2 Samuel 13:2
2 Samuel 13:2 in Multiple Translations
Amnon was sick with frustration over his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed implausible for him to do anything to her.
And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.
And Amnon was so vexed that he fell sick because of his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and it seemed hard to Amnon to do anything unto her.
And he was so deeply in love that he became ill because of his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin, and so it seemed hard to Amnon to do anything to her.
Amnon became so infatuated with his sister Tamar that he felt sick. She was a virgin, and Amnon saw it was impossible for him to have her.
And Amnon was so sore vexed, that he fell sicke for his sister Tamar: for she was a virgin, and it seemed hard to Amnon to doe any thing to her.
And Amnon hath distress — even to become sick, because of Tamar his sister, for she [is] a virgin, and it is hard in the eyes of Amnon to do anything to her.
Amnon was so troubled that he became sick because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed hard to Amnon to do anything to her.
And Amnon was so afflicted, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.
And he was exceedingly fond of her, so that he fell sick for the love of her: for as she was a virgin, he thought it hard to do any thing dishonestly with her.
He wanted to have sex with [EUP] his half-sister very much, with the result that he made himself sick thinking about her all the time. But it was not possible for Amnon to get her, because she was a virgin, so they kept men away from her.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 13:2
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 13:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֨צֶר
לְ/אַמְנ֜וֹן
לְ/הִתְחַלּ֗וֹת
בַּֽ/עֲבוּר֙
תָּמָ֣ר
אֲחֹת֔/וֹ
כִּ֥י
בְתוּלָ֖ה
הִ֑יא
וַ/יִּפָּלֵא֙
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
אַמְנ֔וֹן
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
לָ֖/הּ
מְאֽוּמָה
וַ/יֵּ֨צֶר
yâtsar
H3334
be distressed
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/אַמְנ֜וֹן
ʼAmnôwn
H550
Amnon
Prep | N-proper
לְ/הִתְחַלּ֗וֹת
châlâh
H2470
be weak
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
בַּֽ/עֲבוּר֙
ʻâbûwr
H5668
for the sake of
Prep | N-ms
תָּמָ֣ר
Tâmâr
H8559
Tamar
N-proper
אֲחֹת֔/וֹ
ʼâchôwth
H269
sister
N-fs | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְתוּלָ֖ה
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
virgin
N-fs
הִ֑יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וַ/יִּפָּלֵא֙
pâlâʼ
H6381
to wonder
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
אַמְנ֔וֹן
ʼAmnôwn
H550
Amnon
N-proper
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לָ֖/הּ
Prep | Suff
מְאֽוּמָה
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
anything
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 13:2
וַ/יֵּ֨צֶר
yâtsar
H3334
"be distressed"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word describes being in distress or a tight spot, like being narrow or cramped. It's used in the Bible to describe difficult situations, such as in Psalm 119:143.
Definition: 1) to bind, be distressed, be in distress, be cramped, be narrow, be scant, be in straits, make narrow, cause distress, beseige 1a) (Qal) to suffer distress
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be distressed, be narrow, be straitened (in straits), be vexed. See also: Genesis 32:8; Nehemiah 9:27; Proverbs 4:12.
לְ/אַמְנ֜וֹן
ʼAmnôwn
H550
"Amnon"
Prep | N-proper
Amnon was a son of King David, known for his tragic story in the Bible. His name means 'faithful', but his actions were not faithful, as he committed a terrible sin against his sister Tamar.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.20; son of: Shimon (H7889); brother of: Rinnah (H7441), Ben-hanan (H1135) , Tilon (H8436) § Amnon = "faithful" 1) oldest son of David, rapist of Tamar, slain by Absalom 2) a son of Shimon (of Caleb's clan)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Amnon. See also: 2 Samuel 3:2; 2 Samuel 13:20; 1 Chronicles 4:20.
לְ/הִתְחַלּ֗וֹת
châlâh
H2470
"be weak"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
To beg or entreat means to ask or pray for something, often with a sense of weakness or sickness, like when someone is grieving or in pain.
Definition: : weak/disabled 1) to be or become weak, be or become sick, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry 1a) (Qal) to be weak, be sick 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to be or become weak, feel weak 1b2) to become sick, become ill 1c) (Niphal) 1c1) to make oneself sick 1c2) to be made sick 1c3) to be tired 1d) (Pual) to be made weak, become weak 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself sick 1f) (Hiphil) 1f1) to make sore 1f2) to make sick 1f3) to show signs of sickness, become sick 1f4) to grieve 1g) (Hophal) 1g1) to be made sick 1g2) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, [idiom] pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit ([idiom] supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded. See also: Genesis 48:1; Psalms 119:58; Psalms 35:13.
בַּֽ/עֲבוּר֙
ʻâbûwr
H5668
"for the sake of"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means for the sake of or because of something, like in Genesis when God acts on account of his people's needs. It shows a reason or purpose behind an action. The KJV often translates it as because of or for someone's sake.
Definition: prep 1) for the sake of, on account of, because of, in order to conj 2) in order that
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (...'s sake), (intent) that, to. See also: Genesis 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:12; Psalms 105:45.
תָּמָ֣ר
Tâmâr
H8559
"Tamar"
N-proper
Tamar was the name of three women and a place in the Bible, including the wife of Judah's son Er. The name means palm tree and is also associated with the city of Tadmor
Definition: Tamar = "palm-tree" Sothernmost tip of Judah Another name of tad.mor (תַּדְמֹר "Tadmor" H8412)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Tamar. See also: Genesis 38:6; 2 Samuel 13:8; Ezekiel 48:28.
אֲחֹת֔/וֹ
ʼâchôwth
H269
"sister"
N-fs | Suff
A sister in the Bible can be a biological sibling, a half-sister, or a close relative. In Genesis 4:2, Cain's sister is not named, but in Genesis 24:15, Rebekah is Isaac's cousin and future wife.
Definition: 1) sister 1a) sister (same parents) 1b) half-sister (same father) 1c) relative 1c1) (metaph) of Israel's and Judah's relationship 1d) beloved 1d1) bride 1e) (fig.) of intimate connection 1f) another
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other, sister, together. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Samuel 13:22; Proverbs 7:4.
כִּ֥י
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.
בְתוּלָ֖ה
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
"virgin"
N-fs
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.
הִ֑יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וַ/יִּפָּלֵא֙
pâlâʼ
H6381
"to wonder"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wonder or be amazed, often at something great or difficult. It describes God's power and miracles in the Bible, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'marvelous' or 'wonderful'.
Definition: 1) to be marvellous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be beyond one's power, be difficult to do 1a2) to be difficult to understand 1a3) to be wonderful, be extraordinary 1a3a) marvellous (participle) 1b) (Piel) to separate (an offering) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to do extraordinary or hard or difficult thing 1c2) to make wonderful, do wondrously 1d) (Hithpael) to show oneself wonderful or marvellous
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, (arise...too, be too) hard, hidden, things too high, (be, do, do a, shew) marvelous(-ly, -els, things, work), miracles, perform, separate, make singular, (be, great, make) wonderful(-ers, -ly, things, works), wondrous (things, works, -ly). See also: Genesis 18:14; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 9:2.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
אַמְנ֔וֹן
ʼAmnôwn
H550
"Amnon"
N-proper
Amnon was a son of King David, known for his tragic story in the Bible. His name means 'faithful', but his actions were not faithful, as he committed a terrible sin against his sister Tamar.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.20; son of: Shimon (H7889); brother of: Rinnah (H7441), Ben-hanan (H1135) , Tilon (H8436) § Amnon = "faithful" 1) oldest son of David, rapist of Tamar, slain by Absalom 2) a son of Shimon (of Caleb's clan)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: Amnon. See also: 2 Samuel 3:2; 2 Samuel 13:20; 1 Chronicles 4:20.
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לָ֖/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
מְאֽוּמָה
mᵉʼûwmâh
H3972
"anything"
N-fs
This word refers to something, no matter how small, or nothing at all. It's used in phrases like 'anything' or 'nothing'. The Bible uses it in various books to convey the idea of something or nothing.
Definition: anything
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: fault, [phrase] no(-ught), ought, somewhat, any (no-)thing. See also: Genesis 22:12; 1 Samuel 25:15; Jeremiah 39:10.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 13:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 13:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:2
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:2
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:2
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:2
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:2
Context — Amnon and Tamar
1After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom.
2Amnon was sick with frustration over his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed implausible for him to do anything to her.
3Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very shrewd man, 4and he asked Amnon, “Why are you, the son of the king, so depressed morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?” Amnon replied, “I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 7:10 | Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 21:4 | So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat. |
| 3 | Song of Solomon 5:8 | O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you, if you find my beloved, tell him I am sick with love. |
2 Samuel 13:2 Summary
This verse tells us that Amnon, one of King David's sons, had strong feelings for his sister Tamar, but he didn't know how to act on them because she was a virgin and his sister. This situation shows us how our desires can sometimes get in the way of doing what is right, as seen in the way Amnon eventually treats Tamar. It's like when we really want something, but we know we shouldn't have it, and that can be very frustrating (as in Romans 7:15-20). We can learn from Amnon's mistakes by remembering to always consider what God wants us to do, and to seek wisdom and self-control, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Amnon was 'sick with frustration' over his sister Tamar?
