King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 14:27 Mean?
“And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.”
Context
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.
29
Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(27) **Three sons.**—Their names are not given, from which it might be supposed that they died in infancy, and this is made sure by 2Samuel 18:18, where Absalom is reported as saying, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.”
**One daughter.**—This daughter bore the name of Absalom’s sister, Tamar, and shared her beauty. The LXX. here inserts the statement that she “became the wife of Roboam, the son of Solomon, and bore him a son, Abia.” But this is evidently a confused gloss, founded upon 1Kings 15:2; 2Chronicles 11:20-22. We are there told that Rehoboam’s favourite wife was Maachah, the daughter of Absalom, and mother of Abijah; but this must mean that Maachah was his granddaughter through Tamar, since in 2Chronicles 13:2 Abijah is called the son of Michaiah, the daughter of Uriel. Tamar then married Uriel, and her daughter became the mother of a line of kings.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 14:27 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 14:27
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge