2 Samuel 13:14

KJV

Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit he would {H14} not hearken {H8085} unto her voice {H6963}: but, being stronger {H2388} than she, forced {H6031} her, and lay {H7901} with her.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, he wouldn't listen to her; and since he was stronger than she, he overpowered her and raped her.

Berean Standard Bible

But Amnon refused to listen to her, and being stronger, he violated her and lay with her.

American Standard Version

Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice; but being stronger than she, he forced her, and lay with her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:14 vividly recounts the horrific climax of Amnon's calculated scheme, detailing his non-consensual sexual assault of his half-sister, Tamar. Despite her desperate pleas and reasoned arguments, Amnon, driven by unchecked lust and leveraging his superior strength, brutally violated her. This verse marks a pivotal and deeply tragic moment within David's royal family, initiating a chain of devastating events that would profoundly destabilize his kingdom and foreshadow future judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the devastating culmination of Amnon's manipulative plot, which begins in [2 Samuel chapter 13](/2_samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - Amnon's Sin Against Tamar"). Driven by an obsessive lust for Tamar, Amnon feigned illness and, with the malicious counsel of his cousin Jonadab, lured her to his private chambers under the guise of needing her care. Tamar, unaware of his true intentions, innocently complied. The preceding verses detail Tamar's desperate and articulate pleas, where she appeals to Amnon's conscience, his familial duty, and God's law, even offering a legitimate marriage proposal to avoid the impending disgrace ([2 Samuel 13:12-13](/2_samuel/13-12 "2 Samuel 13:12-13 - Tamar's Plea to Amnon")). However, Amnon's determination to fulfill his wicked desire completely overrode her voice and reasoning, leading directly to the violent act described in this verse. The immediate aftermath, where Amnon's lust turns to intense hatred and he brutally casts Tamar out ([2 Samuel 13:15-17](/2_samuel/13-15 "2 Samuel 13:15-17 - Amnon's Rejection of Tamar")), further underscores the depravity of his actions and sets the stage for Absalom's simmering wrath and eventual revenge.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, family honor, particularly within the royal household, was paramount. Sexual purity and the protection of female relatives were deeply ingrained cultural values, reinforced by Mosaic Law. Incestuous relationships were strictly forbidden and considered an abomination, punishable by severe consequences ([Leviticus 18:9](/leviticus/18-9 "Leviticus 18:9 - Prohibition of Incest"), [Leviticus 20:17](/leviticus/20-17 "Leviticus 20:17 - Penalty for Incest")). A woman's virginity prior to marriage was highly valued, and her defilement brought immense shame not only upon herself but also upon her entire family. For a royal princess like Tamar, such a violation would be an unparalleled disgrace, effectively ruining her prospects for a respectable marriage and consigning her to a life of desolation, as indeed it did ([2 Samuel 13:20](/2_samuel/13-20 "2 Samuel 13:20 - Tamar's Desolation")). Amnon, as the king's firstborn son, wielded significant power and privilege, which he shamelessly exploited, highlighting the dangerous potential for abuse of authority in a patriarchal society where women had limited recourse.

* **Key Themes:** The tragic events of [2 Samuel chapter 13](/2_samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - Amnon's Sin Against Tamar") are saturated with profound thematic implications. Foremost is the theme of **Sin and Its Destructive Power**, demonstrating how unchecked lust and selfish desire, when allowed to fester, can lead to horrific acts of violence and unleash a cascading series of devastating consequences. Amnon's sin is a direct violation of God's law and the sacred bonds of family, illustrating the biblical principle that [what one sows, one will also reap](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping"). Another critical theme is the **Abuse of Power and Authority**. Amnon leverages his status as the crown prince and his physical superiority ("being stronger than she") to overpower Tamar, highlighting how power can corrupt and be used to exploit the vulnerable rather than protect them. This tragic narrative also powerfully conveys the theme of **Violation and Injustice**, as Tamar is subjected to an egregious act of sexual violence and her voice is utterly silenced. Her subsequent desolation ([2 Samuel 13:19-20](/2_samuel/13-19 "2 Samuel 13:19-20 - Tamar's Despair")) underscores the profound physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma inflicted upon victims of such heinous crimes, demanding a call for justice and protection for the oppressed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearken (Hebrew, _shama'_):** This verb (שָׁמַע) means "to hear, listen, or obey." In this context, it emphasizes Amnon's deliberate and willful refusal to heed Tamar's desperate pleas and rational arguments. It highlights his complete disregard for her dignity, her reasoning, and the moral implications of his actions, demonstrating a hardened heart set on fulfilling his lust regardless of the consequences or the victim's suffering.
* **stronger (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** The word (חָזַק) means "to be strong, to prevail, or to overpower." Here, it explicitly describes the physical disparity between Amnon and Tamar. It underscores the non-consensual nature of the act, indicating that Amnon used brute force and his superior physical might to overcome Tamar's resistance, rendering her helpless and unable to defend herself against his assault.
* **forced (Hebrew, _'anah'_):** This verb (עָנָה) carries the primary meaning of "to humble, afflict, violate, or rape." While the KJV's "forced her" is a translation of the combined action of Amnon being "stronger" (_chazaq_) and then "violating" (_'anah_), the term _'anah_ unequivocally denotes sexual assault and the profound degradation inflicted upon Tamar. It emphasizes the violent, non-consensual nature of Amnon's act, highlighting the severe violation of her person and dignity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice":** This clause immediately establishes Amnon's utter disregard for Tamar's desperate and reasoned appeals. Despite her articulate arguments against the sin and disgrace, his will was fixed on his wicked desire, demonstrating a complete lack of empathy or moral restraint.
* **"but, being stronger than she":** This phrase highlights the critical power imbalance at play. It underscores the physical advantage Amnon held over Tamar, making it clear that the act was not consensual but rather an act of physical dominance and coercion, where her resistance was futile against his superior strength.
* **"forced her, and lay with her":** This is the direct and unequivocal statement of sexual assault. The combination of "forced her" (implying violation and overpowering) and "lay with her" leaves no doubt about the nature of the crime. It is a stark declaration of a non-consensual sexual act, emphasizing the violence and profound violation of Tamar's body and person.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Samuel 13:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its horrific message. **Contrast** is evident in the stark opposition between Tamar's reasoned pleas and Amnon's unyielding, brute force, highlighting the clash between innocence and depravity. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as this heinous act is the direct catalyst for Absalom's calculated revenge and subsequent rebellion against David, setting in motion the tragic unraveling of the royal household. There is a strong element of **Pathos**, as the reader is made to feel profound pity and sorrow for Tamar, the innocent victim of such a cruel and unjust act. Furthermore, the event tragically serves as a **Parallelism** to David's own sin with Bathsheba, underscoring the recurring theme of sin and its devastating consequences within the royal family, demonstrating how the father's moral failures are tragically echoed and amplified in his children's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound tragedy of 2 Samuel 13:14 resonates with several core theological truths. Firstly, it starkly reveals the destructive power of unchecked sin, particularly lust and selfish desire, when allowed to dominate the human heart. Amnon's actions are not merely a moral failing but a direct transgression against God's law concerning sexual purity and the sanctity of family relationships, demonstrating that sin, left unaddressed, leads to profound brokenness and widespread suffering. The passage also highlights God's abhorrence of injustice and the violation of the vulnerable. While David's immediate response was tragically passive, the narrative itself, by exposing the horror of the act and its devastating aftermath, implicitly condemns such violence and underscores the divine demand for justice and protection for those who are exploited. It reminds us that God's moral order is violated when the strong oppress the weak, and that such acts carry severe consequences, both personal and societal.

* [Leviticus 18:9](/leviticus/18-9 "Leviticus 18:9 - Prohibition of Incest")
* [Deuteronomy 22:25-27](/deuteronomy/22-25 "Deuteronomy 22:25-27 - Law on Rape")
* [Proverbs 6:27-29](/proverbs/6-27 "Proverbs 6:27-29 - Consequences of Adultery/Lust")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This somber passage serves as a stark and uncomfortable reminder of the reality of evil and the devastating impact of sin, especially sexual violence and abuse, even within contexts that should be safe and sacred. It compels us to confront the insidious nature of unchecked lust and selfish desire, demonstrating how they can lead to horrific acts that shatter lives and families. For believers, it underscores the critical importance of cultivating self-control, respecting the dignity and autonomy of others, and actively resisting temptations that would lead to sin. Furthermore, this narrative implicitly calls us to be advocates for justice, to protect the vulnerable, and to create communities where victims of abuse are believed, supported, and where perpetrators are held accountable. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any inclination towards exploiting power or disregarding the voice of the marginalized, and to commit to fostering environments of safety, respect, and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge our understanding of power dynamics and the vulnerability of individuals within relationships?**
* **What are the lasting consequences of unchecked lust and selfish ambition, both for the individual and for the wider community, as illustrated in this narrative?**
* **In what ways should communities of faith respond to instances of abuse and injustice, ensuring that victims are supported and perpetrators are held accountable?**
* **How can we actively work to protect the vulnerable and advocate for justice in our own spheres of influence, reflecting God's heart for righteousness?**

