King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:26 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:26 in the King James Version says “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, there... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

2 Samuel 14:26 · KJV


Context

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.

27

And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

28

So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 21 words
וְגִלְּח֑וֹ1 of 21

And when he polled

H1548

properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste

אֶת2 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ3 of 21

his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וְֽ֠הָיָה4 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מִקֵּ֨ץ5 of 21

end

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

לַיָּמִים֙6 of 21

for it was at every year's

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

לַיָּמִים֙7 of 21

for it was at every year's

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

וְגִלְּח֑וֹ9 of 21

And when he polled

H1548

properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste

כִּֽי10 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כָבֵ֥ד11 of 21

it because the hair was heavy

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

עָלָ֖יו12 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְגִלְּח֑וֹ13 of 21

And when he polled

H1548

properly, to be bald, i.e., (causatively) to shave; figuratively to lay waste

וְשָׁקַל֙14 of 21

it he weighed

H8254

to suspend or poise (especially in trade)

אֶת15 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׂעַ֣ר16 of 21

the hair

H8181

hair (as if tossed or bristling)

רֹאשׁ֔וֹ17 of 21

his head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

מָאתַ֥יִם18 of 21

at two hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שְׁקָלִ֖ים19 of 21

shekels

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

בְּאֶ֥בֶן20 of 21

weight

H68

a stone

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃21 of 21

after the king's

H4428

a king


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 14:26 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 14:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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