2 Samuel 13:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she had a garment {H3801} of divers colours {H6446} upon her: for with such robes {H4598} were the king's {H4428} daughters {H1323} that were virgins {H1330} apparelled {H3847}. Then his servant {H8334} brought {H3318} her out {H2351}, and bolted {H5274} the door {H1817} after {H310} her.

Complete Jewish Bible

She was wearing a long-sleeved robe (this was how they used to dress the king's daughters who were virgins). His servant took her out and locked the door after her.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 13:18 captures the immediate, tragic aftermath of Amnon's assault on Tamar, King David's daughter, focusing on two profoundly symbolic actions: her distinctive royal garment and her forcible expulsion. The verse depicts Tamar still wearing the "garment of divers colours," a tunic signifying her virginity, royal status, and purity, as Amnon's servant brutally removes her from his presence and bolts the door, sealing her shame and isolation. This moment underscores the profound injustice and the stripping away of her honor, setting the stage for the devastating consequences that ripple through David's household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the chilling climax of Amnon's heinous act against Tamar in [2 Samuel 13](/2_samuel/13 "2 Samuel 13 - Amnon and Tamar"). Prior to this, Amnon, feigning illness, had manipulated David into sending Tamar to his chambers to prepare food for him ([2 Samuel 13:5-9](/2_samuel/13-5 "2 Samuel 13:5-9 - Amnon's Deception")). Despite Tamar's fervent pleas and theological arguments against the sin ([2 Samuel 13:12-13](/2_samuel/13-12 "2 Samuel 13:12-13 - Tamar's Plea")), Amnon overpowered and raped her ([2 Samuel 13:14](/2_samuel/13-14 "2 Samuel 13:14 - Amnon's Assault")). Immediately following the assault, Amnon's lust turned to intense hatred, exceeding his former desire, and he commanded her to be thrown out ([2 Samuel 13:15](/2_samuel/13-15 "2 Samuel 13:15 - Amnon's Hatred")). Tamar's desperate attempt to avoid further public disgrace by staying was ignored ([2 Samuel 13:16](/2_samuel/13-16 "2 Samuel 13:16 - Tamar's Despair")), leading directly to the servant's actions described in verse 18, which marks her public humiliation before she tears her garment in the subsequent verse ([2 Samuel 13:19](/2_samuel/13-19 "2 Samuel 13:19 - Tamar's Desolation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a woman's honor and status were inextricably linked to her virginity and her family's reputation. For a king's daughter, these aspects were even more critical, as they reflected on the entire royal house. The "garment of divers colours" (Hebrew: *kethoneth passim*) was a distinctive, ornate tunic worn by unmarried royal daughters, symbolizing their purity, high social standing, and protected status within the palace. Such a garment would likely be long-sleeved and ankle-length, indicating a person of leisure not engaged in manual labor. Sexual assault was not merely a physical violation but a profound public shaming that rendered a woman "defiled" and often unmarriageable, stripping her of her social standing and future prospects. The act of being forcibly ejected and the door bolted after her was a public declaration of her disgrace and rejection, sealing her fate in the eyes of the community.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of David") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. It highlights the **destructive consequences of unchecked sin and lust**, particularly within the royal family, echoing the principle that sin brings chaos and suffering. The narrative underscores the **vulnerability of the innocent** and the profound **injustice** suffered by victims of sexual violence. Tamar's "garment of divers colours" serves as a potent **symbol of lost purity and honor**, its presence before expulsion emphasizing what was brutally taken from her. Furthermore, this incident sets in motion a tragic chain of events—Absalom's vengeful murder of Amnon ([2 Samuel 13:28-29](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Absalom's Revenge")) and his subsequent rebellion against David ([2 Samuel 15:1-12](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1-12 - Absalom's Rebellion"))—thereby illustrating the theme of **divine judgment and the unraveling of David's house** as a consequence of his own prior sins, particularly his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah ([2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Garment of divers colours (Hebrew, _kethoneth passim'_):** This specific Hebrew phrase refers to a long, ornate tunic, often with sleeves, signifying high status, leisure, and virginity, particularly for royal daughters. Its most famous prior appearance is in [Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Genesis 37:3 - Joseph's Coat of Many Colors"), where it describes the special tunic given by Jacob to Joseph. For Tamar, it was a public marker of her purity, her protected status as a king's virgin daughter, and her royal dignity. Its presence on her person even as she is expelled underscores the brutal irony and profound violation: she still wears the symbol of what was just irrevocably taken from her. The subsequent tearing of this garment ([2 Samuel 13:19](/2_samuel/13-19 "2 Samuel 13:19 - Tamar's Despair")) is the ultimate visual declaration of her defilement and disgrace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [she had] a garment of divers colours upon her:"** This clause establishes Tamar's appearance at the moment of her expulsion. The fact that she is still wearing the *kethoneth passim* is crucial. It highlights that she has not yet publicly expressed her grief or shame by tearing it (which she does in the next verse), and it emphasizes the stark contrast between the symbol of her purity and the defilement she has just endured. Her royal status and virginity, once publicly affirmed by this garment, are now violently contradicted by her recent experience.
* **"for with such robes were the king's daughters [that were] virgins apparelled."** This explanatory phrase confirms the specific significance of the garment. It was not just any robe, but a distinctive attire reserved for unmarried royal princesses. This detail amplifies the tragedy, as the garment, a mark of honor and protection, now serves as a poignant reminder of the honor and protection that were so cruelly denied her. It underscores the specific nature of her violation as a royal virgin.
* **"Then his servant brought her out,"** This action signifies Tamar's forced removal from Amnon's presence. It is not a gentle escort but an expulsion, emphasizing Amnon's utter contempt and desire to rid himself of her. The involvement of a servant makes the act even more dehumanizing, as Tamar is treated as an object to be discarded rather than a person deserving of respect or compassion, even in her distress. This public act further compounds her shame.
* **"and bolted the door after her."** The bolting of the door after Tamar's expulsion is a powerful, final act of rejection and sealing. It symbolizes the definitive nature of her exclusion and isolation. She is not merely put out; she is locked out, physically and symbolically shut off from the place of her violation, and by extension, from her former life of honor and security within the palace. The bolted door represents the finality of her disgrace and the closing off of any possibility of immediate recourse or comfort.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "garment of divers colours" serving as a powerful emblem of Tamar's purity, virginity, and royal status. Its presence on her person at the moment of her expulsion, before she tears it, creates a stark **irony** and emphasizes the profound violation she has suffered. The act of the servant "bolting the door after her" is also highly **symbolic**, representing not only her physical exclusion but also her social and emotional isolation, sealing her disgrace. The entire scene is steeped in **pathos**, evoking deep pity and sorrow for Tamar's plight. Furthermore, the abrupt shift from Amnon's intense lust to his violent hatred, culminating in her expulsion, highlights the **destructive nature of unbridled passion** and the callousness of the abuser. This moment also serves as a subtle **foreshadowing** of the unraveling of David's family, as this injustice will directly lead to Absalom's revenge and rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is profoundly theological, exposing the devastating ripple effects of sin and the tragic reality of injustice within even God's chosen family. It underscores that sin, especially sexual sin and the abuse of power, does not remain confined to the individual but defiles families and communities, bringing about profound suffering and systemic breakdown. Tamar's humiliation is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the innocent and the dire need for justice and protection for those who are marginalized and violated. The narrative challenges the reader to grapple with the consequences of unaddressed sin and the failure of leadership (David's inaction) to uphold righteousness. The Lord, though not explicitly mentioned in this verse, is implicitly the ultimate arbiter of justice, and the subsequent events in David's life demonstrate that such egregious acts do not go unpunished, bringing divine discipline upon the royal house.

* [Deuteronomy 22:25-27](/deuteronomy/22-25 "Law on Rape")
* [Proverbs 6:27-29](/proverbs/6-27 "Consequences of Adultery")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of Tamar's expulsion is a sobering mirror reflecting the brokenness of humanity and the devastating impact of sin. It compels us to confront the reality of sexual violence, abuse of power, and the profound trauma inflicted upon victims. For the church today, this narrative calls for a renewed commitment to protecting the vulnerable, speaking out against injustice, and providing compassionate care and advocacy for those who have been violated and marginalized. It reminds us that true spiritual health within a community requires accountability for sin, particularly among those in positions of power, and a fervent pursuit of righteousness and justice. We are challenged to cultivate environments where victims feel safe to come forward, where their dignity is restored, and where the devastating consequences of sin are acknowledged and mourned, rather than swept under the rug. The silence and inaction of others in Tamar's story serve as a powerful warning against complicity through neglect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Tamar's "garment of divers colours" symbolize the profound loss she experienced, and what does this teach us about the value of purity and honor?**
* **What are the spiritual dangers of unchecked lust and hatred, as exemplified by Amnon's actions?**
* **How does the "bolting of the door" after Tamar's expulsion speak to the isolation and shame experienced by victims of abuse, and how can the church respond with compassion and restoration?**
* **What lessons can we draw from David's subsequent inaction (or delayed action) regarding this injustice, and how might leaders today better protect the vulnerable within their spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why is the detail about Tamar's "garment of divers colours" so significant in this verse?**

Answer: The detail about Tamar's "garment of divers colours" (Hebrew: *kethoneth passim*) is profoundly significant because it was a specific, ornate tunic worn exclusively by virgin daughters of the king. It was a public symbol of her purity, her high royal status, and her protected, unmarried state. Its presence on her person even as she is forcibly expelled underscores the brutal irony and profound violation she has just endured. She still wears the outward sign of her honor and virginity, even though both have been irrevocably stripped from her. This visual contrast amplifies the tragedy and the depth of her defilement and public shame, setting the stage for her act of tearing the garment in [2 Samuel 13:19](/2_samuel/13-19 "2 Samuel 13:19 - Tamar's Despair"), which is the ultimate public declaration of her disgrace. It’s the same type of garment given to Joseph by Jacob in [Genesis 37:3](/genesis/37-3 "Genesis 37:3 - Joseph's Coat of Many Colors"), signifying special favor and status.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 13:18 depicts a scene of profound human depravity, injustice, and the stripping away of dignity, it paradoxically points forward to the ultimate Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who experienced an even greater humiliation for the sake of humanity's restoration. Tamar's forced expulsion and the public display of her shame, sealed by the bolted door, foreshadow the rejection and suffering of Christ. He too was stripped of His garments, exposed to public shame, and cast out of the city to suffer on the cross ([Matthew 27:28](/matthew/27-28 "Matthew 27:28 - Jesus Stripped"), [Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). Unlike Tamar, who was an innocent victim of another's sin, Jesus willingly bore the shame and sin of the world, becoming defiled for our sake so that we might be made pure ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin")). Where Tamar was locked out and left in disgrace, Christ, through His suffering and resurrection, opens the way for all who are outcast and shamed by sin to be brought into God's presence and clothed in robes of righteousness ([Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Robes Washed in the Blood of the Lamb")). His ultimate act of love and sacrifice transforms the deepest human shame into divine glory and offers true restoration and welcome to all who believe.

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

Judges 5:30

Have they not sped? have they [not] divided the prey; to every man a damsel [or] two; to Sisera a prey of divers colours, a prey of divers colours of needlework, of divers colours of needlework on both sides, [meet] for the necks of [them that take] the spoil?

Genesis 37:3

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he [was] the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of [many] colours.

Genesis 37:32

And they sent the coat of [many] colours, and they brought [it] to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it [be] thy son's coat or no.

Psalms 45:13

The king's daughter [is] all glorious within: her clothing [is] of wrought gold.

Psalms 45:14

She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

Genesis 37:23

¶ And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, [his] coat of [many] colours that [was] on him;