The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 13:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Ammon said to Thamar: Bring the mess into the chamber, that I may eat at thy hand. And Thamar took the little messes which she had made, and brought them in to her brother Ammon in the chamber.

Douay-Rheims

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אַמְנ֜וֹן אֶל־תָּמָ֗ר הָבִ֤יאִי הַבִּרְיָה֙ הַחֶ֔דֶר וְאֶבְרֶ֖ה מִיָּדֵ֑ךְ וַתִּקַּ֣ח תָּמָ֗ר אֶת־הַלְּבִבוֹת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֔תָה וַתָּבֵ֛א לְאַמְנ֥וֹן אָחִ֖יהָ הֶחָֽדְרָה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Fructuosus of Braga

7th centuryChurch Father

One should not place confidence in past purity, for even David was not more righteous, nor Solomon more wise, yet both were led astray by their desires. To avoid any misconceptions about the security of one's purity in the company of a female relative, one must recall how Tamar was violated by Amnon, who feigned illness. Therefore, both monks and nuns ought to maintain such a life of purity that they can offer a faithful testimony, not only in the sight of God but also before humanity, serving as a beacon of holiness for those who follow them.