אַמְנוֹן (am.non)
am.non
Amnon
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Amnon means "faithful" or "trustworthy." It appears in the Hebrew Bible as a personal name for two distinct men, though one is far more prominent. The first and most well-known Amnon was the eldest son of King David and his wife Ahinoam. His story is recorded primarily in the second book of Samuel, where he plays a central role in the tragic conflicts within David’s household.
Amnon’s narrative is defined by his abuse of power and subsequent death. He became obsessed with his half-sister Tamar, eventually raping her after deceiving King David. This act shattered family bonds and led to his murder at the hands of his brother Absalom, who sought justice for the crime. The name “faithful” stands in stark contrast to this betrayal, highlighting the irony of a title that was not reflected in his actions.
A second man named Amnon is mentioned briefly in 1 Chronicles as a son of Shimon, belonging to the clan of Caleb. This occurrence is minor compared to the royal prince, but it shows the name was used among various Israelite families during the United Monarchy period. The sources note that the name derives from the root aman, meaning to be firm or faithful.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Amnon means "faithful," yet the most famous man with this name in Scripture is defined by his profound unfaithfulness. This irony serves as a sobering reminder that names and titles do not guarantee character. In the tragic narrative of II Samuel 13, Amnon uses deception to violate his sister Tamar, demonstrating how power can corrupt even within a family. His story illustrates the destructive nature of unchecked desire and the breaking of trust.
For believers today, this account highlights the importance of integrity in relationships. It warns against using influence to manipulate others for personal gratification. The contrast between the name "faithful" and Amnon’s actions invites reflection on how our own lives align with God’s standards of love and respect. True faithfulness is shown through actions that honor others, not just through labels or lineage.
While the story ends in violence, it also reveals the deep pain caused by sin within communities. It calls us to pursue justice and protect the vulnerable, recognizing that harm done in secret often surfaces with devastating consequences. The narrative encourages a commitment to honesty and purity in heart and deed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Amnon23×
- to/ Amnon3×
- ¿/ Amnon1×
- and/ [belonged] to/ Amnon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אַמְנ֔וֹן5×
- אַמְנ֥וֹן4×
- אַמְנ֖וֹן4×
- אַמְנ֣וֹן3×
- אַמְנ֤וֹן2×
- אַמְנ֗וֹן2×
- לְ/אַמְנ֥וֹן1×
- לְ/אַמְנ֜וֹן1×
- לְ/אַמְנ֔וֹן1×
- וּ/לְ/אַמְנ֣וֹן1×
- הַ/אֲמִינ֣וֹן1×
- אַמְנֹ֗ן1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 13:15
Then Amnon hated her with exceedingly great hatred; for the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. Amnon said to her, “Arise, be gone!”
This verse captures the sudden shift from obsession to hatred, showing how Amnon’s desire was purely selfish and devoid of genuine love or respect for Tamar.
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II Samuel 13:28
Absalom commanded his servants, saying, “Mark now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine; and when I tell you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Don’t be afraid. Haven’t I commanded you? Be courageous, and be valiant!”
Here, Absalom orchestrates Amnon’s death, fulfilling a long-planned vengeance that underscores the severe consequences of Amnon’s initial crime.
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II Samuel 13:1
After this, Absalom the son of David had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
This introduction marks the beginning of the family crisis, linking Amnon’s illicit love for Tamar to the eventual destruction of David’s household.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every Occurrence (22 verses across 2 books)
II Samuel 20 verses
Sons were born to David in Hebron. His firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;
II Samuel 13:1After this, Absalom the son of David had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
II Samuel 13:2Amnon was so troubled that he became sick because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed hard to…
II Samuel 13:3But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother; and Jonadab was a very subtle man.
II Samuel 13:4He said to him, “Why, son of the king, are you so sad from day to day? Won’t you tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love…
II Samuel 13:6So Amnon lay down and faked being sick. When the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, “Please let my sister…
II Samuel 13:7Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, “Go now to your brother Amnon’s house, and prepare food for him.”
II Samuel 13:8So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house; and he was lying down. She took dough, kneaded it, made cakes in his sight,…
II Samuel 13:9She took the pan and poured them out before him, but he refused to eat. Amnon said, “Have all men leave me.” Then every…
II Samuel 13:10Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the room, that I may eat from your hand.” Tamar took the cakes which she had…
II Samuel 13:15Then Amnon hated her with exceedingly great hatred; for the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love…
II Samuel 13:20Absalom her brother said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now hold your peace, my sister. He is your…
II Samuel 13:22Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad; for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
II Samuel 13:26Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” The king said to him, “Why should he go with you?”
II Samuel 13:27But Absalom pressed him, and he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him.
II Samuel 13:28Absalom commanded his servants, saying, “Mark now, when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine; and when I tell you, ‘Strike…
II Samuel 13:29The servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and every man got up on…
II Samuel 13:32Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered, “Don’t let my lord suppose that they have killed all the young…
II Samuel 13:33Now therefore don’t let my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king’s sons are dead; for…
II Samuel 13:39King David longed to go out to Absalom, for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead.