New International VersionThe king stood up, tore his clothes and lay down on the ground; and all his attendants stood by with their clothes torn.
New Living TranslationThe king got up, tore his robe, and threw himself on the ground. His advisers also tore their clothes in horror and sorrow.
English Standard VersionThen the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the earth. And all his servants who were standing by tore their garments.
Berean Standard BibleThen the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground. And all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.
King James BibleThen the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
New King James VersionSo the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the ground, and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.
New American Standard BibleThen the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay on the ground; and all his servants were standing by with clothes torn.
NASB 1995Then the king arose, tore his clothes and lay on the ground; and all his servants were standing by with clothes torn.
NASB 1977Then the king arose, tore his clothes and lay on the ground; and all his servants were standing by with clothes torn.
Legacy Standard BibleThen the king arose, tore his clothes and lay on the ground; and all his servants were standing by with clothes torn.
Amplified BibleThen the king stood and tore his clothes and lay on the ground [in mourning]; and all his servants were standing by with their clothes torn.
Christian Standard BibleIn response the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground, and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.
Holman Christian Standard BibleIn response the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground, and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.
American Standard VersionThen the king arose, and rent his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
Contemporary English VersionDavid got up, and in his sorrow he tore his clothes and lay down on the ground. His servants remained standing, but they tore their clothes too.
English Revised VersionThen the king arose, and rent his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground. All his servants were standing beside him with their clothes torn [to show their grief].
Good News TranslationThe king stood up, tore his clothes in sorrow, and threw himself to the ground. The servants who were there with him tore their clothes also.
International Standard VersionDavid arose, ripped his clothes in anguish, and collapsed to the ground while all of his staff stood by with their own clothes torn.
NET BibleThen the king stood up and tore his garments and lay down on the ground. All his servants were standing there with torn garments as well.
New Heart English BibleThen the king got up and tore his clothes and lay down on the ground. And all the servants who were standing around him also tore their clothes.
Webster's Bible TranslationThen the king arose, and tore his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the king stood up, tore his clothes, and lay down on the ground. And all his servants stood by with their clothes torn.
World English BibleThen the king arose, and tore his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the king rises, and tears his garments, and lies on the earth, and all his servants are standing by [with] torn garments.
Young's Literal Translation and the king riseth, and rendeth his garments, and lieth on the earth, and all his servants are standing by with rent garments.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the king will rise and rend his garments, and will lie down upon the earth; and all his servants standing by with their garments rent. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen the king rose up, and rent his garments: and fell upon the ground, and all his servants, that stood about him, rent their garments.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd so the king rose up, and he tore his garments, and he fell upon the ground. And all his servants, who were standing near him, tore their garments.
New American BibleThe king stood up, tore his garments, and lay on the ground. All his servants standing by him also tore their garments.
New Revised Standard VersionThe king rose, tore his garments, and lay on the ground; and all his servants who were standing by tore their garments. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the King arose and he ripped his clothes and he sat on the ground, and all his Servants arose when they ripped their clothes OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then the king arose, and rent his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThen the king arose, and rent his garments, and lay upon the ground: and all his servants that were standing round him rent their garments.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Absalom's Revenge on Amnon… 30While they were on the way, a report reached David: “Absalom has struck down all the sons of the king; not one of them is left!” 31Then the kingstood up,torehis clothes,and lay downon the ground;and allhis servantsstoodby with their clothestorn.32But Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah, spoke up: “My lord must not think they have killed all the sons of the king, for only Amnon is dead. In fact, Absalom has planned this since the day Amnon violated his sister Tamar.…
Cross References Genesis 37:34-35Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. / All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.
Job 1:20Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped,
Genesis 37:29When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,
2 Samuel 1:11-12Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. / They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.
Jeremiah 31:15This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
Matthew 2:18“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”
1 Samuel 4:12-13That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. / When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out.
2 Samuel 19:1-4Then it was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping and mourning over Absalom.” / And that day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the people, because on that day they were told, “The king is grieving over his son.” / So they returned to the city quietly that day, as people steal away in humiliation after fleeing a battle. ...
1 Kings 21:27When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly.
Esther 4:1When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.
2 Kings 19:1On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD.
Matthew 26:65At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.
Mark 14:63At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, “Why do we need any more witnesses?
