Tamar
femaleUnited MonarchyMeaning: “Palm tree”
A daughter of David, full sister of Absalom, who was wronged by her half-brother Amnon — a tragedy that divided the royal house.
Biography
Tamar was a daughter of King David and the full sister of Absalom (2 Samuel 13:1). Scripture remembers her as beautiful and virtuous — and as the innocent victim of a crime that exposed the rot within David's household and triggered its unraveling.
Wronged by Amnon
Her half-brother Amnon, consumed with desire, feigned illness and asked that Tamar be sent to care for him. She came in innocence, baked for him, and pleaded with him to do no such folly in Israel — but he overpowered and violated her, then had her thrown out (2 Samuel 13:8–17). In her grief she put ashes on her head, tore the royal "garment of divers colours" that marked the king's virgin daughters, and cried aloud (2 Samuel 13:18–19).
Desolate, yet not forgotten
Tamar "remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house" (2 Samuel 13:20). David's failure to do justice for her, and Absalom's slow-burning fury on her behalf, became the seed of Amnon's murder and Absalom's later rebellion. Her story stands as a sober biblical witness to the devastation of unrestrained sin — and of justice deferred — within a family.
Life Timeline
Violated by her half-brother Amnon
Takes refuge, desolate, in Absalom's house
On the Bible timeline
Tamar belongs to the The United Monarchy era (c. 1050 – 930 BC).
- c. 1010 – 970 BCDavid's Reign
- c. 966 BCSolomon's Temple Built
- c. 930 BCThe Kingdom Divides
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Tamar
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Tamar appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 1 book2 Samuel4 verses
2 Samuel 13:1
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her.
2 Samuel 13:10
And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother.
2 Samuel 13:18
And she had a garment of divers colours upon her: for with such robes were the king's daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then his servant brought her out, and bolted the door after her.
2 Samuel 13:20
And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house. Amnon: Heb. Aminon regard: Heb. set not thy heart desolate: Heb. and desolate
Frequently asked about Tamar
Who was Tamar in the Bible?
A daughter of David, full sister of Absalom, who was wronged by her half-brother Amnon — a tragedy that divided the royal house.
What does the name Tamar mean?
The name Tamar means “Palm tree”.
What did Tamar do in the Bible?
Tamar served as princess.
Who were Tamar's parents?
Tamar was the child of David.
Where does Tamar appear in the Bible?
Tamar is mentioned 4 times across 1 book: 2 Samuel.
What can we learn from Tamar?
The story of Tamar touches on themes of tamar, virgin, woman — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Tamar's life.
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