2 Samuel 13:22
ESV
But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.
NIV
And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar.
NASB
But Absalom did not speak with Amnon either good or bad; for Absalom hated Amnon because he had violated his sister Tamar.
CSB
Absalom didn’t say anything to Amnon, either good or bad, because he hated Amnon since he disgraced his sister Tamar.
NLT
And though Absalom never spoke to Amnon about this, he hated Amnon deeply because of what he had done to his sister.
KJV
And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
NKJV
And Absalom spoke to his brother Amnon neither good nor bad. For Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
What does 2 Samuel 13:22 mean?
Amnon, David's oldest son, lusted after his half-sister, Tamar, and took her by force. Then he tossed her out into the streets and refused to take responsibility for her. Tamar is ruined, living an invisible life in her brother Absalom's house (2 Samuel 13:1–20). David does nothing. He's angry, but he refuses to hold Amnon to account. He seems to be bad at holding anyone close to him accountable. It's also likely that he knows this is part of God's judgment against him (2 Samuel 11:10).Absalom doesn't have either limitation. He is cold, controlled, and calculating. He tells Tamar, "Do not take this to heart" (2 Samuel 13:20). This is the equivalent of saying, "don't worry about it." The literal words are subtly different from the intended meaning: "I'll take care of it." Absalom carefully avoids any contact with Amnon, which might give away his true feelings. He hates his brother but doesn't let it show.
Two years later, Absalom will act. He convinces David to send Amnon to a celebration in the fields. As the eldest son, he could represent the king. David agrees (2 Samuel 13:23–27). Absalom's servants get Amnon drunk and kill him (2 Samuel 13:28–33). Absalom flees to his maternal grandfather, the king of Geshur (2 Samuel 13:37). Absalom acted, in part, because David refused to punish Amnon. When Absalom returns, he will rebel against David; again, David will refuse to punish his son (2 Samuel 18:5).
