And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.

2 SAMUEL 13:4KJV
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2 Samuel 13:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:4 mean?

2 Samuel 13:4 shows Jonadab questioning Amnon, King David’s son, about why he looks so thin and troubled every day, urging him to reveal what is bothering him. Amnon confesses that he is in love with Tamar, who is his half-brother Absalom’s sister.

Jonadab is speaking to Amnon, noticing a visible change in Amnon’s appearance and mood. The verse highlights Amnon’s emotional distress and his unhealthy longing for Tamar, setting the stage for the troubling events that follow. The conversation reveals the close relationship between Jonadab and Amnon, as Jonadab feels comfortable confronting him and pressing for the truth.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:4

  • "Lean" (דַּל, dal, H1800) means weak, thin, or wasted away. Here, it emphasizes that Amnon’s emotional state is so severe that it affects his physical health, making his distress obvious to others.
  • "Love" (אָהַב, ’ahav, H157) is used for deep affection or desire. In this context, it signals that Amnon’s feelings for Tamar are intense and consuming, not just a passing attraction.
  • "Tell" (נָגַד, nagad, H5046) means to make known or declare. Jonadab’s use of this word shows he is urging Amnon to be honest and open about his troubles.

Why 2 Samuel 13:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Amnon’s obsession with Tamar is not a secret; his suffering is visible enough for others to notice and question.
  • The conversation between Jonadab and Amnon introduces Jonadab as a key figure who will later influence Amnon’s actions, showing how peer influence can play a role in personal choices.
  • The verse sets up the emotional and relational tensions that drive the tragic events in the rest of the chapter, helping readers understand the motivations behind what unfolds.

Where else these words appear

“Amnon” 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 13:9 And she took a pan, and poured them out before him; but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, Have out all men from me. And they went out every man from him.
  • 2 Samuel 13:28 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.

“Tamar” Hebrew H8559 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 38:6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.
  • 2 Samuel 13:5 And Jonadab said unto him, Lay thee down on thy bed, and make thyself sick: and when thy father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.
  • 2 Samuel 13:22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

“lean” Hebrew H1800 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 23:3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.
  • Psalms 72:13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
  • Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

“Absalom's” 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.