2 samuel 13:11 - When she had brought them near to him to eat, he took hold of her, and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister!”

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 13:11

What does "2 samuel 13:11" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 13:11 is a crucial part of the story of Amnon and Tamar. It describes Amnon's aggressive and violent act of rape against his half-sister, Tamar. Let's break it down:

"When she had brought them near to him to eat..." This refers to Tamar, at Amnon's request (and with the unwitting permission of their father, King David), bringing him food to his sickbed. Amnon had feigned illness to lure Tamar to him. This sets the stage for the assault and underscores the manipulative and premeditated nature of Amnon's actions.

"...he took hold of her..." This marks the beginning of Amnon's physical assault. The verb "took hold" implies force and unwanted contact. It indicates that Tamar did not consent to his touch.

"...and said to her, "Come, lie with me, my sister!"" This is the verbal expression of Amnon's desire to sexually assault Tamar. The phrase "lie with me" is a euphemism for sexual intercourse. The shocking part is that he addresses her as "my sister," highlighting the incestuous nature of his intentions and making the act even more heinous. He acknowledges their familial relationship while simultaneously violating the boundaries and taboos associated with it.

In summary, this verse describes the moment Amnon physically and verbally forces himself upon Tamar, demanding sex from her despite being her half-brother and without her consent. It is a scene of sexual violence, manipulation, and abuse of power.

Key points to consider:

Lack of Consent: The verse clearly implies that Tamar does not consent to Amnon's advances. The phrase "he took hold of her" suggests the use of force.
Incest: The fact that they are siblings makes this act even more morally reprehensible in the eyes of the biblical narrative and most ethical frameworks.
Abuse of Power: Amnon abuses his position as a prince and a member of the royal family to manipulate and assault Tamar.
Trauma: This event has profound and lasting consequences for Tamar, as detailed in the subsequent verses. The Bible does not shy away from depicting the devastating effects of sexual violence.

The broader context of the story is important. It highlights the corruption within the royal family, the consequences of unchecked desire, and the devastating impact of sexual violence on individuals and communities. The story serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of consent, respect, and justice. The aftermath of this event contributes to a chain of events that eventually leads to further violence and instability within David's kingdom.

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