This phrase suggests that Amnon had strong, unfulfilled desires for Tamar, which were likely driven by lust rather than genuine love, as seen in the way he eventually treats her (2 Samuel 13:14). This is in contrast to the selfless love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Why did it seem 'implausible' for Amnon to do anything to Tamar?
The fact that Tamar was a virgin and Amnon's sister made his desires for her seem impossible to fulfill, given the moral and societal norms of the time, as well as the laws against incest in Leviticus 18:9 and Deuteronomy 27:22.
How does Amnon's frustration relate to the concept of temptation?
Amnon's experience illustrates the idea that unmet desires can lead to frustration and temptation, as described in James 1:14-15, where it is written that temptation arises from our own desires.
What can we learn from Amnon's situation about the dangers of unchecked emotions?
Amnon's story teaches us that allowing our emotions to control us can lead to destructive behavior, as seen in his eventual actions towards Tamar, highlighting the importance of self-control and seeking wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 25:28 and 1 Corinthians 7:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I allow my desires to control my actions, and how can I learn to surrender them to God?
- How do I respond when my desires seem unfulfilled, and what does this reveal about my trust in God's sovereignty?
- In what ways can I cultivate self-control and seek wisdom in the face of temptation, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10?
- What does Amnon's experience teach me about the importance of considering the long-term consequences of my actions, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:2
And Amnon was so vexed,.... Distressed, straitened, and perplexed in his mind through unruly and unbridled lusts that raged in him: that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; as Antiochus son of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:2
And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her. For she was a virgin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:2
He fell sick; the passion of his mind disturbed his body, as is usual. She was a virgin, and therefore diligently kept, so as he could not get private converse with her; and withal modest, and abhorring any compliance with his lustful desires, both from her inclination and interest.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:2
2 Samuel 13:2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she [was] a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her.Ver. 2. And Amnon was so vexed that he fell sick.] So did Antiochus, the son of Seleucus, king of Syria, for the love of his step-mother, Stratonice; so that he was near to death. Mors et Amor comites sunt, et mutant et mutuant aliquando sagittas. “ Mutarunt arma inter se Mors atque Cupido: Haec falcem gestat, gestat at ille facem. ” The reason hereof is given by some, and it is this: The affections are in the grossest and basest part of the mind, which hath greatest affinity with the body; and thence it is that the vehemency of the affections worketh such bodily distempers. For she was a virgin.] And therefore of herself more averse from any such unchaste thoughts; and besides, she was strictly kept in, being the king’ s daughter especially, and for aught we find, his only daughter. And Amnon thought it hard.] He knew not how to compass his desire, and therefore lay broiling on the gridiron of his own unruly passions; but the devil found him out a broker. Appian. Syriat. Val Max., lib. v. cap. 7.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:2
(2) Thought it hard.—Rather, it seemed impossible to Amnon. The modest seclusion of Tamar in the harem of her mother seemed to leave him no opportunity to carry out his desires. It appears from the narrative that the king’s children lived in different households, and each grown-up son dwelt in his own house.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:2
Verse 2. Amnon was so vexed - for she was a virgin] It has been well remarked that "the passion of love is nowhere so wasting and vexatious, as where it is unlawful. A quick sense of guilt, especially where it is enormous, as in the present instance, strikes the soul with horror; and the impossibility of an innocent gratification loads that horror with desperation: a conflict too cruel and too dreadful for human bearing." - Delaney.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:2
2. Amnon thought it hard] It seemed impossible to Amnon. Tamar lived a secluded life in the women’s apartments, where Amnon could not obtain access to her.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:2
2. So vexed, that he fell sick — “Not being able to obtain his desires, his grief so ate up his body that he grew lean, and his colour was changed.” — Josephus.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Messages) Repentance by Basilea Schlink | During World War II, many German people experienced suffering and developed a hunger for the word of God. The speaker received numerous requests for Bible studies and lectures, whi |
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Marks of the Elect by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of moral sensitivity and how it relates to the reception of the gospel. He emphasizes that not everyone is receptive to the messa |
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Don't Expect a Perfect Repentance by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the common struggle of individuals who feel unable to be saved, repent, or believe in God. He acknowledges the superficiality of some salvati |
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(Basics) 7. Repentance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the difficulty people have in asking for forgiveness due to their pride. He explains that in order to receive forgiveness from God, one must |
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Repentance (High Quality) by David Smithers | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the glory and majesty of King Jesus. They discuss how worship is a response to God's greatness and encourage |
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Where Did the Puritans Come From? by J.I. Packer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the factors that contributed to the distinctive nature of the Protestant movement. He identifies four main sectors that played a role in shapi |
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(Beginnings) Repentance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in the Christian life. He compares it to a building without proper foundations, which leads to c |