TRV
Translation
King James Version
Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.
Complete Jewish Bible
So my lord the king shouldn't take it as seriously as if all the king's sons are dead; only Amnon is dead."
Berean Standard Bible
So now, my lord the king, do not take to heart the report that all the sons of the king are dead. Only Amnon is dead.”
American Standard Version
Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king’s sons are dead; for Amnon only is dead.
World English Bible Messianic
Now therefore don’t let my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king’s sons are dead; for Amnon only is dead.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Nowe therefore let not my lord the King take the thing so grieuously, to thinke that all ye Kings sonnes are dead: for Amnon only is dead.
Young's Literal Translation
and now, let not my lord the king lay unto his heart the word, saying, All the sons of the king have died, for Amnon alone is dead.'
See also
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 8,351 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Samuel 13 verses 30–39
30 ¶ And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king's sons, and there is not one of them left.
31 Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
32 And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king's sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
33 Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king's sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.
34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.
35 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.
36 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore.
37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
39 And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.
Here is, I. The fright that David was put into by a false report brought to Jerusalem that Absalom had slain all the king's sons, Sa2 13:30. It is common for fame to make bad worse; and the first news of such a thing as this represents it as more dreadful than afterwards it proves. Let us not therefore be afraid of evil tidings, while they want confirmation, but, when we hear the worst, hope the best, at least hope better. However, this false news gave as much affliction to David, for the present, as if it had been true; he tore his garments, and lay on the earth, while as yet it was only a flying story, Sa2 13:31. It was well that David had grace; he had need enough of it, for he had strong passions.
II. The rectifying of the mistake in two ways: - 1. By the sly suggestions of Jonadab, David's nephew, who could tell him, Amnon only is dead, and not all the king's sons (Sa2 13:32, Sa2 13:33), and could tell him too that it was done by the appointment of Absalom, and designed from the day Amnon forced his sister Tamar. What a wicked man was he, if he knew all this or had any cause to suspect it, that he did not make David acquainted with it sooner, that means might be used to make up the quarrel, or at least that David might not throw Amnon into the mouth of danger by letting him go to Absalom's house. If we do not our utmost to prevent mischief, we make ourselves accessory to it. If we say, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider whether we did or no? See Pro 24:11, Pro 24:12. It is well if Jonadab was not as guilty of Amnon's death as he was of his sin; such friends do those prove who are hearkened to as counsellors to do wickedly: he that would not be so kind as to prevent Amnon's sin would not be so kind as to prevent his ruin, when, it should seem, he might have done both. 2. By the safe return of all the king's sons except Amnon. They and their attendants were speedily discovered by the watch (Sa2 13:34, Sa2 13:35), and soon arrived, to show themselves alive, but to bring the certain sad news that Absalom had murdered their brother Amnon. The grief David had been in for that which was not made him the better able to bear that which was, by giving him a sensible occasion, when he was undeceived, to thank God that all his sons were not dead: yet that Amnon was dead, and slain by his own brother is such a treacherous barbarous manner, was enough to put the king and court, the king and kingdom, into real mourning. Sorrow is never more reasonable than when there is sin in the case.
III. Absalom's flight from justice: Absalom immediately fled, Sa2 13:34. He was now as much afraid of the king's sons as they were of him; they fled from his malice, he from their justice. No part of the land of Israel could shelter him. The cities of refuge gave no protection to a wilful murderer. Though David had let Amnon's incest go unpunished, Absalom could not promise himself his pardon for this murder; so express was the law in this case, and so well known David's justice, and his dread of blood-guiltiness. He therefore made the best of his way to his mother's relations, and was entertained by his grandfather Talmai, king of Geshur (Sa2 13:37), and there he was protected three years (Sa2 13:38), David not demanding him, and Talmai not thinking himself obliged to send him back unless he were demanded.
IV. David's uneasiness for his absence. He mourned for Amnon a good while (Sa2 13:37), but, he being past recall, time wore off that grief: he was comforted concerning Amnon. It also wore off too much his detestation of Absalom's sin; instead of loathing him as a murderer, he longs to go forth to him, Sa2 13:39. At first he could not find in his heart to do justice on him; now he can almost find in his heart to take him into his favour again. This was David's infirmity. Something God saw in his heart that made a difference, else we should have thought that he, as much as Eli, honoured his sons more than God.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 30–39. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying 2 Samuel 13:33 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Second Samuel 13:33 captures a critical moment of clarification for King David, who, consumed by grief, had received a distorted report suggesting all his royal sons were dead. Jonadab, David's shrewd nephew, intervenes to correct this devastating misconception, revealing the grim truth that only Amnon, the instigator of a heinous act against Tamar, had been slain. This intervention, while confirming a tragic reality, aims to alleviate David's overwhelming and unfounded despair, setting the stage for the unfolding consequences of family dysfunction and unaddressed sin within the royal household.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its dramatic impact and thematic depth. Dramatic Irony is powerfully present, as the audience is already aware of Absalom's meticulously planned plot and Amnon's singular death, while King David is initially plunged into inconsolable grief by a false, exaggerated report of a complete massacre. Jonadab's subsequent intervention serves to resolve this irony by revealing the partial truth, bringing David closer to the reality of the situation. The phrase "Amnon only is dead" functions as a stark Understatement or a chilling form of Litotes, as the death of a royal son, especially by fratricide, is anything but "only" a minor event. This phrasing, while technically accurate in its correction, highlights the brutal reality with a chilling conciseness that underscores the gravity of the tragedy. Furthermore, this incident, with its themes of unchecked family strife, the consequences of unaddressed sin, and the eruption of violence, serves as potent Foreshadowing for the greater rebellion of Absalom that will later plague David's reign, demonstrating how unhealed wounds within the royal family will continue to fester and erupt into larger, kingdom-threatening conflicts.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound distress of King David in 2 Samuel 13:33, stemming from misinformation and the tragic reality of his son's death, resonates deeply with biblical themes of human suffering, the corrosive power of sin, and the importance of truth. David's experience underscores the fragility of human plans and the devastating consequences that can unfold when sin is left unaddressed, particularly within the family unit. While God's sovereignty is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the broader narrative of David's reign consistently demonstrates how divine judgment, often expressed through the natural consequences of human actions, works itself out even amidst the chaos of human depravity. The verse also implicitly highlights the need for discernment and the dangers of hasty judgment based on incomplete or false information, a timeless lesson for all who seek to navigate a world often filled with rumor and half-truths, emphasizing the biblical call to seek and speak truth.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Samuel 13:33 serves as a potent reminder of the human tendency to succumb to despair when faced with overwhelming, especially unverified, negative news. In our contemporary world, saturated with instantaneous and often unverified information through various media, David's reaction is profoundly relatable. This passage challenges us to cultivate discernment, to pause before reacting, and to diligently seek truth amidst the clamor of rumors and sensationalism. It also calls us to consider our own role in disseminating information: are we contributing to clarity and truth, or to confusion and panic through careless sharing? Furthermore, the underlying tragedy of David's family points to the long-term, destructive power of unaddressed sin and dysfunction. It compels us to reflect on the importance of accountability, justice, and reconciliation within our own families, churches, and communities, recognizing that unresolved issues can fester and lead to greater pain and conflict. Jonadab's act, though complex in its motivation, highlights the value of empathetic communication and the courage to speak truth, even when it is difficult, to alleviate unnecessary suffering and guide others toward reality.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was David so quick to believe all his sons were dead?
Answer: David's immediate belief that all his sons were dead, though an exaggeration, stemmed from a combination of factors. The chaotic nature of the report, likely delivered by fleeing servants in a state of panic and fear, would have contributed to the sense of an overwhelming catastrophe. Furthermore, the context of Absalom's deep-seated anger and the violent, often ruthless, nature of court politics in that period made such a widespread act of vengeance, while extreme, not entirely unthinkable. Absalom had already demonstrated his capacity for ruthless planning and execution. The initial report was likely vague enough to allow for the worst possible interpretation, and David's paternal heart, already burdened by Amnon's heinous sin and his own perceived inaction, would have been particularly vulnerable to such devastating news. The subsequent flight of his other sons, as mentioned in the verses immediately following, would have further cemented his initial, dire conclusion, until Jonadab's intervention.
What was Jonadab's role in this whole situation?
Answer: Jonadab, David's nephew and Absalom's cousin, plays a complex and somewhat morally ambiguous role throughout this chapter. He is introduced earlier as a "very crafty man" in 2 Samuel 13:3, and it was he who advised Amnon on how to feign illness to lure Tamar, thereby facilitating the rape. Crucially, Jonadab was aware of Absalom's long-standing plan to avenge Tamar's rape, as he states in 2 Samuel 13:32. Therefore, when the news of the massacre reaches David, Jonadab's intervention in 2 Samuel 13:33 is not merely an act of compassionate truth-telling but also a calculated move. He possesses insider knowledge that allows him to correct the king's misinformation, thereby preventing David from making hasty decisions based on a false premise. His role shifts from being an enabler of Amnon's sin to a purveyor of truth, albeit a partial and grim one, in the wake of the tragedy, demonstrating his continued influence and shrewdness within the royal court.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The brokenness and sorrow within David's royal household, vividly portrayed in 2 Samuel 13:33, serve as a poignant reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and its devastating consequences, even within God's chosen lineage. David's profound grief over his son's death, and his initial despair over the perceived loss of all his heirs, foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice and suffering of a greater King. Unlike David, who experienced the bitter fruit of his own unaddressed sin in his family, the true Son of David, Jesus Christ, bore the full weight of humanity's sin, not his own, on the cross, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:5. The misinformation and chaos surrounding Amnon's death stand in stark contrast with Jesus, who is the very embodiment of truth, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life". Where David's family was torn apart by vengeance and deceit, Christ offers true reconciliation and peace, breaking down the dividing walls of hostility through his blood, as described in Ephesians 2:14. Ultimately, the death of Amnon points to the universal reality of death due to sin, yet it also subtly directs our gaze to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!, whose singular, perfect sacrifice brings not despair, but eternal life and hope to all who believe, fulfilling God's promise of a righteous King whose kingdom will have no end.