2 Samuel 13:11

KJV

And when she had brought [them] unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when she had brought {H5066} them unto him to eat {H398}, he took hold {H2388} of her, and said {H559} unto her, Come {H935} lie {H7901} with me, my sister {H269}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when she brought them near, so that he could eat, he grabbed her and said to her, "Come to bed with me, my sister."

Berean Standard Bible

And when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said, “Come lie with me, my sister!”

American Standard Version

And when she had brought them near unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come, lie with me, my sister.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:11 marks the horrific climax of Amnon's calculated deception, as he seizes his half-sister Tamar and forcibly demands sexual intercourse. This pivotal verse reveals Amnon's predatory intent, transforming an act of familial care into a heinous assault, and setting in motion a tragic chain of events that will devastate David's royal household and fulfill prophetic judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Amnon's elaborate scheme, orchestrated with the wicked counsel of his cousin Jonadab. The preceding verses detail Amnon's feigned illness, David's compassionate response in sending Tamar to minister to her "sick" brother, and Tamar's innocent compliance in preparing food for him in his private chambers. The narrative carefully builds the tension, highlighting Tamar's vulnerability and Amnon's manipulative control. Immediately following this verse, the text describes Tamar's desperate resistance, Amnon's subsequent rape and then his profound hatred for her, and her eventual discovery by Absalom, her full brother, which ignites his silent, simmering rage that will lead to Amnon's murder and ultimately, Absalom's rebellion against David. This event is a direct outworking of [Nathan's prophecy to David](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy of the Sword") that "the sword shall never depart from your house" due to his own sin with Bathsheba.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a king's household was often a microcosm of the kingdom, and events within it had significant political and social ramifications. The honor of a royal daughter, particularly her virginity, was paramount, as it determined her marriageability and the family's standing. Sexual assault, especially incest, was a grave offense, explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:9](/leviticus/18-9 "Leviticus 18:9 - Prohibition of Incest")). The patriarchal society offered limited recourse for women in such situations, placing the burden of justice largely on the male head of the household or her male relatives. Amnon, as the eldest son and heir apparent, wielded immense power and privilege, which he cruelly abused. The act of a "sister" preparing food for a "sick" brother was a common act of familial care, making Amnon's betrayal all the more egregious.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It starkly illustrates the **destructive consequences of unchecked lust and sinful desire**, showing how Amnon's obsession, fueled by wicked counsel, leads to a heinous crime. It highlights the pervasive theme of **sin's ripple effect**, as Amnon's act not only devastates Tamar but also fractures David's family, leading to fratricide and rebellion, directly fulfilling the divine judgment pronounced in [2 Samuel 12:10-12](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10-12 - Prophecy of David's Household Troubles"). The narrative also underscores the **abuse of power and authority**, as Amnon, a prince, leverages his position and familial trust to commit violence against a vulnerable family member. Furthermore, it brings to the fore the theme of **brokenness and moral decay** within David's own house, demonstrating that even God's chosen king and his descendants are susceptible to profound sin and its devastating repercussions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **took hold (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq'_):** This verb, _ḥāzaq_, often means "to be strong," "to seize," or "to grasp firmly." In this context, combined with the subsequent command, it unequivocally denotes a forceful, non-consensual physical restraint. It signifies Amnon's exertion of power and control over Tamar, stripping her of her agency and preparing for the impending violation. It is not a gentle embrace but a violent appropriation.
* **Come lie with me (Hebrew, _šikhvah 'immī'_):** This phrase is a direct imperative, a command for sexual intercourse. While _šākab_ ("to lie down") is a common biblical euphemism for sexual relations, the accompanying "Come" (a summons or invitation) is immediately subverted by the preceding "took hold of her," indicating that this is not an invitation but a demand enforced by physical coercion. The euphemism here masks a violent reality.
* **my sister (Hebrew, _'aḥōtī'_):** The address "my sister" normally signifies a close familial bond, implying protection, trust, and shared lineage. In this context, Amnon's use of it is deeply perverse and ironic. It highlights the profound betrayal of the sacred familial relationship and underscores the incestuous nature of his demand. It signifies a complete disregard for the boundaries and sanctity of kinship, turning a term of endearment and familial respect into a tool of manipulation and violation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when she had brought [them] unto him to eat":** This clause emphasizes Tamar's innocent compliance with her father's request and Amnon's deceptive ruse. She is performing an act of familial care, bringing the special cakes she has prepared for her "sick" brother. This moment highlights her vulnerability and the extent of Amnon's premeditated treachery, as he has successfully lured her into a private, isolated setting where his true intentions can be revealed.
* **"he took hold of her":** This is the turning point, the moment of physical aggression. The verb "took hold" (as analyzed above) signifies a forceful, non-consensual seizure. It marks the transition from psychological manipulation to physical coercion, stripping Tamar of her freedom and signaling the imminent assault. This action shatters any illusion of brotherly affection or illness.
* **"and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister":** This is Amnon's explicit demand for sexual intercourse, uttered immediately after physically restraining her. The command "Come lie with me" is a direct, predatory proposition, while the address "my sister" underscores the abhorrent incestuous nature of the demand and the profound violation of familial trust. This statement encapsulates Amnon's depravity and his complete disregard for Tamar's personhood, her honor, and divine law.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Amnon's feigned illness and Tamar's compassionate act of preparing food are twisted into a trap for sexual assault. The very act of care becomes the mechanism of her vulnerability. There is a strong sense of **pathos**, evoking pity for Tamar's helplessness and the profound violation she is about to endure at the hands of her own brother. The phrase "my sister" functions as **verbal irony**, as it is a term of familial endearment and protection used in the context of a heinous betrayal and assault. Furthermore, the verse acts as a dramatic **climax** to the preceding narrative buildup, representing the moment of no return in Amnon's wicked scheme and foreshadowing the tragic consequences that will unfold within David's family.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse tragically illustrates the pervasive nature of sin and its capacity to corrupt even the most sacred bonds and institutions, including the royal family of God's chosen king. It serves as a stark reminder that unchecked desire, coupled with a disregard for divine law and human dignity, leads to devastating consequences. The theological implications extend to the brokenness of humanity's fallen state, demonstrating that even those within the covenant community are not immune to profound moral failure. This event underscores the need for righteous leadership, justice, and accountability, which, in David's case, were tragically lacking in the immediate aftermath, contributing to further familial and national strife.

