2 Samuel 13 33

2 Samuel 13:33 kjv

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.

2 Samuel 13:33 nkjv

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 only Amnon is dead."

2 Samuel 13:33 niv

My lord the king should not be concerned about the report that all the king's sons are dead. Only Amnon is dead."

2 Samuel 13:33 esv

Now therefore let not my lord the king so take it to heart as to suppose that all the king's sons are dead, for Amnon alone is dead."

2 Samuel 13:33 nlt

No, my lord the king, your sons aren't all dead! It was only Amnon."

2 Samuel 13 verses

2 Samuel 13 33 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial clarification during a moment of intense panic and despair for King David. A report has reached him that Absalom, following the murder of Amnon, has also slaughtered all the other royal sons. Jonadab, a shrewd observer and David's nephew, intervenes to correct this catastrophic misunderstanding. He urges David not to assume the worst, stating plainly that only Amnon, the orchestrator of Tamar's rape, is dead. This limits David's grief and begins to set the record straight about the true extent of the tragedy and Absalom's immediate actions.

2 Samuel 13 33 Context

The events of 2 Samuel 13 mark a significant turning point in David's kingdom, showcasing the escalating turmoil within his household due to the consequences of sin, particularly from David's own past (Bathsheba, Uriah). Amnon, David's firstborn son, had violently raped his half-sister Tamar. Absalom, Tamar's full brother, harbored deep resentment and planned vengeance for two full years. This culminated in Absalom orchestrating a feast, inviting all the king's sons, where he commanded his servants to murder Amnon when he was "merry with wine." The initial, panicked report reaching David stated that "Absalom has struck down all the king’s sons" (2 Sam 13:30), creating an immediate, overwhelming wave of grief and terror. Jonadab, David's nephew, who had prior knowledge of Amnon's rape of Tamar (and possibly Absalom's growing resentment), and later revealed his awareness of Absalom's plan (2 Sam 13:3), is the one who steps forward in this verse to present the accurate, though still tragic, truth. The cultural context emphasizes the fragility of royal succession and the profound implications of intra-familial conflict, especially regarding firstborn rights and vengeance for dishonor.

2 Samuel 13 33 Word analysis

• Let not my lord the king therefore imagine:

  • "Let not...imagine": Hebrew is "ʾal-yiśim" (אַל־יָשִׂם), derived from the root "śîm" (שים), meaning "to put, set, place, establish." In this context, with "ʾal" (do not), it means "do not put (in your mind), do not suppose, do not set (your thought upon)." It directly confronts David's panicked assumption. This highlights Jonadab's intent to redirect David's immediate, faulty conclusion.
  • "my lord the king": A formal, deferential address to David, respecting his authority even amidst deep personal crisis. This proper form helps Jonadab gain audience and credence in a chaotic moment. It acknowledges David's supreme position.
  • "therefore": Connects back to the panicked report. Given the (false) report, one might conclude this, but Jonadab offers a corrective logical leap.
  • Significance: David's immediate leap to the worst-case scenario demonstrates the power of misinformation, especially when fueled by emotional shock and grief. Jonadab's calm intervention showcases the value of reasoned and informed clarification in times of crisis, a concept relevant in leadership and spiritual discernment.

• that all the young men the king's sons are dead:

  • "all the young men": Hebrew "kol-haNəʿarim" (כָּל־הַנְּעָרִים). "Kol" (כָּל) means "all" or "every," and "Nəʿarim" (נְעָרִים) refers to "young men," specifically Absalom and his brothers in this context. The exaggeration of the initial report, claiming "all" were dead, amplified David's despair. This demonstrates the devastating impact of hyperbole or incomplete information in conveying bad news.
  • "the king's sons": Emphasizes their royal lineage, meaning a significant loss for the throne and the continuity of the kingdom, not just personal family grief. The loss of multiple heirs would threaten the dynastic succession, a major concern for a king in that era.
  • "are dead": The Hebrew "mêtîm" (מֵתִים) is plural for "dead." This indicates a completed state of death, intensifying the sense of finality in David's mind.
  • Significance: This phrase reveals the magnitude of the false news. The thought of losing "all" his royal heirs would have plunged David into a political and personal crisis, mirroring the prophetic consequence of the "sword not departing from his house." The quick spread of unverified rumors could have disastrous political ramifications.

• for Amnon only is dead:

  • "for Amnon only": Hebrew "kî ʿAmnon ləḥaddô" (כִּי־אַמְנוֹן לְבַדּוֹ), "kî" (for, because) introduces the explanation, and "ləḥaddô" (לְבַדּוֹ) means "alone, by himself, only him." This is the precise and crucial corrective, reducing the scope of the tragedy from multiple deaths to just one.
  • "is dead": Repeating "mêt" (מֵת), singular "dead." The grim reality, but restricted. This singular death, while deeply tragic and a consequence of horrific sin, is contrasted with the devastating "all are dead," bringing a modicum of relief and reality back to the situation.
  • Significance: This concise correction by Jonadab saves David from overwhelming despair and potentially rash actions based on false information. It reveals Jonadab's discernment and direct knowledge, presenting him as a valuable, if sometimes manipulative, confidant. This specific detail is a testament to the fact that even in times of intense emotional upheaval, seeking accurate information and waiting for verified facts is vital before reacting. It highlights the principle that while consequences of sin are real, divine judgment or consequences are not always as sweeping as initial fears suggest.

2 Samuel 13 33 Bonus section

• Jonadab's complex character: Jonadab is earlier introduced as "a very crafty man" (2 Sam 13:3). While his advice to Amnon regarding Tamar was manipulative and led to her rape, his clarification here demonstrates a capacity for sober judgment and knowledge of court intrigues. He wasn't simply gossiping; he was an informed insider, privy to both Amnon's original sin and Absalom's subsequent plot, thus positioning him to speak with authority at a crucial moment. This shows how individuals with questionable past actions can still play a vital, truth-telling role in specific situations, guided by Providence.
• Echoes of "dead and gone": The human tendency to imagine the worst when presented with partial bad news is a recurring theme in Scripture. David's initial reaction, though understandable, is a poignant example of the need for patience and waiting for verified information rather than succumbing to despair based on speculation. This aligns with many proverbs emphasizing discernment and avoiding rash judgments.
• The Weight of Firstborn Status: Amnon was David's firstborn son and thus the presumed heir. His death, even singular, carries immense weight regarding the succession and stability of the kingdom. While "only Amnon" sounds like a small comfort, it signifies the removal of David's first heir, opening the door for future conflicts over the throne, which Absalom himself would later exploit.

2 Samuel 13 33 Commentary

2 Samuel 13:33 marks a pivot point in a narrative filled with dark consequences. David, already vulnerable from his own past transgressions, is thrown into profound despair by a panicked, exaggerated report that Absalom had murdered all his sons. His initial response of tearing his clothes and lying on the ground (v. 31) speaks to his utter devastation, contemplating the destruction of his lineage and kingdom. Jonadab, with his unique position and access to insider information, steps in to provide the critical clarification: the report is largely false; only Amnon, the firstborn and violator of Tamar, is dead. This correction, while not lessening the tragedy of Amnon's death or Absalom's vengeful act, offers David a sliver of relief, saving him from total emotional collapse and perhaps premature reactions. This incident powerfully illustrates the psychological and practical danger of misinformation and the desperate human need for truth amidst crisis, even a painful truth. It underscores that God, despite allowing sin's consequences to unfold, often limits the extent of calamity and can use unexpected voices to reveal crucial facts, providing grace even within the outpouring of divine discipline upon David's house. The single death confirms the unfolding prophecy from Nathan, yet the survival of the other sons speaks to the preservation of God's greater plan.