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2 Samuel 13:37

2 Samuel 13:37 in Multiple Translations

Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day.

¶ But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.

But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai the son of Ammihur, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.

So Absalom went in flight and came to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur, where he was for three years.

Absalom ran away to Talmai, son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. Every day David mourned for his son Amnon.

But Absalom fled away, and went to Talmai the sonne of Ammihur King of Geshur: and Dauid mourned for his sonne euery day.

And Absalom hath fled, and goeth unto Talmai, son of Ammihud, king of Geshur, and [David] mourneth for his son all the days.

But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihur, king of Geshur. David mourned for his son every day.

But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.

But Absalom fled, and went to Tholomai the son of Ammiud the king of Gessur. And David mourned for his son every day.

But Absalom had fled. He went to stay with the king of the Geshur region, who was Talmai the son of Ammihud. Absalom stayed there for three years. David mourned for his son Amnon for a long time,

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 13:37

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 13:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אַבְשָׁל֣וֹם בָּרַ֔ח וַ/יֵּ֛לֶךְ אֶל תַּלְמַ֥י בֶּן עמיחור עַמִּיה֖וּד מֶ֣לֶךְ גְּשׁ֑וּר וַ/יִּתְאַבֵּ֥ל עַל בְּנ֖/וֹ כָּל הַ/יָּמִֽים
וְ/אַבְשָׁל֣וֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 Absalom Conj | N-proper
בָּרַ֔ח bârach H1272 to flee V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַ/יֵּ֛לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
תַּלְמַ֥י Talmay H8526 Talmai N-proper
בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms
עמיחור ʻAmmîychûwr H5991 Ammihur N-proper
עַמִּיה֖וּד ʻAmmîyhûwd H5989 Ammihud N-proper
מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms
גְּשׁ֑וּר Gᵉshûwr H1650 Geshur N-proper
וַ/יִּתְאַבֵּ֥ל ʼâbal H56 to mourn Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
בְּנ֖/וֹ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הַ/יָּמִֽים yôwm H3117 day Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 13:37

וְ/אַבְשָׁל֣וֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 "Absalom" Conj | N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
בָּרַ֔ח bârach H1272 "to flee" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
וַ/יֵּ֛לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
תַּלְמַ֥י Talmay H8526 "Talmai" N-proper
Talmai was a Canaanite and Syrian, and also the name of a king of Geshur and father of Maacah, who married King David. His name means furrowed.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: Ammihud (H5989J); father of: Maacah (H4601I) § Talmai = "furrowed" 1) one of the 3 sons of the giant Anak who were slain by the men of Judah 2) son of Ammihud, king of Geshur, later king of Geshur himself, and father of Maacah, the mother of Absalom and wife of David
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Talmai. See also: Numbers 13:22; 2 Samuel 3:3; 1 Chronicles 3:2.
בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עמיחור ʻAmmîychûwr H5991 "Ammihur" N-proper
Ammihur, also known as Ammichur, was a Syrian prince and father of Talmai. He is mentioned in 2 Samuel 13:37, and his name means 'people of majesty', reflecting his royal status.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Sa.13.37; father of: Talmai (H8526H) Another name of am.mi.hud (עַמִּיהוּד "Ammihud" H5989J) § Ammihud = "people of majesty" a ruler of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ammihud (from the margin). See also: 2 Samuel 13:37.
עַמִּיה֖וּד ʻAmmîyhûwd H5989 "Ammihud" N-proper
Ammihud means 'my kinsman is majesty', the name of several Israelites, including an Ephraimite and a Simeonite. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:4 as the son of Omri and father of Uthai. Ammihud lived during the Exile and Return.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at 1Ch.9.4; son of: Omri (H6018I); father of: Uthai (H5793) § Ammihud = "my kinsman is majesty" 1) an Ephraimite, father of Elishama, the chief of the tribe at the time of the exodus 2) a Simeonite, father of Shemuel 3) father of Pedahel, prince of the tribe of Naphtali 4) father of king Talmai of Geshur 5) a descendant of Judah through his son Pharez
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Ammihud. See also: Numbers 1:10; Numbers 34:20; 1 Chronicles 9:4.
מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
גְּשׁ֑וּר Gᵉshûwr H1650 "Geshur" N-proper
Geshur refers to a district in Syria, also known as a land in north Transjordania. It's mentioned in the Bible as a place with a distinct people and culture.
Definition: Geshur or Geshurites = "proud beholder" a land in north Transjordania Also named: ge.shu.ri (גְּשׁוּרִי "Geshurite" H1651)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Geshur, Geshurite. See also: Joshua 13:13; 2 Samuel 14:23; 1 Chronicles 3:2.
וַ/יִּתְאַבֵּ֥ל ʼâbal H56 "to mourn" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
To mourn or lament, as seen in human and inanimate objects, like gates or land, and used in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mourn, lament 1a) (Qal) to mourn, lament 1a1) of humans 1a2) of inanimate objects (fig.) 1a2a) of gates 1a2b) of land 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mourn, cause to mourn (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to mourn 1c2) play the mourner
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourn. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 33:9; Isaiah 3:26.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּנ֖/וֹ bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/יָּמִֽים yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 13:37

