Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.

2 SAMUEL 13:7KJV
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2 Samuel 13:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 13:7 mean?

2 Samuel 13:7 describes King David sending a message to his daughter Tamar, instructing her to go to her brother Amnon’s house and prepare food for him. The verse shows David’s direct involvement in sending Tamar to care for Amnon, who was pretending to be ill.

In this scene, David is acting as a father concerned for his son Amnon’s health, unaware of Amnon’s true intentions. David’s command sets the stage for the events that follow, as Tamar obeys her father’s order. The verse highlights the family dynamics and the trust placed in Tamar, which will have serious consequences in the story.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 13:7

  • "Sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach): This word means to send or dispatch. Here, it shows David’s authority and initiative in giving instructions within his household.
  • "Dress" (עָשָׂה, asah): While often translated as "make" or "do," in this context, it refers specifically to preparing or cooking food, showing Tamar’s role in serving her brother.
  • "Meat" (בִּרְיָה, biryah): This word points to a special kind of food, often understood as a nourishing or heartening dish, not just ordinary meat. It highlights the care being taken for Amnon’s supposed illness.

Why 2 Samuel 13:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David was not aware of Amnon’s intentions and acted out of concern for his son, which is important for understanding the tragic events that follow.
  • The verse sets up the trust and innocence of Tamar, who obeys her father’s command, making the betrayal by Amnon even more striking.
  • Understanding the specific words for "send," "dress," and "meat" helps readers see the everyday family interactions and the seriousness of the errand, which is central to the unfolding story.

Where else these words appear

“meat” Hebrew H1279 · used in 3 verses

  • 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 13:10 And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.

“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 13:4 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 13:22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

“Amnon's” 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.