### FAQ
**Why did Amnon commit such a heinous act against his own half-sister, Tamar?**

Answer: Amnon's actions stemmed from an unchecked, obsessive lust that consumed him. Influenced by the cunning and morally bankrupt advice of his cousin Jonadab ([2 Samuel 13:3-5](/2_samuel/13-3 "2 Samuel 13:3-5 - Jonadab's Counsel to Amnon")), Amnon allowed his desire to override any sense of familial duty, moral restraint, or fear of God. His position as the king's son likely fostered a sense of entitlement and impunity, leading him to believe he could act without consequence. This tragic event highlights the destructive power of unbridled passion and the absence of a strong moral compass within David's own household.

**What was Tamar's immediate response and subsequent fate after the assault?**

Answer: Tamar's response was one of profound devastation and despair. Immediately after the assault, Amnon's lust turned to intense hatred, and he cruelly cast her out of his house ([2 Samuel 13:15-17](/2_samuel/13-15 "2 Samuel 13:15-17 - Amnon's Rejection of Tamar")). In her anguish, Tamar tore the ornate, long-sleeved robe that signified her status as a virgin princess, put ashes on her head, and went away weeping and desolate ([2 Samuel 13:19-20](/2_samuel/13-19 "2 Samuel 13:19-20 - Tamar's Desolation")). She sought refuge in the house of her full brother, Absalom, where she remained a desolate and unmarried woman, her life and honor irrevocably shattered by Amnon's crime.

**How did King David respond to this horrific event involving his children?**

Answer: King David's response to Amnon's crime was tragically inadequate and a significant failure of his kingship and fatherhood. When he heard of the assault, David was "very wroth" ([2 Samuel 13:21](/2_samuel/13-21 "2 Samuel 13:21 - David's Anger")), but he took no decisive action to punish Amnon or bring him to justice. This inaction, perhaps due to his own past moral failures or a reluctance to confront his firstborn son, allowed Absalom's simmering anger to fester for two full years. Ultimately, David's failure to administer justice directly led to Absalom's vengeful murder of Amnon ([2 Samuel 13:28-29](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Absalom Murders Amnon")) and set in motion the chain of events that culminated in Absalom's rebellion against David himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of 2 Samuel 13:14, with its raw depiction of sin, abuse of power, and profound injustice, powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a Savior. Amnon's unchecked lust and violent act, coupled with David's subsequent failure to enact justice, reveal the deep brokenness within the human heart and the devastating consequences of sin, even within God's chosen lineage. In stark contrast to the fallen kings and flawed individuals of the Old Testament, Jesus Christ emerges as the perfect King and the ultimate protector of the vulnerable. He is the one who not only condemns all forms of sexual violence and injustice but also actively defends the weak and marginalized, as seen in his care for the outcasts and his teachings on the sanctity of every individual ([Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warning Against Causing Sin") and [Mark 10:14](/mark/10-14 "Mark 10:14 - Jesus Welcomes Children")). Furthermore, where David failed to bring justice, Christ perfectly upholds God's righteousness, ultimately bearing the full weight of sin's consequences on the cross, offering forgiveness and healing to those who have been wronged and redemption to those who repent ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"), [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus inaugurates a new kingdom where true justice will prevail, where the broken are mended, and where the power of sin is ultimately defeated, offering hope and restoration far beyond the desolation experienced by Tamar and David's fractured family.

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

2 Samuel 12:11

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give [them] unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

Judges 20:5

And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, [and] thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they forced, that she is dead.

Deuteronomy 22:25

But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die:

Deuteronomy 22:27

For he found her in the field, [and] the betrothed damsel cried, and [there was] none to save her.

Esther 7:8

Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther [was]. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.