2 Samuel 13:3 Meaning and Explanation
“But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Amnon finds a counselor in his cousin Jonadab, a clever man whose cunning will be turned to harm.
What Does 2 Samuel 13:3 Mean?
Jonadab, son of David's brother Shimeah, enters as Amnon's confidant. He is called "subtil" — shrewd, quick to read others and to scheme. He is family, a cousin to the prince, and trusted enough to be told a secret.
Cleverness is a gift, but here it serves wickedness. A friend who helps you sin is no friend, and counsel that smooths the path to evil is the worst kind of advice. Scripture warns us to weigh not only what guidance we receive but the character of the one who gives it. The wise heart longs for counselors who turn it toward what is right, even when the easier word would be welcome.
2 Samuel 13:3 in the Original Language
The word chakam (חָכָם) usually means 'wise,' but here it carries the darker edge of shrewdness -- skill aimed at a sinful end rather than a good one.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 13:3
What does 2 Samuel 13:3 mean?
Amnon finds a counselor in his cousin Jonadab, a clever man whose cunning will be turned to harm.