Old Testament
2 Samuel 13:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David's brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very cunning man.
Compare translations
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.
What 2 Samuel 13:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Amnon, a son of King David, had a friend named Jonadab. Jonadab was clever and manipulative, known for his cunning nature. This friendship would lead Amnon down a dangerous path. Jonadab's influence on Amnon highlights how friendships can shape our decisions, sometimes for the worse. Amnon was struggling with his feelings, and instead of seeking wise counsel, he turned to Jonadab. This choice would have serious consequences. The story serves as a reminder to choose friends wisely, as they can lead us toward good or bad choices. Jonadab's cunning nature ultimately led Amnon to act on his desires without considering the repercussions. The impact of their friendship is a cautionary tale about the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who encourage us to make wise decisions and act with integrity. We must be aware of those who may lead us astray, even if they seem like friends at first glance. Amnon's story is a powerful lesson in the importance of discernment in our relationships.
How to apply 2 Samuel 13:3 to your life
Consider the friendships in your life. Are they encouraging you to make wise choices? Surround yourself with people who uplift you and challenge you to grow. Be cautious of those who may lead you down a harmful path. Choose your friends wisely to ensure a positive influence on your life and decisions. Don't underestimate the power of your social circle in shaping your actions and beliefs. Stay aware of the impact of your relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Samuel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Trouble in David's House (2 Samuel 13:1–39)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Samuel 13:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Samuel 13:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who was Jonadab in 2 Samuel 13:3?
Jonadab was a friend of Amnon, the son of King David. He was the son of Shimeah, who was David's brother. Jonadab is described as a very cunning or subtil man, indicating that he was clever and manipulative. His influence on Amnon played a significant role in the events that followed, showcasing how friendships can impact our decisions.
What lessons can we learn from Amnon and Jonadab's friendship?
The friendship between Amnon and Jonadab teaches us the importance of choosing our friends wisely. Jonadab's cunning nature led Amnon to act on his desires without considering the consequences. This story serves as a reminder to surround ourselves with friends who encourage wise decisions and integrity, rather than those who may lead us astray.
How did Jonadab influence Amnon's actions?
Jonadab influenced Amnon by providing him with manipulative advice that encouraged him to pursue his desires without regard for the consequences. Instead of seeking wise counsel, Amnon turned to Jonadab, whose cunning nature ultimately led him down a dangerous path. This highlights the impact that friends can have on our choices, for better or worse.
What are the consequences of poor friendships as shown in this verse?
The consequences of poor friendships, as illustrated in 2 Samuel 13:3, can be severe. Amnon's relationship with Jonadab led him to make impulsive and harmful decisions, resulting in tragic outcomes. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of discernment in our relationships, emphasizing that the wrong influences can lead to destructive choices.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.