Amnon אַמְנוֹן
David's firstborn son, killed by Absalom
Who is Amnon in the Bible?
Amnon was the firstborn son of King David, born to him in Hebron by Ahinoam of Jezreel (2 Samuel 3:2). He is primarily remembered for committing a grave sin when he raped his half-sister Tamar, turning his supposed love for her into hatred and sending her away in shame (2 Samuel 13:1-15). Absalom, Tamar's brother and Amnon's half-brother, waited two years before avenging the assault by having his servants kill a drunken Amnon at a sheep-shearing feast (2 Samuel 13:26-29). This act of vengeance created a deep rift between Absalom and King David, ultimately contributing to Absalom's later rebellion against his father. Amnon's story serves as a biblical account of the destructive consequences of sexual violence and how sin's effects ripple through families and nations.
Biography
Amnon was the firstborn son of King David, born to him in Hebron. His mother was Ahinoam of Jezreel. Amnon is primarily known for his infamous act of raping his half-sister Tamar, who was the sister of Absalom. After the incident, Amnon's love for Tamar turned to hatred, and he sent her away in shame.
Absalom, enraged by Amnon's actions, waited two years before exacting revenge. He invited Amnon to a sheep-shearing feast and had his servants kill Amnon when he was drunk. This led to a rift between Absalom and his father, David, and ultimately to Absalom's rebellion against the king. The story of Amnon highlights the tragic consequences of sexual violence and the far-reaching effects it can have on families and relationships.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Chileab Tribe of JudahDavid's sonSon of David and Abigail the CarmelitessView full profile →
- Absalom Tribe of JudahDavid's sonDavid's rebellious son who tried to usurp the throne.View full profile →
- Adonijah MaleLevite sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the LawView full profile →
- Shephatiah MaleDavid's warriorBenjamite warrior who joined DavidView full profile →
- Ithream Tribe of JudahDavid's sonSon of David, born in Hebron to Eglah.View full profile →
- Shammua Tribe of JudahDavid's sonSon of David born in JerusalemView full profile →
- Shobab Tribe of JudahSon of CalebSon of Caleb and Azubah.View full profile →
- Nathan Tribe of JudahDavid's sonSon of David and Bathsheba, ancestor of Jesus.View full profile →
- Solomon Tribe of JudahKing of JudahSon of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom.View full profile →
- Ibhar Tribe of JudahDavid's sonOne of King David's sons born in Jerusalem.View full profile →
- Elishua Tribe of JudahDavid's sonA son of David born in Jerusalem.View full profile →
- Nepheg Tribe of JudahDavid's sonSon of King David, born in Jerusalem.View full profile →
- Japhia Tribe of JudahDavid's sonSon of David, born in JerusalemView full profile →
- Elishama Tribe of JudahSon of JekamiahA descendant of Jerahmeel from the tribe of Judah.View full profile →
- Eliada Tribe of JudahDavid's sonSon of David born in JerusalemView full profile →
- Eliphelet Tribe of BenjaminSaul's familyA descendant of King Saul from the tribe of Benjamin.View full profile →
- Tamar Tribe of JudahDavid's daughterDavid's daughter, raped by her half-brother AmnonView full profile →
- Elpelet Tribe of JudahDavid's sonA son of David born in Jerusalem.View full profile →
- Nogah Tribe of JudahDavid's sonSon of DavidView full profile →
- Jerimoth MaleDavid's warriorOne of David's warriors from the tribe of Benjamin.View full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 5 verses
- 2 Samuel 3:2
"And sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam of Jezreel;"
- 2 Samuel 13:1
"After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom."
- 2 Samuel 13:2
"Amnon was sick with frustration over his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed implausible for him to do anything to her."
- 2 Samuel 13:3
"Now Amnon had a friend named Jonadab, the son of David’s brother Shimeah. Jonadab was a very shrewd man,"
- 2 Samuel 13:4
"and he asked Amnon, “Why are you, the son of the king, so depressed morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?” Amnon replied, “I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.”"
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 3:1
"These were the sons of David who were born to him in Hebron: The firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam of Jezreel; the second was Daniel by Abigail of Carmel;"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אַמְנוֹן |