2 Samuel 13:18 Meaning and Explanation
“And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The narrator notes Tamar's royal robe, the mark of a virgin king's daughter, as she is thrust out.
What Does 2 Samuel 13:18 Mean?
The text pauses to describe her garment — a richly colored robe, the special dress of the king's virgin daughters. It marked her royal status and her honored, protected place. The servant brings her out and bolts the door, and the costly robe now clothes a daughter cast aside.
The robe that signified honor becomes the emblem of honor stolen. Scripture lingers on this detail to deepen the sorrow and to dignify Tamar even as she is degraded. What men defile, God does not forget. The garment recalls another robe given to a son in this same family line, and points us toward the truth that the dignity God bestows cannot finally be torn away by the violence of others.
2 Samuel 13:18 in the Original Language
The robe is a ketonet passim (כְּתֹנֶת פַּסִּים), the same kind of 'coat of many colours' given to Joseph -- a mark of special status and favor.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 13:18
What does 2 Samuel 13:18 mean?
The narrator notes Tamar's royal robe, the mark of a virgin king's daughter, as she is thrust out.