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 3:3 his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur;
2 2 Samuel 14:32 “Look,” said Absalom, “I sent for you and said, ‘Come here. I want to send you to the king to ask: Why have I come back from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.’ So now, let me see the king’s face, and if there is iniquity in me, let him kill me.”
3 2 Samuel 13:34 Meanwhile, Absalom had fled. When the young man standing watch looked up, he saw many people coming down the road west of him, along the side of the hill. And the watchman went and reported to the king, “I see men coming from the direction of Horonaim, along the side of the hill.”
4 1 Chronicles 3:2 the third was Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; the fourth was Adonijah the son of Haggith;
5 2 Samuel 14:23 So Joab got up, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 13:37 Summary

In this verse, we see that Absalom, David's son, flees to his grandfather's kingdom after killing his brother Amnon, and David is left to mourn for his son every day. This shows us the deep pain and sadness that can come from sin and broken relationships, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:37. Just like David, we can experience hurt and sadness when those we love sin against us or against others, but we can also learn from his example of love and forgiveness, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15. By trusting in God's love and sovereignty, we can find comfort and healing, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as seen in Psalm 34:18 and Romans 8:28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Absalom flee to Talmai, the king of Geshur?

Absalom fled to Talmai, the king of Geshur, because Talmai was his grandfather, making Geshur a safe haven for him, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:37 and also in 2 Samuel 3:3 where it is mentioned that Talmai was the father of Maacah, Absalom's mother.

How long did David mourn for his son Absalom?

The Bible does not specify exactly how long David mourned for Absalom, but it is mentioned that he mourned every day, as stated in 2 Samuel 13:37, and also that he was consoled over Amnon's death after a period of time, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:39.

What can we learn from David's reaction to Absalom's actions?

David's reaction to Absalom's actions teaches us about the depths of a father's love and the pain of sin, as seen in 2 Samuel 13:37, and also reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and restoration, as seen in other Bible verses such as Matthew 6:14-15 and Luke 15:11-32.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of David and Absalom?

This verse is a turning point in the story of David and Absalom, as it marks the beginning of Absalom's exile and David's period of mourning, which ultimately leads to Absalom's return and the events that unfold in 2 Samuel 14-18, and reminds us of the complexities of family relationships and the consequences of sin, as seen in other Bible verses such as Genesis 37:23-35 and Psalm 51:1-19.

Reflection Questions

  1. What can I learn from David's example of mourning and loving his son despite his sin, and how can I apply this to my own relationships?
  2. How does this verse remind me of the importance of seeking refuge in God, rather than in human relationships or earthly kingdoms, as seen in Psalm 46:1-11 and Proverbs 18:10?
  3. What are some ways that I can demonstrate love and forgiveness to those who have wronged me, just as David loved and forgave Absalom, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty and timing, as seen in Romans 8:28-30 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
  4. How does this verse challenge me to consider the consequences of my own actions, and to seek restoration and forgiveness when I have sinned, as seen in 1 John 1:8-10 and Acts 3:19-21?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 13:37

But Absalom fled,.... As before related, but here repeated for the sake of what follows: and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur: his mother's father, see 2 Samuel 3:3, where he might

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 13:37

But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. Absalom fled, and went to Talmai.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:37

Talmai, the son of Ammihud; his mother’ s father, ; that he might have present protection and sustenance from him; and that by his mediation he might obtain his father’ s pardon and favour.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:37

2 Samuel 13:37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And [David] mourned for his son every day.Ver. 37. And went to Talmai.] His grandfather by the mother’ s side, to whom he was the welcomer, because he had slain Amnon, who had deflowered his niece Tamar.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:37

(37) Went to Talmai.—His maternal grandfather. (See Note on 2 Samuel 3:2-5.) This verse may be considered parenthetical:—The king’s sons came . . . and wept sore. (“Only Absalom fled and went to . . . Geshur.”) In this case the omission of “David” in the latter clause of the verse is explained, as the nominative is easily supplied from 2 Samuel 13:36. For his son every day.—Amnon is certainly the son here meant, for whom David continually mourned until his grief was gradually assuaged by the lapse of time.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:37

Verse 37. Absalom fled] As he had committed wilful murder, he could not avail himself of a city of refuge, and was therefore obliged to leave the land of Israel, and take refuge with Talmai, king of Geshur, his grandfather by his mother's side. See 2 Samuel 3:3.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 13:37

37. But Absalom fled, &c.] Now Absalom had fled and gone to Talmai. The narrative goes back to 2 Samuel 13:34. Talmai was Absalom’s grandfather. See note on ch. 2 Samuel 3:3. And David mourned] David has fallen out of the Heb. text, but is found in the Sept. and Vulg., and is clearly necessary to the sense. for his son] Amnon, not Absalom, is meant. His first feeling towards Absalom was one of anger.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 13:37

See the marginal reference. Ammihur (see the margin) is found as a Punic name.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 13:37

ABSALOM’S FLIGHT TO GESHUR, 2 Samuel 13:37-39. 37. Absalom fled — When the other sons of the king arose and fled, he took advantage of the confusion and escaped out of the land. 2 Samuel 13:29; 2 Samuel 13:34.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 13:37

SermonDescription
David Guzik (2 Samuel) Amnon, Tamar, and Absalom by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tragic events that unfolded in Israel when Absalom, the son of King David, sought revenge for the violation of his sister Tamar. Absalom

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