Original Word: אַמְנוֹן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: Amnown
Pronunciation: ahm-NOHN
Phonetic Spelling: (am-nohn')
KJV: Amnon
NASB: Amnon, Amnon's
Word Origin: [from H539 (אָמַן - believe)]

1. faithful
2. Amnon (or Aminon), a son of David

Amnon

Or uamiynown {am-ee-nohn'}; from 'aman; faithful; Amnon (or Aminon), a son of David -- Amnon.

see HEBREW 'aman

Word Origin
from aman
Definition
"faithful," two Isr.
NASB Translation
Amnon (25), Amnon's (3).

אַמְנוֺן proper name, masculine (faithful)

1 eldest son of David 2 Samuel 3:2; 2 Samuel 13; = אֲמִינוֺן 2 Samuel 13:20; = אַמְנֹן 1 Chronicles 3:1.

2 a son of Shimon 1 Chronicles 4:20.

אֲמִינוֺן diminutive, so Ew^{§ 167 a} compare W^{i. § 269}, or text error; compare Dr 2 Samuel 13:20, see אַמְנוֺן.

Name and Meaning

Amnon (אַמְנוֹן) derives from the verb aman, “to be faithful, trustworthy.” Ironically the one bearer most prominent in Scripture embodied the opposite of his name, showing how sin distorts even the noblest intentions.

Prominent Individual: Amnon Son of David

• Birth and Rank – Firstborn of David by Ahinoam of Jezreel (2 Samuel 3:2; 1 Chronicles 3:1). As crown prince he stood next in line for the throne.
• Family Context – Raised during David’s years of expansion, yet within a complicated household of multiple wives and children who shared little cohesion.
• Infatuation with Tamar – “Amnon son of David became infatuated with Tamar, the beautiful sister of Absalom” (2 Samuel 13:1). Scripture stresses lust’s power when unchecked by godly counsel.
• Jonadab’s Counsel – A crafty cousin devised a deception (13:3-5). The narrative exposes the danger of worldly advice that appeals to sinful desire.
• Rape of Tamar – Despite Tamar’s plea that such an act would be “a disgrace in Israel” (13:13), Amnon “refused to listen…and violated her” (13:14). The transgression broke multiple Mosaic statutes (Leviticus 18:9; Deuteronomy 22:25-29), defiled the royal household, and dishonored the Lord before the nation.
• Immediate Hatred – “Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred” (13:15). Lust quickly turned to loathing, illustrating sin’s deceitfulness (James 1:14-15).
• David’s Failure to Act – David “became furious” (13:21) but took no judicial action, possibly because of his own moral compromise with Bathsheba. His passivity fostered greater tragedy.
• Absalom’s Revenge – Two years later at Baal-hazor, Absalom ordered his servants: “Strike Amnon down” (13:28-29). The murder removed the heir apparent and ignited Absalom’s rebellion (15:1-6).
• National Consequences – The rape and ensuing bloodshed fragmented David’s family, weakened royal authority, and provided adversaries occasion to blaspheme (2 Samuel 12:14).

Theological Reflections

1. Sin’s Internal Origin – Amnon’s downfall began in the heart (Mark 7:21-23).
2. The Cost of Unchecked Desire – A moment’s gratification destroyed personal destiny and destabilized the kingdom.
3. Parental Responsibility – David’s silence contrasts with the Law’s demand for justice (Deuteronomy 22:26-27). Leadership without discipline invites further disorder.
4. Divine Justice – Though God forgave David’s own sin, He did not remove temporal consequences (2 Samuel 12:10-11). Amnon’s death fulfilled Nathan’s warning that “the sword shall never depart from your house.”
5. Foreshadowing the Gospel – The narrative underscores humanity’s need for a righteous Son of David—one who resists temptation and establishes true justice (Hebrews 4:15; Isaiah 9:7).

Other Men Named Amnon

• Amnon of Simeon – Listed among the descendants of Shimon in the genealogies of Judah’s territory (1 Chronicles 4:20). Little else is known, yet his inclusion affirms the historicity of tribal records.
• Additional Mentions – The name appears in parallel passages recounting David’s sons (1 Chronicles 3:2) and in repeated references throughout 2 Samuel 13–14, bringing the total occurrences to roughly twenty-eight.

Prophetic and Messianic Connections

Amnon’s violation of Tamar and his unjust survival for two years amplify yearning for the coming King who will “execute justice and righteousness in the land” (Jeremiah 23:5). The contrast between the unfaithful son and the perfectly faithful Son highlights Messiah’s moral perfection and His power to heal the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1).

Lessons for Ministry and Personal Application

• Guard the Heart – Cultivate purity through Scripture and prayer; secret lust eventually manifests in destructive acts.
• Choose Counsel Wisely – Companions like Jonadab steer either toward holiness or ruin (Proverbs 13:20).
• Act Justly – Leaders must enforce righteousness impartially, even within their own families.
• Trust Divine Vindication – Victims such as Tamar remind the church to protect the vulnerable and rest in God, who “executes justice for the oppressed” (Psalm 146:7).
• Look to Christ – Only the faithful Son restores what sin ravages, offering forgiveness and transforming hearts.

Occurrences Summary (Representative)

2 Samuel 3:2; 13:1-39; 14:27; 1 Chronicles 3:1-2; 4:20. Together these passages paint a sobering portrait of privilege corrupted by passion and highlight the enduring need for a truly faithful King.

אַמְנ֔וֹן אַמְנ֖וֹן אַמְנ֗וֹן אַמְנ֛וֹן אַמְנ֜וֹן אַמְנ֣וֹן אַמְנ֤וֹן אַמְנ֥וֹן אַמְנֹ֗ן אמנון אמנן הַאֲמִינ֣וֹן האמינון וּלְאַמְנ֣וֹן ולאמנון לְאַמְנ֔וֹן לְאַמְנ֜וֹן לְאַמְנ֥וֹן לאמנון ’am·nō·wn ’am·nōn ’amnōn ’amnōwn amNon ha’ămînōwn ha·’ă·mî·nō·wn haamiNon lə’amnōwn lə·’am·nō·wn leamNon ū·lə·’am·nō·wn ūlə’amnōwn uleamNonInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts