The Hebrew word ʼAmnôwn, represented by H550, means faithful. It appears 28 times across 22 unique verses. It is derived from the word אָמַן and is famously the name of a son of David.
In the biblical narrative, H550 is primarily associated with King David's firstborn son, who was born in Hebron (2 Samuel 3:2, 1 Chronicles 3:1). The main account of his life details a dark chapter in David's family. Amnon developed a love for his half-sister Tamar 2 Samuel 13:1 and became so vexed that he made himself sick 2 Samuel 13:2. Following the counsel of his friend Jonadab H3122, Amnon feigned illness to lure Tamar to his chambers, where he forced her 2 Samuel 13:22. Afterward, his love turned to an even greater hatred 2 Samuel 13:15. This act led his brother Absalom to hate him, culminating in Absalom commanding his servants to kill Amnon at a feast 2 Samuel 13:28. A different Amnon is mentioned as a son of Shimon in 1 Chronicles 4:20.
Several related words are central to understanding the tragic story of Amnon:
- H1121 bên (son): This word establishes Amnon's identity as the son of David and a prince, which is a status he exploits in his scheme 2 Samuel 13:4.
- H251 ʼâch (brother): This word highlights the familial betrayal. Amnon is the brother of both Tamar, whom he violates, and Absalom, who murders him in revenge (2 Samuel 13:20, 2 Samuel 13:22).
- H269 ʼâchôwth (sister): Tamar's identity as a sister is at the heart of the narrative, defining the relationship that Amnon profanes 2 Samuel 13:1.
- H157 ʼâhab (to have affection for, love): The story begins with the statement that Amnon loved Tamar, but this affection quickly reveals itself as selfish lust (2 Samuel 13:1, 2 Samuel 13:4).
- H8130 sânêʼ (to hate): This word marks the story's turning points. Amnon hated Tamar after assaulting her, and Absalom hated Amnon for what he had done (2 Samuel 13:15, 2 Samuel 13:22).
- H6031 ʻânâh (to afflict, force, defile): This term describes Amnon's sinful act against Tamar, as he forced his sister 2 Samuel 13:22.
The story of H550 carries significant thematic weight.
- Tragic Irony: Amnon's name means "faithful," yet his character is defined by profound unfaithfulness to his family and to God's law. His actions are a direct contradiction of the name he carries.
- The Consequences of Sin: The narrative serves as a stark illustration of sin's destructive power. Amnon's uncontrolled lust leads to deception, violence, hatred, and ultimately his own murder 2 Samuel 13:29, setting off a chain of rebellion and sorrow in David's household.
- Corrupted Family Bonds: The account shows the devastating perversion of family relationships. The love of a brother for a sister is twisted into a destructive force, and another brother's loyalty is replaced by vengeful hatred, shattering the family unit.
In summary, ʼAmnôwn H550 is a name that, despite its meaning of "faithful," is inextricably linked to one of the most tragic episodes in the Old Testament. The story of David's firstborn son is a powerful cautionary tale about the consequences of lust, the corruption of familial love into hatred, and the devastating ripple effect of a single sinful act within a family and a kingdom.
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