2 Samuel 13:19

And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that [was] on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.

And Tamar {H8559} put {H3947} ashes {H665} on her head {H7218}, and rent {H7167} her garment {H3801} of divers colours {H6446} that was on her, and laid {H7760} her hand {H3027} on her head {H7218}, and went {H3212} on {H1980} crying {H2199}.

Tamar put ashes on her head, tore her long-sleeved robe that she was wearing, laid her hand on her head and went off, crying aloud as she went.

And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her robe. And putting her hand on her head, she went away crying bitterly.

And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colors that was on her; and she laid her hand on her head, and went her way, crying aloud as she went.

Commentary

This verse describes the immediate, heartbreaking reaction of Tamar after being violated by her half-brother Amnon.

Context

Following Amnon's deceitful scheme, aided by his cousin Jonadab, Tamar was lured into his chambers and forcefully violated (see 2 Samuel 13:14). This act was not only a personal tragedy but a deep dishonor within the royal family, especially for a virgin princess. Her subsequent actions, detailed in this verse, are a profound expression of her devastation, shame, and grief.

Key Themes

  • Profound Grief and Mourning: The actions described—putting ashes on her head, tearing her garment, laying her hand on her head, and crying—are classic, visible signs of deep mourning, distress, and lamentation in the ancient Near East. They signify utter despair and loss.
  • Shame and Dishonor: Tearing one's clothes and covering oneself with ashes were also acts associated with public shame and humiliation. Having lost her virginity and honor in such a brutal way, Tamar's actions reflect the depth of her disgrace in the eyes of society.
  • Loss of Status and Identity: The "garment of divers colours" (Hebrew: kethoneth passim) is significant. It's the same term used for Joseph's coat (Genesis 37:3) and is often associated with favored children, royalty, or in this context, perhaps virginity and high status for a princess. Tearing this garment symbolizes the tearing apart of her life, status, and innocence.
  • Injustice and Despair: Tamar's public display of grief and her continuous crying ("went on crying") highlight the immense injustice done to her and her resulting despair. She is left utterly broken by the trauma.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "garment of divers colours" is the Hebrew kethoneth passim. While sometimes translated simply as a long robe or coat with sleeves, its association with Joseph and Tamar suggests it was a special garment indicating favor, status, or perhaps in a royal context, the protected status of a virgin princess. The ritual acts of mourning – putting ashes on the head and tearing the garment – were universally recognized expressions of extreme sorrow and distress in biblical times.

Reflection

Tamar's response is a raw and powerful depiction of suffering and the devastating impact of violation. Her actions are not merely cultural rituals but a visceral expression of a soul in agony. This verse reminds us that the Bible does not shy away from portraying the horrific consequences of sin and injustice, showing the deep pain experienced by victims. It underscores the tragic breakdown within David's family and the far-reaching effects of unchecked desire and violence.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 2:37 (4 votes)

    Yea, thou shalt go forth from him, and thine hands upon thine head: for the LORD hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them.

  • Joshua 7:6 (4 votes)

    ¶ And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.

  • 2 Samuel 1:11 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that [were] with him:

  • 2 Samuel 1:2 (3 votes)

    It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and [so] it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

  • 1 Samuel 4:12 (2 votes)

    ¶ And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.

  • Job 42:6 (2 votes)

    Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes.

  • Job 2:12 (2 votes)

    And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.