2 Samuel 13 12

2 Samuel 13:12 kjv

And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.

2 Samuel 13:12 nkjv

But she answered him, "No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing should be done in Israel. Do not do this disgraceful thing!

2 Samuel 13:12 niv

"No, my brother!" she said to him. "Don't force me! Such a thing should not be done in Israel! Don't do this wicked thing.

2 Samuel 13:12 esv

She answered him, "No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this outrageous thing.

2 Samuel 13:12 nlt

"No, my brother!" she cried. "Don't be foolish! Don't do this to me! Such wicked things aren't done in Israel.

2 Samuel 13 verses

2 Samuel 13 12 Meaning

Tamar’s desperate plea to Amnon, warning him that his desired incestuous act is not only forbidden and a grave moral abomination but also specifically an outrage and "folly" (disgraceful wickedness) that ought never to be committed "in Israel," the nation set apart by God. It highlights the profound sacrilege of violating purity and sacred family relationships under divine law.

2 Samuel 13 12 Context

2 Samuel 13:12 occurs at a pivotal moment in the grim narrative of Amnon's calculated rape of his half-sister Tamar. Amnon, the crown prince and David's eldest son, feigns illness to isolate Tamar. This verse captures Tamar's desperate, eloquent plea to dissuade him, appealing to the fundamental moral and legal codes of Israel. Her words underscore the enormity of Amnon's intended crime as a direct violation of Mosaic Law (specifically Leviticus 18 and 20), which explicitly forbade incestuous relations. This act would not only defile her personally but would also bring immense shame upon the royal household and violate the very sanctity of the Israelite community, which was called to be holy before God. The unfolding tragedy, initiated by this sin, deeply resonates with Nathan's prophecy in 2 Samuel 12, foretelling calamity and public disgrace within David's own family as a consequence of his prior sin. Tamar's pleas were tragically ignored, signaling a catastrophic breakdown of moral order and filial duty within the monarchy.

2 Samuel 13 12 Word analysis

• And she answered him, (watta'omer lo): Highlights Tamar's direct and verbal opposition, attempting to appeal to Amnon's conscience and reason in this dire moment.

• Nay, (אַל, 'al): A forceful negation, equivalent to "no!" or "do not!". It is an immediate and absolute rejection of Amnon’s advances.

• my brother, (אָחִי, ’akhī): Tamar’s form of address emphasizes their close blood relation. This term underscores the incestuous and therefore supremely unlawful nature of Amnon's desired act, violating the deepest bonds of family and sacred trust, particularly abhorrent under God’s law.

• for this thing (כִּי לֹא־יֵעָשֶׂה כֵן, ki lo-ye‘aseh ken – "for not thus should it be done" leading into הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה, haddāvār hazzeh – "this matter/thing"): "This thing" refers euphemistically to the impending sexual assault. It signifies a profound transgression, too offensive to name directly, which undermines the entire moral structure of Israel.

• ought not to be done (לֹא יֵעָשֶׂה, lo' ye'aseh): A declaration of absolute prohibition. The passive voice implies that such an act must not be done by anyone, ever. It signals something inherently forbidden, contrary to divine law, and fundamentally morally repugnant. It's not a suggestion but a statement of strict impermissibility.

• in Israel: This phrase is pivotal. It contextualizes the prohibition within the unique covenant identity of the Israelite nation. Acts like incest were considered an abomination that would defile the land and jeopardize Israel's distinct status as a holy people chosen by God (Lev 18:24-30). It is a national and divine offense, not merely a personal one.

• do not thou this folly. (אַל תַּעֲשֵׂה אֶת הַנְּבָלָה הַזֹּאת, 'al ta'aseh 'et hannevalah hazzo't):

  • do not thou: A direct, desperate, imperative command from Tamar for Amnon to desist.
  • this folly (הַנְּבָלָה, hannevalah): Far more than mere foolishness. Nevālāh is a strong biblical term for an outrageous, scandalous, or grossly wicked act; an abomination. It signifies a deed that brings great shame and disgrace, violates moral or religious law, and defies God's order. It's used for horrific sexual sins (Gen 34:7; Deut 22:21; Judg 19:23-24), indicating an act of deep depravity that contaminates the individual and community.

• Words-Group analysis

  • "Nay, my brother, for this thing ought not to be done in Israel:" This comprehensive phrase captures Tamar's multifaceted appeal. By addressing him as "my brother," she emphasizes the incestuous nature and betrayal of family. By stating "ought not to be done in Israel," she appeals to national religious law, implying that such an act would defile their shared identity as God's chosen people and bring collective shame and divine disfavor. It reveals Tamar's understanding of their covenant obligations.
  • "do not thou this folly." This concise and potent closing command serves as a final, direct warning regarding the gravity and moral character of the intended crime. Using the term "folly" (nevālāh) labels Amnon's action not as a minor mistake but as a reprehensible, outrageous, and abominable transgression against God’s laws and Israelite societal norms.

2 Samuel 13 12 Bonus section

• The Unheeded Voice: Tamar's reasoned and impassioned appeal in this verse is tragically unheeded, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked lust and self-will. Despite her clear articulation of moral truth and divine law, Amnon prioritizes his desire over righteousness and kinship.
• Moral Contrast: This verse sharply contrasts Tamar's clear moral compass and understanding of God's law with Amnon's depravity. Even in distress, she appeals to fundamental Israelite values that Amnon, a prince, clearly lacks or ignores.
• Tragedy of David's Household: The violation of Tamar, spoken of here, is a direct catalyst for the unraveling of David's family and kingdom. It is followed by Absalom's vengeful murder of Amnon and eventually Absalom's own rebellion and death, underscoring the severe and escalating consequences of sin in the house of God's anointed.

2 Samuel 13 12 Commentary

2 Samuel 13:12 encapsulates Tamar’s impassioned and morally insightful plea, rooted in a clear understanding of God’s law and the sacred identity of Israel. Her words underscore the profound violation Amnon contemplated: not merely a personal act of lust, but an act of incest, a clear abomination explicitly forbidden by the Torah (Leviticus 18, 20). Tamar's immediate rejection ("Nay"), her reference to their brother-sister relationship ("my brother"), and her theological-legal appeal ("this thing ought not to be done in Israel," "this folly") expose Amnon's impending crime as a catastrophic breakdown of sacred boundaries. The term "folly" (nevālāh) is especially weighty, designating a disgraceful and morally corrupt act that offends God and pollutes the community. Tamar appeals to Amnon's conscience, his identity as an Israelite under God's law, and the dire communal consequences of such an egregious sin. However, Amnon's lust overrode any sense of familial duty, moral obligation, or fear of God, demonstrating a callous disregard that sets off a chain of tragic events within David’s household, fulfilling the prophecy of turmoil and violence. This verse stands as a stark reminder of the sanctity of human relationships and divine laws, and the catastrophic outcomes when these are trampled by sin.