What does 2 Samuel 13:6 mean?
"¶ So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand." - 2 Samuel 13:6
The verse 2 Samuel 13:6 in the King James Version reads, "So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand." This verse is part of the narrative of King David's troubled family, specifically the story of Amnon and Tamar.
In order to understand the full meaning and commentary of this verse, it's important to understand the context in which it is situated. The larger narrative of 2 Samuel 13 deals with the dysfunctional and tragic events that occur within King David's family. Amnon, one of David's sons, desires his half-sister Tamar. His lustful desires lead him to manipulate and deceive her, ultimately leading to a violent and devastating incident. This particular verse captures the moment when Amnon, pretending to be ill, requests Tamar to come to him and prepare food for him.
The themes present in this verse and the wider narrative include lust, manipulation, deceit, sexual violence, family dysfunction, and the abuse of power. These themes are woven together to depict the tragic consequences of unchecked desires and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families. The narrative also serves as a commentary on the, at times, destructive nature of human relationships and the far-reaching consequences of sin and wrongdoing.
Symbolism is also present in this verse. The act of Amnon feigning illness to lure Tamar to him under false pretenses symbolizes the deceptive and manipulative nature of sin. It also symbolizes the abuse of power and the ways in which individuals can use their positions of authority to exploit and harm others. The cakes that Amnon requests Tamar to make symbolize the innocence and purity of Tamar, which is ultimately defiled by Amnon's actions. Additionally, the presence of King David in this verse serves as a reminder of the responsibility and accountability that comes with leadership, as David's failure to address the situation contributes to the tragic outcome.
From a moral perspective, this verse and the larger narrative serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of unchecked desires and the devastation that can result from selfish and sinful actions. It also highlights the importance of addressing and confronting wrongdoing within families and communities, as well as the necessity of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 13:6 in the King James Version captures a pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of Amnon and Tamar, shedding light on the destructive consequences of unchecked desires, manipulation, and abuse of power. The verse explores themes of lust, deceit, and family dysfunction, while also offering symbolism that underscores the moral and ethical implications of the characters' actions. Ultimately, this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching impact of sin and the importance of accountability and justice.
Have questions about 2 Samuel 13:6?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Samuel 13:6 Artwork
2 Samuel 13:6 - "¶ So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand."
"¶ So Amnon lay down, and made himself sick: and when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my sister come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat at her hand." - 2 Samuel 13:6
2 Samuel 6:13 - "And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings."
2 Samuel 6:13 - "And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings."
2 Samuel 6:13 - "And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings."
2 Samuel 6:14
"And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings." - 2 Samuel 6:13
2 Samuel 6:14–22
2 Samuel 13:38 - "So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years."
1 Samuel 6:13 - "And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley: and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it."
2 Chronicles 6:13
2 Samuel 22:13 - "Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled."
2 Samuel 15:13 - "¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
2 Samuel 6:6 - "¶ And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it."
2 Samuel 6:23 - "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death."
2 Samuel 22:6 - "The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;"
2 Samuel 13:27 - "But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king's sons go with him."
1 Samuel 13:6 - "When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits."
2 Samuel 6:1 - "Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand."
2 Samuel 18:6 - "¶ So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;"
1 Samuel 2:6 - "The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up."
2 Samuel 24:6 - "Then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim-hodshi; and they came to Dan-jaan, and about to Zidon,"
2 Samuel 13:35 - "And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king's sons come: as thy servant said, so it is."
2 Samuel 7:13 - "He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever."
2 Samuel 6:9 - "And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?"
2 Samuel 6:14 - "And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod."
2 Corinthians 13:6 - "But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates."
2 Samuel 10:13 - "And Joab drew nigh, and the people that were with him, unto the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before him."
2 Samuel 13:31 - "Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent."