2 Samuel 13:22

KJV

And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Absalom {H53} spake {H1696} unto his brother Amnon {H550} neither good {H2896} nor bad {H7451}: for Absalom {H53} hated {H8130} Amnon {H550}, because {H1697} he had forced {H6031} his sister {H269} Tamar {H8559}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for Avshalom, he refused to say a word to Amnon, either good or bad; for Avshalom hated Amnon for having raped his sister Tamar.

Berean Standard Bible

And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad, because he hated Amnon for disgracing his sister Tamar.

American Standard Version

And Absalom spake unto Amnon neither good nor bad; for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 13:22 chillingly reveals Absalom's immediate and calculated response to his half-brother Amnon's heinous sexual assault of their sister Tamar. Instead of expressing anger or seeking reconciliation, Absalom maintained a profound and ominous silence, speaking "neither good nor bad." This deliberate quietude was not indifference but a veiled, deep-seated hatred, festering beneath the surface and foreshadowing the tragic vengeance he would later exact, exposing the unraveling moral fabric of King David's household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of David's family, immediately following the traumatic account of Amnon's rape of Tamar. The preceding verses detail Amnon's manipulative scheme, Tamar's desperate pleas, and her subsequent public humiliation and grief ([2 Samuel 13:1-19](/2_samuel/13-1 "2 Samuel 13:1-19 - Amnon's Sin and Tamar's Distress")). Crucially, King David, upon hearing of the atrocity, was "very angry" but took no decisive action against Amnon ([2 Samuel 13:21](/2_samuel/13-21 "2 Samuel 13:21 - David's Anger But Inaction")). Absalom's silence in verse 22 directly contrasts with Tamar's public lament and David's passive anger, setting the stage for the dramatic escalation of familial conflict that culminates in Amnon's murder two years later ([2 Samuel 13:28-29](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28-29 - Absalom's Revenge")). It marks the point where Absalom's grief for his sister transforms into a cold, premeditated desire for vengeance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds within the patriarchal, monarchical society of ancient Israel, where family honor, particularly that of royal women, was paramount. Sexual assault was not merely a personal offense but a profound dishonor to the family, requiring a strong response, often including legal or punitive action. The king, as the ultimate arbiter of justice, was expected to uphold the law and protect his subjects, especially his own family. David's failure to administer justice against Amnon for his egregious crime was a significant dereliction of his royal and paternal duty. This inaction created a vacuum of justice, which Absalom, as Tamar's full brother and a prince, felt compelled to fill, albeit through a path of personal vengeance rather than legal recourse. Such a context underscores the gravity of David's failure and the cultural imperative that fueled Absalom's simmering rage.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of unaddressed sin and injustice**. David's failure to punish Amnon allowed a grievous wrong to fester, creating an environment where bitterness and a desire for personal retribution could flourish. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **vengeance versus divine justice**. Absalom's silent hatred is a stark example of human vengeance, contrasting with the righteous justice God expects and sometimes executes. Thirdly, the verse deepens the portrayal of **family dysfunction and moral decay** within David's royal household, demonstrating how sin can ripple through generations and undermine even a divinely chosen lineage. This internal strife foreshadows the broader rebellion Absalom would later mount against David, rooted in the deep-seated grievances born from this incident ([2 Samuel 15:1-12](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1-12 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins")). Finally, it speaks to the **destructive power of suppressed anger and hatred**, revealing how quiet resentment can be far more dangerous than open confrontation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Neither good nor bad (Hebrew, _l'miṭṭôb w'ad-ra'_):** This idiomatic Hebrew phrase signifies a complete lack of communication, a deliberate refusal to engage in any form of dialogue, whether positive or negative. It is not neutrality or indifference, but a calculated, ominous silence. In this context, it communicates a profound, unyielding resentment and a mind already set on a course of action that precludes any possibility of reconciliation or even verbal confrontation. Absalom's silence is an active, rather than passive, response—a sign of deep, internal plotting.
* **Hated (Hebrew, _sane'_):** The verb _sane'_ denotes a profound, active, and enduring animosity, not a fleeting emotion. It implies a settled disposition of enmity. Absalom's hatred for Amnon was not merely anger but a deep-seated, visceral aversion born from the violation of his sister and the profound dishonor brought upon his family. This hatred was the driving force behind his silence and his subsequent vengeful actions.
* **Forced (Hebrew, _'innah_):** This verb, used in the Piel stem, means to humble, afflict, violate, or rape. It carries the strong connotation of violent subjugation and humiliation. The text emphasizes that Amnon did not merely "sleep with" Tamar but "forced" or "violated" her, highlighting the egregious nature of the act and the profound trauma and dishonor inflicted upon her. This specific term underscores the gravity of Amnon's sin and provides the righteous basis for Absalom's intense hatred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad":** This clause sets the tone for Absalom's response. It highlights his deliberate and complete cessation of communication with Amnon. This silence is not born of shock or confusion, but of a cold, calculating resolve. It communicates a deep, unyielding grudge that has moved beyond the realm of words into a realm of premeditated action. The absence of speech is itself a powerful form of communication, signaling a profound break in their fraternal relationship and an ominous future.
* **"for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar."** This second clause provides the explicit reason for Absalom's silence and his subsequent actions. His hatred was not arbitrary but rooted in Amnon's despicable act of violating Tamar. The phrase "because he had forced his sister Tamar" serves as the moral justification for Absalom's deep-seated animosity, framing his hatred as a response to a grave injustice and a profound dishonor to his family. This hatred, born of righteous indignation for his sister's suffering, would consume him and lead to tragic consequences.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Absalom's chilling silence and deep-seated hatred unmistakably point towards future violent retribution, culminating in Amnon's murder. The phrase "neither good nor bad" is a masterful use of **Understatement** or **Litotes**, conveying a far more intense and dangerous emotional state than a simple neutral statement would imply. It is a silence pregnant with menace. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by contrasting Absalom's quiet, seething hatred with the public distress of Tamar and the passive anger of King David, highlighting the different ways characters respond to profound injustice. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "Absalom hated Amnon" (implied through his actions and then explicitly stated) underscores the depth and permanence of his animosity. The entire verse functions as a dramatic **Turning Point**, shifting the narrative from the immediate aftermath of the assault to the long-term consequences of unaddressed sin and the unfolding tragedy of David's house.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a stark reminder of the destructive power of unaddressed sin and the perilous path of personal vengeance. When justice is not administered by proper authority, or when forgiveness is withheld, bitterness can take root and grow into a consuming hatred that leads to further sin and devastation. Absalom's silent brooding illustrates the danger of allowing grievances to fester, transforming righteous anger into a desire for retribution that usurps God's prerogative. The narrative implicitly critiques David's failure to act as king and father, showing how such inaction can inadvertently fuel a cycle of violence and dysfunction within a family and, by extension, a nation. The theological lesson is clear: sin, especially when unpunished or unrepented, has far-reaching and devastating consequences, often leading to a spiral of pain and destruction that impacts many.

* [Proverbs 10:18](/proverbs/10-18 "Proverbs 10:18 - Lying Lips and Hidden Hatred")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [Ephesians 4:26-27](/ephesians/4-26 "Ephesians 4:26-27 - Dealing with Anger Righteously")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Absalom's chilling silence serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of suppressed anger and unaddressed bitterness. When we experience deep hurt or injustice, it is natural to feel anger, but how we process and respond to that anger determines whether it leads to healing or destruction. Allowing resentment to fester in silence, as Absalom did, can lead to a consuming hatred that ultimately harms ourselves and others, often in ways more devastating than the initial offense. This verse challenges us to confront injustice righteously, either by seeking proper channels for justice, pursuing genuine reconciliation where possible, or, when those avenues are closed, entrusting our grievances to God, who alone is the perfect judge. It underscores the importance of healthy communication, forgiveness, and the active pursuit of healing, rather than allowing silent rage to dictate our actions and poison our relationships. The tragedy of David's family reminds us that sin's consequences are far-reaching, and that our responses to injustice can either perpetuate cycles of harm or break them through grace and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I experience deep hurt or injustice – do I tend to suppress my feelings or confront them?**
* **What are the dangers of allowing anger and bitterness to fester in silence, as Absalom did?**
* **In what ways might my inaction or passive responses to sin in my own sphere of influence contribute to greater harm?**
* **How can I actively pursue justice, reconciliation, or healing in situations of unresolved conflict, rather than succumbing to resentment?**

### FAQ

**Why did Absalom remain silent towards Amnon, rather than confronting him directly?**

Answer: Absalom's silence was not a sign of indifference or passive resignation, but rather a deliberate, calculated, and deeply ominous response. It indicated that his anger had solidified into a cold, festering hatred and a premeditated desire for vengeance. Direct confrontation might have led to an immediate resolution or intervention, but Absalom's silence allowed his hatred to deepen and his plan for retribution to mature over two years, culminating in Amnon's murder ([2 Samuel 13:28](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28 - Absalom Murders Amnon")). It was a sign of a mind already set on a path of no return, where words were no longer relevant.

**What was King David's responsibility in the escalation of this family tragedy?**

Answer: King David bears significant responsibility for the tragic escalation. While he was "very angry" when he heard about Amnon's crime against Tamar, the text explicitly states that he did not "punish Amnon his son" ([2 Samuel 13:21](/2_samuel/13-21 "2 Samuel 13:21 - David's Failure to Act")). As king, David was the ultimate arbiter of justice in Israel, and as a father, he had a moral and legal obligation to address such a heinous act within his own household. His failure to administer justice created a vacuum, allowing Absalom's bitterness to fester and leading him to take matters into his own hands. David's inaction demonstrated a profound weakness in leadership and contributed directly to the subsequent violence and rebellion within his family.

**How does this incident reflect on the moral state of David's royal household?**

Answer: This incident reveals a profound moral decay and dysfunction within David's royal household, despite God's covenant blessings upon him. Amnon's incestuous rape of Tamar, David's failure to administer justice, and Absalom's subsequent vengeful murder expose a family riddled with sin, a lack of accountability, and a breakdown of moral order. It illustrates that even a divinely chosen king and his family are not immune to the devastating consequences of sin when it is allowed to take root and go unaddressed. This moral unraveling within the royal family foreshadows the broader troubles and rebellions that would plague David's reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of 2 Samuel 13:22, with its themes of grievous sin, unaddressed injustice, and the destructive power of human vengeance, finds its ultimate resolution and contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Absalom's silent, festering hatred, leading to murder, stands in stark opposition to the divine justice and perfect love embodied by Christ. Where human systems of justice fail, as David's did, Christ perfectly upholds God's righteous standards. He is the one who truly "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), not by overlooking sin, but by becoming the ultimate sacrifice for it, thereby satisfying divine justice and offering true reconciliation ([Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23-26 - God's Righteousness and Justification")). Unlike Absalom's vengeful act, which perpetuated a cycle of violence, Christ's death on the cross broke the power of sin and death, offering forgiveness and peace to those who believe ([Ephesians 2:13-16](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He calls His followers not to silent hatred or personal retribution, but to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them ([Matthew 5:43-48](/matthew/5-43 "Matthew 5:43-48 - Love for Enemies")), demonstrating a radical, divine way of dealing with injustice and hurt that transcends human vengeance and offers true healing and redemption.

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.