2 Samuel 13:39
New International Version
And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon’s death.

New Living Translation
And King David, now reconciled to Amnon’s death, longed to be reunited with his son Absalom.

English Standard Version
And the spirit of the king longed to go out to Absalom, because he was comforted about Amnon, since he was dead.

Berean Standard Bible
And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.

King James Bible
And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

New King James Version
And King David longed to go to Absalom. For he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead.

New American Standard Bible
And the heart of King David longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted regarding Amnon, since he was dead.

NASB 1995
The heart of King David longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead.

NASB 1977
And the heart of King David longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the heart of King David was consumed with going out to Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he had died.

Amplified Bible
And the heart of King David longed to go to Absalom; for he was comforted regarding Amnon, since he was dead.

Christian Standard Bible
King David longed to go to Absalom, for David had finished grieving over Amnon’s death.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then King David longed to go to Absalom, for David had finished grieving over Amnon’s death.

American Standard Version
And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

Contemporary English Version
David still felt so sad over the loss of Amnon that he wanted to take his army there and capture Absalom.

English Revised Version
And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
King David began to long for Absalom once people had consoled him over Amnon's death.

Good News Translation
but when he got over Amnon's death, he was filled with longing for his son Absalom.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, King David longed to visit Absalom, since he was moved to compassion over Amnon's death.

Majority Standard Bible
And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon?s death.

NET Bible
The king longed to go to Absalom, for he had since been consoled over the death of Amnon.

New Heart English Bible
And the spirit of the king longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled about the death of Amnon.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the soul of king David longed to go forth to Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

World English Bible
King David longed to go out to Absalom, for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and King David determines to go out to Absalom, for he has been comforted for Amnon, for [he is] dead.

Young's Literal Translation
and the soul of king David determineth to go out unto Absalom, for he hath been comforted for Amnon, for he is dead.

Smith's Literal Translation
And David the king was fixed to go forth to Absalom: for he was comforted for Amnon, for he died.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And king David ceased to pursue after Absalom, because he was comforted concerning the death of Amnon.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And king David ceased to pursue Absalom, because he had been consoled over the passing of Amnon.

New American Bible
All that time the king continued to mourn his son; but his intention of going out against Absalom abated as he was consoled over the death of Amnon.

New Revised Standard Version
And the heart of the king went out, yearning for Absalom; for he was now consoled over the death of Amnon.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And King David longed to go forth after Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And King David was moved with regret to go after Abishlum, because he was comforted over Khamnun who had died
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the soul of king David failed with longing for Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And king David ceased to go out after Abessalom, for he was comforted concerning Amnon, touching his death.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Absalom Flees to Geshur
38After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years. 39And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.

Cross References
2 Samuel 14:1
Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom.

2 Samuel 14:23-24
So Joab got up, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. / But the king added, “He may return to his house, but he must not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the face of the king.

2 Samuel 14:33
So Joab went and told the king, and David summoned Absalom, who came to him and bowed facedown before him. Then the king kissed Absalom.

2 Samuel 18:33
The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

2 Samuel 19:4
But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

Genesis 37:34-35
Then 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.

Genesis 45:28
“Enough!” declared Israel. “My son Joseph is still alive! I will go to see him before I die.”

Genesis 50:17
‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

1 Kings 2:5-6
Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

1 Kings 2:32-33
The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. / Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”

Psalm 32:3-4
When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. / For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat. Selah

Psalm 51:12
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.

Proverbs 17:25
A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.

Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.

Matthew 5:23-24
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.


Treasury of Scripture

And the soul of king David longed to go forth to Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

the soul of

Genesis 31:30
And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?

Deuteronomy 28:32
Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long: and there shall be no might in thine hand.

Philippians 2:26
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

longed.

Psalm 84:2
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

Psalm 119:20
My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.

comforted

2 Samuel 12:23
But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

Genesis 24:67
And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.

Genesis 37:35
And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.

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Absalom Ab'salom Amnon Amnon's Comforted Consoled David Dead Desire Failed Forth Heart Longed Soul Spirit Wasted
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Absalom Ab'salom Amnon Amnon's Comforted Consoled David Dead Desire Failed Forth Heart Longed Soul Spirit Wasted
2 Samuel 13
1. Amnon loving Tamar, by Jonadab's counsel feigning himself sick, ravishes her.
15. He hates her, and shamefully turns her away
19. Absalom entertains her, and conceals his purpose
23. At a sheep-shearing among all the king's sons, he kills Amnon
31. David grieving at the news, is comforted by Jonadab
37. Absalom flies to Talmai at Geshur














And King David longed to go to Absalom
David's longing to go to Absalom reflects the deep familial bonds and the complexity of his emotions as a father. Despite Absalom's actions, which included the murder of his brother Amnon, David's paternal instincts and love for his son remain strong. This longing can be seen as a reflection of God's enduring love for His children, even when they stray. The tension between justice and mercy is a recurring theme in David's life, mirroring the divine balance God maintains with humanity. David's desire to reconcile with Absalom also highlights the importance of forgiveness and restoration in relationships, a theme echoed in the New Testament with the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32).

