The Church Fathers on this verse

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

And he was exceedingly fond of her, so that he fell sick for the love of her: for as she was a virgin, he thought it hard to do any thing dishonestly with her.

Douay-Rheims

וַיֵּ֨צֶר לְאַמְנ֜וֹן לְהִתְחַלּ֗וֹת בַּֽעֲבוּר֙ תָּמָ֣ר אֲחֹת֔וֹ כִּ֥י בְתוּלָ֖ה הִ֑יא וַיִּפָּלֵא֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י אַמְנ֔וֹן לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת לָ֖הּ מְאֽוּמָה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Fructuosus of Braga

7th centuryChurch Father

Individuals should not place their trust in past purity, for even David, the most righteous, and Solomon, the wisest, found their hearts corrupted by women. To avoid any assumption that one's purity can withstand the presence of a female relative, one should recall how Tamar was violated by Amnon, who feigned illness. Therefore, both monks and nuns ought to lead such a pure existence that they can bear witness sincerely before God and humanity, providing an example of sanctity for their followers.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.