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2 Samuel 13:18

2 Samuel 13:18 in Multiple Translations

So Amnon’s attendant threw her out and bolted the door behind her. Now Tamar was wearing a robe of many colors, because this is what the king’s virgin daughters wore.

And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king’s daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

And she had a garment of divers colors upon her; for with such robes were the king’s daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

Now she had on a long robe, such as in past times the king's virgin daughters were dressed in. Then the servant put her out, locking the door after her.

So his servant threw her out and locked the door behind her. Tamar was wearing the long robe of a princess, which is what the king's virgin daughters wore.

(And she had a garment of diuers coulours vpon her: for with such garments were the Kings daughters that were virgins, apparelled) Then his seruant brought her out, and locked the doore after her.

— and upon her [is] a long coat, for such upper robes do daughters of the king who [are] virgins put on, — and his servant taketh her out without, and hath bolted the door after her.

She had a garment of various colors on her, for the king’s daughters who were virgins dressed in such robes. Then his servant brought her out and bolted the door after her.

And she had a garment of divers colors upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins appareled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

And she was clothed with along robe: for the king’s daughters that were virgins, used such kind of garments. Then his servant thrust her out: and shut the door after her.

So the servant put her outside and locked the door. Tamar was wearing a long robe with long sleeves, which was the clothing that was usually worn by the unmarried daughters of the king at that time.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 13:18

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 13:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/עָלֶ֨י/הָ֙ כְּתֹ֣נֶת פַּסִּ֔ים כִּי֩ כֵ֨ן תִּלְבַּ֧שְׁןָ בְנוֹת הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ הַ/בְּתוּלֹ֖ת מְעִילִ֑ים וַ/יֹּצֵ֨א אוֹתָ֤/הּ מְשָֽׁרְת/וֹ֙ הַ/ח֔וּץ וְ/נָעַ֥ל הַ/דֶּ֖לֶת אַחֲרֶֽי/הָ
וְ/עָלֶ֨י/הָ֙ ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep | Suff
כְּתֹ֣נֶת kᵉthôneth H3801 tunic N-fs
פַּסִּ֔ים paç H6446 long-sleeved N-mp
כִּי֩ kîy H3588 for Conj
כֵ֨ן kên H3651 right Adv
תִּלְבַּ֧שְׁןָ lâbash H3847 to clothe V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
בְנוֹת bath H1323 Bath (Shua) N-fp
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
הַ/בְּתוּלֹ֖ת bᵉthûwlâh H1330 virgin Art | N-fp
מְעִילִ֑ים mᵉʻîyl H4598 robe N-mp
וַ/יֹּצֵ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אוֹתָ֤/הּ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
מְשָֽׁרְת/וֹ֙ shârath H8334 to minister V-Piel | Suff
הַ/ח֔וּץ chûwts H2351 outside Art | N-ms
וְ/נָעַ֥ל nâʻal H5274 to lock Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הַ/דֶּ֖לֶת deleth H1817 door Art | N-fs
אַחֲרֶֽי/הָ ʼachar H310 after Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 13:18

וְ/עָלֶ֨י/הָ֙ ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כְּתֹ֣נֶת kᵉthôneth H3801 "tunic" N-fs
A tunic was a long, shirt-like garment, often made of linen, worn by people like Joseph in Genesis 37:3.
Definition: 1) tunic, under-garment 1a) a long shirt-like garment usually of linen
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: coat, garment, robe. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 8:7; Isaiah 22:21.
פַּסִּ֔ים paç H6446 "long-sleeved" N-mp
This Hebrew word describes a long, wide tunic that reaches down to the palms and soles, often translated as diverse colors. It first appears in Exodus 28:33 to describe the garment of the high priest. The root meaning is something that is spread out wide.
Definition: 1) flat (of the hand or foot), palm, sole 1a) of the tunic reaching to palms and soles (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (divers) colours. See also: Genesis 37:3; Genesis 37:32; 2 Samuel 13:19.
כִּי֩ kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כֵ֨ן kên H3651 "right" Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
תִּלְבַּ֧שְׁןָ lâbash H3847 "to clothe" V-Qal-Imperf-3fp
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
בְנוֹת bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" N-fp
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
הַ/בְּתוּלֹ֖ת bᵉthûwlâh H1330 "virgin" Art | N-fp
A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.
Definition: virgin
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.
מְעִילִ֑ים mᵉʻîyl H4598 "robe" N-mp
A meil was a robe or outer garment worn by men of rank, including kings and high priests. It was also worn by David's daughters and is mentioned in various KJV translations as a cloak or coat.
Definition: 1) robe 1a) a garment worn over a tunic by men of rank 1b) a long garment worn by David's daughters 1c) a garment of the high priest 1d) (fig.) of attributes
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: cloke, coat, mantle, robe. See also: Exodus 28:4; 1 Samuel 24:5; Psalms 109:29.
וַ/יֹּצֵ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אוֹתָ֤/הּ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מְשָֽׁרְת/וֹ֙ shârath H8334 "to minister" V-Piel | Suff
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
הַ/ח֔וּץ chûwts H2351 "outside" Art | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
וְ/נָעַ֥ל nâʻal H5274 "to lock" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to put on shoes or sandals, as seen in Genesis 14:23. It involves fastening something up, like a sandal, and is used in various contexts, including Deuteronomy 29:5.
Definition: 1) to bar, lock, bolt 1a) (Qal) to bar, lock, bolt
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: bolt, inclose, lock, shoe, shut up. See also: Judges 3:23; 2 Samuel 13:18; Ezekiel 16:10.
הַ/דֶּ֖לֶת deleth H1817 "door" Art | N-fs
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
אַחֲרֶֽי/הָ ʼachar H310 "after" Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 13:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 5:30 ‘Are they not finding and dividing the spoil— a girl or two for each warrior, a plunder of dyed garments for Sisera, the spoil of embroidered garments for the neck of the looter?’
2 Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors.
3 Psalms 45:13–14 All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold. In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you.
4 Genesis 37:32 They sent the robe of many colors to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe or not.”
5 Genesis 37:23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the robe of many colors he was wearing—

2 Samuel 13:18 Summary

[This verse shows how Amnon's attendant threw Tamar out of the house, after Amnon had sinned against her, and it highlights the importance of respecting and caring for others, especially those who are vulnerable, as seen in Psalm 82:3-4. Tamar's robe of many colors symbolized her purity and royal status, but it didn't protect her from harm, just like how our outward appearance or status doesn't guarantee our safety or respect, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7. We can learn from this story by being mindful of how our actions affect others and seeking to treat everyone with kindness and respect, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:12.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Tamar wearing a robe of many colors?

The robe of many colors signified that Tamar was a virgin daughter of the king, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 13:18, and was a symbol of her purity and royal status, similar to Joseph's coat in Genesis 37:3.

Why did Amnon's attendant throw Tamar out and bolt the door?

The attendant followed Amnon's orders, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:17, and threw Tamar out, further highlighting Amnon's rejection and disrespect towards her, much like the treatment of the prodigal son's brother in Luke 15:25-30.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it shows the aftermath of Amnon's sin against Tamar, and sets the stage for the consequences that will unfold, much like the story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:1-27.

What can we learn from Tamar's experience?

Tamar's experience teaches us about the importance of respecting and protecting the vulnerable, as seen in Exodus 22:22 and Psalm 82:3-4, and the need for accountability and justice in the face of sin and abuse, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:28-29 and Romans 13:1-5.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I respond to situations where I feel rejected or disrespected, like Tamar did?
  2. What are some ways I can show respect and care for those who have been hurt or abused, like Tamar?
  3. How can I use my position or influence to protect and serve others, rather than exploiting or harming them, as Amnon did?
  4. What are some ways I can seek justice and accountability in situations where sin or abuse has occurred, like Absalom did for Tamar?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:18

And [she had] a garment of divers colours upon her,.... Of embroidered work, which made her the more observable, and her shame the more manifest.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:18

And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:18

Of divers colours; of embroidered work. Compare .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:18

2 Samuel 13:18 And [she had] a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king’ s daughters [that were] virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.Ver. 18. A garment of divers colours.] Wrought or embroidered. For with such robes were the king’ s daughters, &c.] So are all God’ s children apparelled with the vestis variegata of saving graces which maketh them amiable and admirable in the sight of God and all good people. Then his servant brought her out, &c.] Evil masters are not without evil servants, ready to humour them in anything they command.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:18

(18) A garment of divers colours.—The word is used only here and in connection with Joseph (Genesis 37:3; Genesis 37:23; Genesis 37:32), and is supposed to mean a tunic with long sleeves, in distinction from those with short sleeves commonly worn. The fact is mentioned to show that Tamar must have been recognised as a royal virgin by Amnon’s servant, as well as by everyone else.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:18

Verse 18. A garment of divers colours] See Clarke on Genesis 37:3, where the same words occur.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:18

18. a garment of divers colours] The expression is used elsewhere only of Joseph’s “coat of many colours” (Genesis 37:3; Genesis 37:23), and probably means a long tunic with sleeves, worn, it would seem, as an outer garment in place of the usual mantle. The fact of her wearing this distinctive dress is mentioned, to shew that the servant and the people who met her in the street would at once recognise who she was.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 13:18

A garment of divers colors - See Genesis 37:3. Some prefer here (and there) “a tunic with sleeves,” a tunic reaching to the extremities, i. e. the hands and feet, and worn over the common tunic, in room of a robe.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:18

18. A garment of divers colours — A loose outer garment reaching down to the ankles and covering the arms, for such the original word, ôñéí, seems to indicate; and Josephus says, “The virgins of old

Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:18

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 12 Intro by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of Abraham in the Bible and how he has remained famous for over 4,000 years. Abraham was not only a wealthy man but also a gen
John Rhys Watkins The Dreamer by John Rhys Watkins In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the will of God and living a selfless life. He uses the story of Joseph to illustrate how even in the face
William MacDonald Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-02 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher addresses the question of whether children in the audience are truly listening. He engages with a young boy named David and asks him about the title of
Phil Beach Jr. Will This Man Reign Over Us - Submitting to His Reign by Phil Beach Jr. Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the necessity of submitting to the reign of Christ, drawing parallels between Joseph's story and the authority of Jesus in our lives. He challenges the co
Harry Ironside Joseph, a Type of Christ by Harry Ironside Harry Ironside presents Joseph as a profound type of Christ, illustrating the deep love of the Father for the Son and the rejection faced by both figures. He emphasizes Joseph's ro
Don Currin An Appeal to Fathers by Don Currin Don Currin delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of fatherhood, highlighting how Satan has targeted fathers to undermine their nurturing influence, leading to defeated dads,
A.B. Simpson Emblems From the Story of Joseph by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson explores the life of Joseph as a profound example of faith and suffering, drawing parallels between Joseph's experiences and those of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes Josep

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