Acts 14:14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting,
Job 2:12When they lifted up their eyes from afar, they could barely recognize Job. They began to weep aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust in the air over his head.
Treasury of Scripture Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent. arose 2 Samuel 12:16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. Genesis 37:29,34 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Josephwas not in the pit; and he rent his clothes… Joshua 7:6 And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads. all his servants 2 Samuel 1:11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men thatwere with him: 2 Samuel 3:31 And David said to Joab, and to all the people thatwere with him, Rend your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. And king Davidhimself followed the bier. Jump to Previous ClothesClothingEarthGarmentsGreatGriefGroundLayPartedRendethRentRisethServantsSideStandingStoodStretchingTareToreTornJump to Next ClothesClothingEarthGarmentsGreatGriefGroundLayPartedRendethRentRisethServantsSideStandingStoodStretchingTareToreTorn2 Samuel 13 1.Amnon loving Tamar, by Jonadab's counsel feigning himself sick, ravishes her.15.He hates her, and shamefully turns her away19.Absalom entertains her, and conceals his purpose23.At a sheep-shearing among all the king's sons, he kills Amnon31.David grieving at the news, is comforted by Jonadab37.Absalom flies to Talmai at GeshurThen the king stood upThis phrase indicates a moment of intense emotional reaction from King David. In the context of 2 Samuel 13, David has just received devastating news about the death of his son Amnon, who was killed by Absalom's servants. The act of standing up signifies a shift from a state of normalcy to one of crisis. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a king standing up could also symbolize the beginning of a formal response to a grave situation. tore his clothes
Tearing one's clothes was a traditional expression of grief, mourning, or distress in ancient Israel. This act is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as when Jacob believed Joseph was dead (Genesis 37:34) and when Job received news of his children's death (Job 1:20). It was a public demonstration of inner turmoil and sorrow, often accompanied by other mourning practices like wearing sackcloth or ashes. and lay down on the ground
Lying on the ground further emphasizes David's profound grief and despair. This posture is one of submission and vulnerability, often associated with mourning or penitence. In biblical times, lying prostrate was also a way to express humility before God, as seen inJoshua 7:6 when Joshua lay before the Ark of the Covenant. And all his servants stood by with their clothes torn
The servants' actions mirror those of the king, indicating their shared grief and loyalty to David. In the hierarchical society of ancient Israel, the actions of a king or leader often set the tone for those around him. The servants' torn clothes signify their participation in the mourning process, reflecting the communal nature of grief in biblical times. This collective mourning underscores the gravity of the situation and the impact of Amnon's death on the entire royal household. Persons / Places / Events 1. King DavidThe central figure in this verse, David is the king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, yet deeply flawed. His reaction to the news of his sons' conflict reveals his grief and turmoil. 2. TamarAlthough not mentioned in this specific verse, Tamar's tragic account is the catalyst for the events leading to David's mourning. She is David's daughter, who was violated by her half-brother Amnon. 3. AmnonDavid's firstborn son, whose sinful actions against his half-sister Tamar set off a chain of events leading to his own death at the hands of Absalom. 4. AbsalomAnother of David's sons, who avenges his sister Tamar by killing Amnon, leading to further family strife and David's deep sorrow. 5. David's ServantsThey are present with David, sharing in the outward expression of grief by tearing their clothes, a traditional sign of mourning in ancient Israel. Teaching Points The Depth of Parental GriefDavid's reaction highlights the profound sorrow a parent feels over the loss or suffering of a child. This can lead us to empathize with those experiencing similar grief today. The Consequences of SinThe events leading to this moment are rooted in sin—Amnon's lust and Absalom's vengeance. This serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the importance of seeking God's guidance to avoid such paths. Communal MourningThe presence of David's servants, who also tear their clothes, illustrates the communal aspect of mourning. It encourages us to support those in grief, sharing in their sorrow and offering comfort. The Role of Leadership in CrisisAs a leader, David's response to family tragedy is significant. It challenges us to consider how we, as leaders in our families or communities, respond to crises and support those affected. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 13:31?
2.How does David's reaction in 2 Samuel 13:31 reflect his parental responsibilities?
3.What can we learn about grief from David's response in this passage?
4.How does David's mourning connect to other biblical examples of lamentation?