for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death
David's consolation over Amnon's death suggests a passage of time and a process of grieving. In the ancient Near Eastern context, mourning was a significant cultural practice, often involving specific rituals and periods of lamentation. The fact that David had been consoled indicates that he had moved through the stages of grief and was now in a place where he could consider reconciliation with Absalom. This phrase also underscores the inevitability of healing and the human capacity to move forward after loss. The death of Amnon, while tragic, was a consequence of the sin and dysfunction within David's family, a reminder of the prophetic words spoken by Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:10-12 regarding the sword never departing from David's house. This context highlights the ongoing consequences of sin and the need for divine grace and redemption.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King David
The second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is dealing with the aftermath of family tragedy and conflict.

2. Absalom
David's son, who fled after avenging his sister Tamar by killing his half-brother Amnon.

3. Amnon
David's firstborn son, who committed a grievous sin against his half-sister Tamar, leading to his death at the hands of Absalom.

4. Tamar
David's daughter and Absalom's sister, who was wronged by Amnon, setting off a chain of tragic events.

5. Geshur
The place where Absalom fled to after killing Amnon, seeking refuge with his maternal grandfather.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Sin
The account of David's family illustrates how sin can have far-reaching and devastating effects on relationships and communities.

The Complexity of Forgiveness
David's longing for Absalom shows the struggle between justice and mercy, and the difficulty of forgiving those who have wronged us or others.

The Importance of Reconciliation
The account encourages believers to seek reconciliation and healing in broken relationships, reflecting God's desire for unity and peace.

Parental Responsibility
David's passive response to Amnon's sin and Absalom's actions highlights the need for parents to address wrongdoing and guide their children in righteousness.

God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics
Despite human failures, God's purposes prevail, and He can bring redemption and restoration even in the most broken situations.(39) The soul of King David.--The words, "the soul of," are not in the original, and the most opposite interpretations have been given of the rest of the sentence. The sense of the English is that of the Chaldee and of the Jewish commentators--that David, after his grief for Amnon had abated, longed after Absalom and pined for his return. But it may be objected to this view, (1) that there is no ground for supplying the ellipsis in this way; (2) that the verb (which is a common one) never has elsewhere the sense given to it; and (3) that the representation thus made is contrary to fact, since David could easily have recalled Absalom had he chosen to do so, and when he actually was brought back, through Joab's stratagem, the king refused to see him (2Samuel 14:24), and only after two years more (2Samuel 14:28), reluctantly admitted him to his presence. The other interpretation is better, which takes the verb impersonally, and gives the sense, David desisted from going forth against Absalom. He ought to have arrested and punished him for a murder, which was at once fratricide and high treason, as being the assassination of the heir-apparent; but the flight to Geshur made this difficult, and as time went by David "was comforted concerning Amnon," and gradually gave up the thought of punishing Absalom.

Verse 39. - And (the soul of) king David longed to go forth unto Absalom. This translation has the support of the Jewish Targum, and, as the verb is feminine, the insertion of the added word is possible, though the sense seems to require "anger" instead of "the soul." But the versions (Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate) all give the verb its ordinary meaning of "ceasing," and, though there is something harsh in taking it impersonally, yet their authority is too great for us to say that such a mode of rendering it must be wrong. And if the grammar be difficult, the sense put upon the words by the versions is excellent. Literally they are, As to King David, there. was a ceasing to go forth after Absalom; for he was comforted, etc. At first he had demanded of Talmai the surrender of the offender, and, when Talmai refused, David tried other means; but in time, when his grief for Amnon was assuaged, he desisted from his efforts. But even so it required much subtlety on Joab's part to obtain Absalom's recall, which would scarcely have been the case if David's soul was longing for his son's return; and, even after his coming, David long maintained an unfriendly attitude. Amnon was his firstborn, and evidently dearly loved, but David's culpable leniency had borne bitter fruit. And again he acts without thoughtful sense of justice, and though at first he would have given Absalom merited punishment, yet gradually paternal feeling resumed its sway, unhappily only to be miserably abused.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the spirit
דָּוִ֣ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

of the king
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

longed
וַתְּכַל֙ (wat·tə·ḵal)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3615: To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent

to go
לָצֵ֖את (lā·ṣêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Absalom,
אַבְשָׁל֑וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he had been consoled
נִחַ֥ם (ni·ḥam)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge

over
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Amnon’s
אַמְנ֖וֹן (’am·nō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 550: Amnon -- 'faithful', two Israelites

death.
מֵֽת׃ (mêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT History: 2 Samuel 13:39 The soul of king David longed (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 13:38
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