So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

2 SAMUEL 16:22KJV
Know the Bible

2 Samuel 16:22 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 16:22 mean?

2 Samuel 16:22 describes how Absalom, King David’s son, publicly took over his father’s concubines by sleeping with them in a tent set up on the palace roof, so that all Israel would know. This act was a bold statement of Absalom’s rebellion and claim to his father’s throne.

This event happens while David is fleeing Jerusalem because Absalom has staged a coup. Absalom follows the advice of his counselor Ahithophel, who tells him to do this as a way to show that he has completely broken with David and is now in charge. In the culture of the time, taking a king’s concubines was a public way to assert royal authority and humiliate the previous king.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 16:22

  • "spread" (נָטָה, natah): This word means to stretch out or spread, here referring to setting up a tent. The act is deliberate and visible, emphasizing the public nature of what Absalom is about to do.
  • "tent" (אֹהֶל, ohel): The tent is set up on the roof (the palace top), making the act visible to many. This detail highlights the intentional publicity of Absalom’s actions.
  • "concubines" (פִּילֶגֶשׁ, pilegesh): These were secondary wives of David. By taking them, Absalom is making a claim to his father’s position and household, not just committing a private sin.
  • "sight" (עַיִן, ayin): This word means "eye" or "sight," stressing that the act was done openly, for all Israel to see, not in secret.

Why 2 Samuel 16:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Absalom’s rebellion was not just military or political, but also involved a public, symbolic act meant to shame David and assert dominance.
  • The public nature of the act fulfills Nathan’s earlier prophecy to David (2 Samuel 12:11–12) that his wives would be taken by someone close to him, in broad daylight.
  • Understanding the cultural meaning of taking a king’s concubines helps explain why this act was so significant and offensive in the story.

Where else these words appear

“house” Hebrew H1406 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 30:3 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
  • 1 Samuel 9:26 And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.
  • Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

“concubines” Hebrew H6370 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 22:24 And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.
  • Judges 19:27 And her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way: and, behold, the woman his concubine was fallen down at the door of the house, and her hands were upon the threshold.
  • 2 Samuel 21:11 And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done.

“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 15:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
  • 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.