The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 13:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

So Ammon lay down, and made as if he were sick: and when the king came to visit him, Ammon said to the king: I pray thee let my sister Thamar come, and make in my sight two little messes, that I may eat at her hand.

Douay-Rheims

וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב אַמְנ֖וֹן וַיִּתְחָ֑ל וַיָּבֹ֨א הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ לִרְאֹת֗וֹ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אַמְנ֤וֹן אֶל־הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ תָּֽבוֹא־נָ֞א תָּמָ֣ר אֲחֹתִ֗י וּתְלַבֵּ֤ב לְעֵינַי֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י לְבִב֔וֹת וְאֶבְרֶ֖ה מִיָּדָֽהּ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Fructuosus of Braga

7th centuryChurch Father

It is unwise to place trust in past purity, for even David, a man of unparalleled righteousness, and Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, found their hearts led astray by women. Let no one assume that his purity is secured merely because the woman is a relative; for instance, Tamar fell victim to Amnon, who feigned illness. Therefore, both monks and nuns ought to embrace such a life of chastity that they can affirm their devotion, not only in the sight of God but also before others, providing an example of holiness for those who follow them.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.