King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 14:33 Mean?

2 Samuel 14:33 in the King James Version says “So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on hi...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.”

2 Samuel 14:33 · KJV

Context

31

Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

32

And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.

33

So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.

Read 2 Samuel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.

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 · 22 words
וַיָּבֹ֣א1 of 22

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יוֹאָ֣ב2 of 22

“So Joab”

H3097

joab, the name of three israelites

אֶל3 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ4 of 22

“and the king”

H4428

a king

וַיַּגֶּד5 of 22

“and told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לוֹ֒6 of 22
H0
וַיִּקְרָ֤א7 of 22

“him and when he had called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל8 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְאַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃9 of 22

“Absalom”

H53

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

וַיָּבֹ֣א10 of 22

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל11 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ12 of 22

“and the king”

H4428

a king

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ13 of 22

“and bowed”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

ל֧וֹ14 of 22
H0
עַל15 of 22
H5921

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

אַפָּ֛יו16 of 22

“himself on his face”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אַ֖רְצָה17 of 22

“to the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לִפְנֵ֣י18 of 22

“before”

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ19 of 22

“and the king”

H4428

a king

וַיִּשַּׁ֥ק20 of 22

“kissed”

H5401

to kiss, literally or figuratively (touch); also (as a mode of attachment), to equip with weapons

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ21 of 22

“and the king”

H4428

a king

לְאַבְשָׁלֽוֹם׃22 of 22

“Absalom”

H53

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

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 14:33 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 14:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 33:4Luke 15:20Genesis 27:26Genesis 45:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

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