא קוֹל, nasa qol): This phrase means they cried out loudly, not just weeping quietly. It paints a picture of a group openly expressing their pain together.

Why 2 Samuel 13:36 matters

• This verse clarifies that the grief over Amnon’s death and the family tragedy was not limited to David but was shared by all his sons and servants, showing the far-reaching impact of violence within a family.
• The strong language for weeping and sorrow highlights the seriousness of the events and the emotional devastation caused by Absalom’s actions.
• Understanding this verse helps readers see the consequences of unresolved family conflict and the ripple effects of personal sin and revenge in the wider story of David’s household.