King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:24 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:24 in the King James Version says “And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.”

2 Samuel 14:24 · KJV

Context

22

And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant. thanked: Heb. blessed his servant: or, thy servant

23

So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

24

And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

25

But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. But: Heb. And as Absalom there was not a beautiful man in all Israel to praise greatly

26

And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.

Read 2 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Return, emphasizing incomplete reconciliation. Joab's elaborate scheme to restore Absalom demonstrates human wisdom that undermines divine purposes. The partial reconciliation (Absalom returns but doesn't see David's face) proves insufficient for genuine restoration. Theological themes include the inadequacy of human reconciliation methods apart from genuine repentance, the danger of manipulation even for apparently good ends, and the necessity of complete rather than partial restoration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 14 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding incomplete reconciliation provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of incomplete reconciliation?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 16

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ2 of 16

“And the king”

H4428

a king

וַיִּסֹּ֤ב3 of 16

“Let him turn”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶל4 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּית֔וֹ5 of 16

“to his own house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּפְנֵ֥י6 of 16

“face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לֹ֣א7 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

רָאָֽה׃8 of 16

“and let him not see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וַיִּסֹּ֤ב9 of 16

“Let him turn”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙10 of 16

“So Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

אֶל11 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּית֔וֹ12 of 16

“to his own house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּפְנֵ֥י13 of 16

“face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ14 of 16

“And the king”

H4428

a king

לֹ֥א15 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

רָאָֽה׃16 of 16

“and let him not see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 14:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 14:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 22:4Exodus 10:282 Samuel 3:132 Samuel 14:28Genesis 43:3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 14 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes