2 samuel 13:16 - She said to him, “Not so, because this great wrong in sending me away is worse than the other that you did to me!” But he would not listen to her.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 13:16

What does "2 samuel 13:16" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 13:16 is a crucial and heartbreaking moment in the story of Tamar and Amnon. To understand it fully, we need to consider the context:

Context: Amnon, David's son, has been lusting after his half-sister Tamar. He feigned illness and tricked Tamar into bringing him food, then he forcibly raped her.

Now, let's break down the verse:

"She said to him, 'Not so, because this great wrong in sending me away is worse than the other that you did to me!'"

"Not so": Tamar is refuting Amnon's attempt to dismiss her and the situation. She's not letting him off the hook.
"This great wrong in sending me away": This is the core of her statement. After raping her, Amnon is now trying to simply get rid of her, to send her out of his sight, and pretend that nothing happened.
"Is worse than the other that you did to me!": This is a powerful statement. Tamar is arguing that the act of discarding her, of treating her like disposable trash after the rape, is even more devastating than the rape itself. This speaks to the profound social and emotional damage that Amnon's actions have inflicted.

"But he would not listen to her."

This is the tragic and infuriating conclusion. Amnon is completely self-centered and callous. He's only thinking about himself and his desire to be rid of the evidence of his crime. He refuses to acknowledge the pain and damage he has caused to Tamar, revealing his moral bankruptcy.

What it means:

Social Death: In ancient Israelite society, a woman's value and status were often tied to her virginity and her ability to marry. Amnon's rape of Tamar has not only violated her physically and emotionally, but it has also significantly diminished her future prospects. By sending her away, Amnon is further compounding the damage, potentially condemning her to social isolation and a ruined future.
Dehumanization: Tamar is arguing that Amnon's attempt to discard her like a used object is an act of complete dehumanization. It shows that he doesn't see her as a person with feelings, dignity, or a future.
Moral Failure: Amnon's refusal to listen to Tamar highlights his utter moral failure. He's unwilling to take responsibility for his actions or acknowledge the suffering he has caused.
Foreshadowing Tragedy: This verse foreshadows the tragic consequences that will follow from Amnon's actions. Tamar's brother, Absalom, will seek revenge for her mistreatment, leading to further violence and turmoil within David's family.

In Summary:

This verse is a powerful statement about the devastating impact of sexual violence and the further harm that can be inflicted by the perpetrator's callous disregard for the victim's well-being. Tamar's words highlight the social and emotional consequences of Amnon's actions and foreshadow the tragic events to come. It underscores themes of power, abuse, and the devastating consequences of sin.

What categories does "2 samuel 13:16" have?