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 13:4KJVWhat 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.