* [Leviticus 18:9](/leviticus/18-9 "Leviticus 18:9 - Prohibition of Incest")
* [Proverbs 6:27-29](/proverbs/6-27 "Proverbs 6:27-29 - Playing with Fire")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling account of 2 Samuel 13:11 offers profound and unsettling insights into the human heart and the pervasive nature of sin. It compels us to reflect on the destructive power of unchecked lust and selfish desire, which, when entertained and encouraged, can lead to unspeakable acts of violence and betrayal. This narrative serves as a sobering warning about the importance of guarding our hearts and minds, recognizing that sin often begins with a thought or a desire that, if not brought under the authority of God's Word, can fester and produce catastrophic fruit. It also highlights our collective responsibility to protect the vulnerable, to speak out against injustice, and to create environments where such predatory actions are not only condemned but actively prevented. The ripple effect of Amnon's sin, which fractured a family and ultimately led to civil war, reminds us that no sin is isolated; its consequences often extend far beyond the immediate act, impacting communities and generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Amnon's premeditated deception highlight the insidious nature of sin, and what lessons can we draw about guarding our own hearts from corrupt desires?**
* **In what ways does this narrative challenge us to consider our responsibility to protect the vulnerable and speak out against abuse, especially when it occurs within trusted relationships or institutions?**
* **What are the long-term consequences of unaddressed sin and injustice, both in personal lives and within communities, as illustrated by the aftermath of Amnon's act?**

### FAQ
**Why did Amnon address Tamar as "my sister" when his intent was so malicious?**

Answer:Amnon's use of "my sister" (Hebrew: _'aḥōtī'_) in this context is deeply ironic and perverse. It serves multiple purposes, all designed to facilitate his evil intent. First, it maintains the facade of familial care and trust, which was crucial for luring Tamar into his private chambers. He was feigning illness, and a sister's care was a natural, expected response. Second, it underscores the profound betrayal of the sacred familial bond, making his subsequent act of sexual assault even more heinous and violating. The term "sister" should have implied protection and respect, but Amnon twisted it into a tool for manipulation and abuse. It highlights the incestuous nature of his demand, a clear violation of divine law (see [Leviticus 18:9](/leviticus/18-9 "Leviticus 18:9 - Prohibition of Incest")). Finally, it may have been a psychological tactic to disarm Tamar, making her less likely to suspect his true intentions until it was too late, by appealing to their shared kinship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of Amnon and Tamar, deeply stained by sin, betrayal, and violence, points powerfully to the profound need for a Savior and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This narrative, a stark reminder of humanity's fallenness and the devastating consequences of unchecked lust and abuse of power, stands in stark contrast to the perfect righteousness and self-sacrificial love of Christ. Where Amnon exploited and destroyed, Jesus came to heal and restore. He is the true King who embodies perfect justice and compassion, unlike David, who failed to adequately address the sin within his own house. Christ, the ultimate protector, laid down His life not to violate, but to redeem those who are vulnerable and broken by sin, offering true freedom and healing from the spiritual and emotional wounds inflicted by a fallen world. His pure and unwavering love, unlike Amnon's twisted desire, leads to life and reconciliation. The brokenness of David's family, a consequence of sin ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy")), foreshadows the universal human condition under the curse of sin, from which only Christ can deliver. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering forgiveness and the power to live a new life, free from the dominion of sin and its destructive patterns, ultimately establishing a kingdom where true justice, peace, and righteousness reign ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 39:11

And it came to pass about this time, that [Joseph] went into the house to do his business; and [there was] none of the men of the house there within.

Genesis 39:12

And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.