2 Samuel 13:15

KJV

Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her [was] greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Amnon {H550} hated {H8130} her exceedingly {H3966}{H1419}; so that the hatred {H8135} wherewith he hated {H8130} her was greater {H1419} than the love {H160} wherewith he had loved {H157} her. And Amnon {H550} said {H559} unto her, Arise {H6965}, be gone {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But then he was filled with utter revulsion for her - his hatred of her was even greater than the love he had had for her before. Amnon said to her, "Get up, and get out of here!"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Amnon hated Tamar with such intensity that his hatred was greater than the love he previously had. “Get up!” he said to her. “Be gone!”

American Standard Version

Then Amnon hated her with exceeding great hatred; for the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 13:15 captures the chilling aftermath of Amnon's sexual assault on his half-sister, Tamar, revealing a perverse and immediate transformation of his intense, selfish desire into an even greater, overwhelming hatred for his victim. This verse starkly illustrates the depravity of unchecked lust, which, once sated through illicit means, discards and despises the object of its gratification, culminating in Amnon's cruel command for Tamar to be expelled.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal and horrifying turning point immediately following Amnon's violent sexual assault on Tamar, detailed in [2 Samuel 13:1-14](/2_samuel/13-1-14 "2 Samuel 13:1-14 - Amnon's Scheme and Assault on Tamar"). It marks the abrupt shift from Amnon's manipulative pursuit to his utter revulsion, setting the stage for Tamar's profound despair and public humiliation in [2 Samuel 13:19](/2_samuel/13-19 "2 Samuel 13:19 - Tamar's Despair") and Absalom's subsequent, calculated revenge against Amnon, which culminates in Amnon's murder in [2 Samuel 13:28-29](/2_samuel/13-28-29 "2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Absalom's Revenge on Amnon"). The narrative of David's family is one of escalating tragedy, and this verse is a critical link in the chain of sin and its devastating consequences.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, a woman's virginity was paramount, especially for a king's daughter. Sexual assault was a heinous crime that brought immense shame upon the victim and her family, often rendering the woman unmarriageable and socially ruined. The Law stipulated severe penalties for such acts, including forced marriage with compensation or even death for the perpetrator, depending on the circumstances (e.g., [Deuteronomy 22:28-29](/deuteronomy/22-28-29 "Deuteronomy 22:28-29 - Law Concerning Seduction")). However, in this royal household, David's failure to administer justice or even acknowledge Tamar's suffering properly (as seen in [2 Samuel 13:21](/2_samuel/13-21 "2 Samuel 13:21 - David's Inaction")) highlights the corrupting influence of power and privilege, and the systemic vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society where justice could be subverted.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it exposes **The Deceptive and Destructive Nature of Lust**, demonstrating how a self-serving desire, masquerading as "love," can instantly morph into bitter hatred once its illicit gratification is achieved. Amnon's "love" was never genuine affection but a consuming, selfish obsession that sought only its own satisfaction, contrasting sharply with true, self-giving love. Secondly, it underscores the **Immediate and Intense Revulsion** that can follow predatory acts, a psychological paradox where the perpetrator, perhaps out of guilt, shame, or a desire to distance themselves from their sin, despises the victim. Thirdly, it highlights the **Profound Trauma Inflicted on the Victim**, even though the verse focuses on Amnon's reaction. Tamar's subsequent despair and isolation are a direct consequence, illustrating the devastating impact of sexual violence. Finally, this event is a stark example of the **Consequences of Unchecked Sin within David's Household**, directly fulfilling Nathan's prophecy that "the sword shall never depart from your house" ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy to David")), setting in motion a chain of events that leads to fratricide and rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hated (Hebrew, _sane'_):** This verb denotes a strong, intense aversion, often implying active animosity or rejection. Its immediate appearance after the assault emphasizes the sudden and complete reversal of Amnon's disposition. The repetition of "hated... hatred wherewith he hated her" underscores the extreme and overwhelming nature of this emotion, leaving no ambiguity about its intensity.
* **Exceedingly (Hebrew, _me'od me'od_):** This is a double use of the Hebrew adverb for "very" or "much," functioning as a superlative. It intensifies the description of Amnon's hatred, highlighting its extreme degree. It wasn't just hatred, but hatred to the highest possible extent, reinforcing the idea that this new emotion surpassed anything he had felt before.
* **Love (Hebrew, _'aheb_):** While translated as "love," in this context, the narrative clearly demonstrates it was not genuine, self-giving love but rather a consuming, selfish lust or infatuation. The text's direct comparison, stating his hatred was "greater than the love wherewith he had loved her," serves to expose the superficial and ultimately destructive nature of his initial desire. It was a "love" that sought only to take, not to give or protect.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Amnon hated her exceedingly":** This clause immediately follows the act of assault, highlighting the instantaneous and perverse shift in Amnon's emotions. The "then" denotes a direct, unmediated consequence. The hatred is not a gradual development but an immediate, intense revulsion, likely fueled by guilt, shame, self-loathing, or a desire to psychologically distance himself from his heinous act. This reveals the depravity that often accompanies the sating of illicit desires.
* **"so that the hatred wherewith he hated her [was] greater than the love wherewith he had loved her":** This is the core comparative statement, emphasizing the profound and shocking reversal. The initial "love" (lust) was intense enough to drive him to such a wicked act, but the subsequent hatred was even more overwhelming. This serves as a powerful commentary on the nature of lust: it is insatiable and, once satisfied, often leaves behind a bitter residue of contempt for the object it once pursued, precisely because that object now represents the sin committed. It exposes the utter superficiality and self-serving nature of his initial "love."
* **"And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone":** This final, chilling command encapsulates Amnon's complete dehumanization of Tamar. Having used her for his own gratification, he now discards her with cold indifference, adding insult to injury. This dismissal is a final act of violence, stripping Tamar of any remaining dignity and leaving her utterly abandoned and disgraced. It underscores the predatory nature of his actions and his absolute lack of remorse or empathy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its chilling message. The most prominent is **Juxtaposition**, starkly contrasting "love" and "hatred" within the same sentence, highlighting the perverse and immediate reversal of Amnon's feelings. This is further amplified by **Hyperbole**, as the text emphasizes his hatred was "exceedingly" great and "greater than the love," underscoring the extreme nature of his revulsion. There is profound **Irony** in the fact that the very desire that drove him to such lengths transforms into its antithesis, revealing the deceptive and destructive nature of lust. Finally, the passage exhibits striking **Psychological Realism**, portraying the common, albeit disturbing, phenomenon of a perpetrator's post-act revulsion towards their victim, often rooted in self-loathing, guilt, or a desire to erase the evidence of their sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amnon's perverse shift from intense "love" (lust) to even greater hatred for Tamar provides a stark biblical illustration of the destructive power of sin, particularly unbridled lust, and the depravity of the human heart. It reveals that what masquerades as passion, when rooted in selfish desire rather than genuine care, is ultimately consuming and discarding. This tragic episode underscores how sin, once conceived and brought forth, not only harms the victim but also corrupts the perpetrator, leaving a bitter aftermath of revulsion and further alienation. It stands as a powerful warning against the objectification of others and the insidious nature of desires unchecked by moral boundaries and divine law.

* [Proverbs 6:27-29](/proverbs/6-27-29 "Proverbs 6:27-29 - Playing with Fire")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin")
* [1 John 2:16](/1_john/2-16 "1 John 2:16 - The Lust of the Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling account of Amnon's immediate and intense hatred for Tamar after his act of violence serves as a profound warning for all generations. It compels us to examine the nature of our own desires, distinguishing between genuine, self-giving love and self-serving lust. True love, as described in Scripture, seeks the well-being and flourishing of the other, respects boundaries, and builds up; lust, by contrast, consumes, exploits, and ultimately discards, leaving a trail of brokenness and regret. This passage reminds us that sin, while offering fleeting gratification, invariably leads to bitterness, shame, and a desire to distance oneself from its consequences and victims. It calls us to cultivate a heart of purity, self-control, and profound respect for the dignity of every individual, recognizing that unchecked desires can lead to unimaginable depravity and devastating outcomes for all involved. We are challenged to confront the insidious nature of objectification in our society and within our own hearts, striving instead to embody the selfless love that honors God and cherishes humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Amnon's "love" for Tamar, and its sudden transformation into hatred, contrast with biblical definitions of true, agape love?**
* **What does this passage reveal about the deceptive and destructive nature of unchecked lust and selfish desire?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to objectify others or pursue selfish gratification at the expense of their dignity and well-being?**
* **What steps can we take, individually and communally, to cultivate a heart of genuine, self-giving love and profound respect for others, particularly the vulnerable?**

### FAQ
**Why did Amnon's "love" turn to such intense hatred immediately after the assault?**

Answer: Amnon's "love" was never genuine affection but a selfish, consuming lust. Once his illicit desire was violently satisfied, the object of his lust became a source of profound discomfort. This immediate hatred can be understood through several lenses: psychological projection (projecting his own guilt, shame, and self-loathing onto Tamar), a desire to distance himself from the horrific act by despising the victim, or simply the inherent emptiness and bitterness that accompanies the sating of ungodly desires. Lust, by its nature, is consuming and discarding; it seeks only its own gratification and, once achieved, often leaves behind a residue of contempt for the means by which it was fulfilled. This highlights the spiritual truth that sin, once "finished, brings forth death" ([James 1:15](/james/1-15 "James 1:15 - The Progression of Sin")), not just for the victim but also for the perpetrator's soul.

**What does this verse teach us about the nature of true love?**

Answer: This verse, by stark contrast, teaches us what true love is *not*. Amnon's actions demonstrate that true love is not selfish, does not exploit, does not disregard the well-being of the other, and does not turn to hatred once its desire is met. True love, as described in [1 Corinthians 13:4-7](/1_corinthians/13-4-7 "1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - The Description of Love"), is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Amnon's "love" was the antithesis of these qualities, serving as a powerful negative example of love's true character.

**How does this event contribute to the unfolding tragedy in David's family?**

Answer: The assault on Tamar and Amnon's subsequent hatred and dismissal of her are a critical catalyst for the escalating tragedy within David's household. David's failure to justly punish Amnon for his heinous crime ([2 Samuel 13:21](/2_samuel/13-21 "2 Samuel 13:21 - David's Anger and Inaction")) incensed Absalom, Tamar's full brother. This unaddressed injustice festered for two years, culminating in Absalom's calculated revenge, where he orchestrated Amnon's murder ([2 Samuel 13:28-29](/2_samuel/13-28-29 "2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Absalom's Revenge on Amnon")). This act of fratricide led to Absalom's exile, his eventual rebellion against his father ([2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")), and the subsequent civil war that brought immense suffering to Israel. This entire chain of events directly fulfills Nathan's prophecy to David in [2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy to David"), that "the sword shall never depart from your house" because of his own sin with Bathsheba.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chilling narrative of Amnon's immediate and intense hatred for Tamar, surpassing his initial "love," serves as a stark illustration of the depths of human sinfulness and the destructive power of unchecked lust. It reveals the heart's capacity for depravity, where desire, unconstrained by righteousness, leads not to fulfillment but to bitterness, contempt, and ultimate death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). In profound contrast to Amnon's self-serving and ultimately destructive "love," Jesus Christ embodies true, self-sacrificial love. He did not come to exploit or discard, but to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). While Amnon's "love" turned to hatred, Christ's love for humanity, even in its sinfulness, led Him to the cross, where He bore the hatred and sin of the world, offering forgiveness and reconciliation ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including the lust and hatred exemplified by Amnon ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His Spirit, Christ empowers believers to put off the old self, which is corrupted by deceitful desires, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put Off the Old Self, Put On the New")). He transforms hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, enabling His followers to love God and neighbor with the selfless, enduring love that Amnon utterly lacked ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart"), [Matthew 22:37-39](/matthew/22-37-39 "Matthew 22:37-39 - The Greatest Commandment")).

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

Ezekiel 23:17

And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them.