5.How should we respond to family crises, based on David's actions in this verse?
6.What steps can we take to support grieving individuals, inspired by 2 Samuel 13:31?
7.Why did King David react so strongly in 2 Samuel 13:31?
8.How does 2 Samuel 13:31 reflect on David's leadership?
9.What does 2 Samuel 13:31 reveal about family dynamics in biblical times?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 13?
11.Should one choose burial or cremation?
12.How did King Saul die? (1 Samuel 31:4-6 vs. 2 Samuel 1:8-10)
13.What was King Abijah's mother's name: Michaiah (2 Chronicles 13:2) or Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:20), given Absalom's only daughter was Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27)?
14.Why does 1 Chronicles 10:13 emphasize Saul's death as punishment for consulting a medium, when 1 Samuel 31 attributes his defeat primarily to the Philistine assault?What Does 2 Samuel 13:31 Mean Then the king stood up– The news that “all the king’s sons” had been slain (2 Samuel 13:30) jolts David to his feet. – Standing signals that the matter demands his full attention; grief does not paralyze him, it moves him. • When Job received tragic news he likewise rose (Job 1:20). • Joshua rose and tore his clothes after Israel’s defeat (Joshua 7:6). – David’s posture reminds us that sorrow can coexist with readiness to act (cf.2 Samuel 12:20, where he rises to worship after fasting for his infant son).
Tore his clothes– Rending garments is the Old Testament’s instinctive sign of unbearable sorrow or horror. • Jacob tore his robe when he thought Joseph was dead (Genesis 37:34). • Hezekiah ripped his clothes at Sennacherib’s blasphemy (2 Kings 19:1). – David’s torn robe confesses that something has been torn out of his life: the security of his family line and, as he thinks, the lives of his sons. – It is also an unspoken petition, acknowledging that only the Lord can mend what is rent (cf.Psalm 34:18).
And lay down on the ground– Prostration deepens the picture: grief drives him to the dust, the very posture of repentance and dependence. • David lay all night on the ground pleading for his sick child (2 Samuel 12:16). • Elijah flung himself down in weariness under the broom tree (1 Kings 19:4). – Flat before God, David surrenders every royal prerogative; the mighty king becomes just another hurting father (Psalm 44:25). – The ground also anticipates prayer, for many in Scripture begin their petitions from the earth (Ezra 9:5).
All his servants stood by with their clothes torn– Courtiers imitate their king’s mourning, revealing loyalty and shared sorrow. • Job’s friends wept, tore their robes, and sat with him (Job 2:12-13). • When Saul and Jonathan fell, David’s men tore their garments beside him (2 Samuel 1:11). – Their standing implies readiness to help while honoring David’s space to grieve. – The scene underscores how leadership shapes community response; when the head suffers, the body feels it (Romans 12:15).
summary2 Samuel 13:31 captures a moment of raw, unfiltered grief. David’s swift rise, the tearing of royal garments, and his prone position on the ground paint a portrait of a father shattered by what he believes is total family loss. His servants mirror his anguish, proving that sorrow reverberates through every layer of God’s people. Yet even in this darkness, the familiar signs of mourning hint at an old covenant hope: the same God who sees the torn robe and the dust-covered face is able to restore what sin and violence have shattered. (31) Tare his garments.--Rather, rent his clothes,the words being the same as in the last clause of the verse.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then the kingהַמֶּ֛לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingstood up,וַיָּ֧קָם(way·yā·qām)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965:To arise, stand up, standtoreוַיִּקְרַ֥ע(way·yiq·ra‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7167:To rendhis clothes,בְּגָדָ֖יו(bə·ḡā·ḏāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 899:A covering, clothing, treachery, pillageand lay downוַיִּשְׁכַּ֣ב(way·yiš·kaḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7901:To lie downon the ground;אָ֑רְצָה(’ā·rə·ṣāh)Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landand allוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyhis servantsעֲבָדָ֥יו(‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantstoodנִצָּבִ֖ים(niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5324:To take one's stand, standby with their clothesבְגָדִֽים׃(ḇə·ḡā·ḏîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 899:A covering, clothing, treachery, pillagetorn.קְרֻעֵ֥י(qə·ru·‘ê)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7167:To rend
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OT History: 2 Samuel 13:31 Then the king arose and tore his (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
