2 Samuel 14:26

2 Samuel 14:26 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when he had his hair cut, (which he did at the end of every year, because of the weight of his hair;) the weight of the hair was two hundred shekels by the king's weight.

Free Bible Version FBV

He cut his hair every year because it got so heavy—it weighed two hundred royal shekels.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when he polled his head, (for at euery yeeres ende he polled it: because it was too heauie for him, therefore he polled it) he weyghed the heare of his head at two hundreth shekels by the Kings weight.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and in his polling his head — and it hath been at the end of year by year that he polleth [it], for it [is] heavy on him, and he hath polled it — he hath even weighed out the hair of his head — two hundred shekels by the king's weight.

World English Bible WEB

When he cut the hair of his head (now it was at every year’s end that he cut it; because it was heavy on him, therefore he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels, after the king’s weight.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when he polled his hair (now he was polled once a year, because his hair was burdensome to him) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred sicles, according to the common weight.

Translation for Translators T4T

His hair was very thick, and he cut it only once each year, when it became too heavy for him. Using the standard weights, he would weigh the hair that he cut off, and it always weighed about five pounds.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 14:26

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 14:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּֽ/בְ/גַלְּח/וֹ֮ אֶת רֹאשׁ/וֹ֒ וְֽ֠/הָיָה מִ/קֵּ֨ץ יָמִ֤ים לַ/יָּמִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יְגַלֵּ֔חַ כִּֽי כָבֵ֥ד עָלָ֖י/ו וְ/גִלְּח֑/וֹ וְ/שָׁקַל֙ אֶת שְׂעַ֣ר רֹאשׁ֔/וֹ מָאתַ֥יִם שְׁקָלִ֖ים בְּ/אֶ֥בֶן הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ

וּֽ/בְ/גַלְּח/וֹ֮ gâlach H1548 to shave Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

רֹאשׁ/וֹ֒ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms | Suff

וְֽ֠/הָיָה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

מִ/קֵּ֨ץ qêts H7093 end Prep | N-ms

יָמִ֤ים yôwm H3117 day N-mp

לַ/יָּמִים֙ yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-mp

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יְגַלֵּ֔חַ gâlach H1548 to shave V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

כָבֵ֥ד kâbad H3513 to honor Adj

עָלָ֖י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

וְ/גִלְּח֑/וֹ gâlach H1548 to shave Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff

וְ/שָׁקַל֙ shâqal H8254 to weigh Conj | V-Qal-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

שְׂעַ֣ר sêʻâr H8181 hair N-ms

רֹאשׁ֔/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms | Suff

מָאתַ֥יִם mêʼâh H3967 hundred Adj

שְׁקָלִ֖ים sheqel H8255 shekel N-mp

בְּ/אֶ֥בֶן ʼeben H68 stone Prep | N-fs

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 14:26

וּֽ/בְ/גַלְּח/וֹ֮ gâlach H1548 "to shave" Conj | Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

This Hebrew word means to shave or be bald, and can also mean to lay waste or destroy something. It is used in Leviticus to describe the shaving of priests and in Isaiah to describe the devastation of a city.

Definition: 1) to poll, shave, shave off, be bald 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to shave 1a2) to shave off 1a3) (fig. of devastation) 1b)(Pual) to be shaven 1c) (Hithpael) to shave oneself

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: poll, shave (off). See also: Genesis 41:14; Judges 16:17; Isaiah 7:20.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

רֹאשׁ/וֹ֒ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

וְֽ֠/הָיָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

מִ/קֵּ֨ץ qêts H7093 "end" Prep | N-ms

The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.

Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.

יָמִ֤ים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

לַ/יָּמִים֙ yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-mp

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יְגַלֵּ֔חַ gâlach H1548 "to shave" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms

Definition: 1) to poll, shave, shave off, be bald 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to shave 1a2) to shave off 1a3) (fig. of devastation) 1b)(Pual) to be shaven 1c) (Hithpael) to shave oneself

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: poll, shave (off). See also: Genesis 41:14; Judges 16:17; Isaiah 7:20.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

כָבֵ֥ד kâbad H3513 "to honor" Adj

This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.

Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.

עָלָ֖י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

וְ/גִלְּח֑/וֹ gâlach H1548 "to shave" Conj | V-Piel-3ms | Suff

Definition: 1) to poll, shave, shave off, be bald 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to shave 1a2) to shave off 1a3) (fig. of devastation) 1b)(Pual) to be shaven 1c) (Hithpael) to shave oneself

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: poll, shave (off). See also: Genesis 41:14; Judges 16:17; Isaiah 7:20.

וְ/שָׁקַל֙ shâqal H8254 "to weigh" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

To weigh or measure something, like a merchant weighing goods, is what this Hebrew word means, as seen in Proverbs 16:11.

Definition: 1) to weigh, weigh out, pay out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to weigh 1a2) to weigh out (a price) 1a3) of grief (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be weighed 1b2) to be weighed out Aramaic equivalent: te.qal (תְּקַל "to weigh" H8625A)

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: pay, receive(-r), spend, [idiom] throughly, weigh. See also: Genesis 23:16; Esther 4:7; Isaiah 33:18.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

שְׂעַ֣ר sêʻâr H8181 "hair" N-ms

In the Bible, this word refers to hair on people or animals, like in Leviticus 13:30 where it talks about hair loss. It can also describe a hairy garment.

Definition: 1) hair 1a) hair (of animals, man) 1b) hair (of garment made of hair) Aramaic equivalent: se.ar (שְׂעַר "hair" H8177)

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: hair(-y), [idiom] rough. See also: Genesis 25:25; Leviticus 14:8; Psalms 68:22.

רֹאשׁ֔/וֹ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

מָאתַ֥יִם mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Adj

Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.

שְׁקָלִ֖ים sheqel H8255 "shekel" N-mp

A shekel was a unit of weight or money in ancient Israel, like a coin or a measure of gold, silver, or copper. It was used for trade and commerce, as seen in the book of Exodus. The value varied depending on the material.

Definition: 1) shekel 1a) the chief unit of weight or measure 1a1) gold-1/10000 of a talent and equal to 220 grains 1a2) silver-1/3000 of a talent and equal to 132 grains 1a3) copper-1/1500 of a talent and equal to 528 grains Aramaic equivalent: te.qel (תְּקֵל "shekel" H8625B)

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: shekel. See also: Genesis 23:15; Numbers 7:55; Jeremiah 32:9.

בְּ/אֶ֥בֶן ʼeben H68 "stone" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.

Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 14:26

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Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 14:26 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 14:26
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 14:26
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:26
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:26
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:26
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:26
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 14:26
Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 14:26
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:26
Sermons on 2 Samuel 14:26

Context — Absalom’s Return to Jerusalem

24But the king added, “He may return to his house, but he must not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the face of the king. 25Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw.

26And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard.

27Three sons were born to Absalom, and a daughter named Tamar, who was a beautiful woman. 28Now Absalom lived in Jerusalem two years without seeing the face of the king.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 44:20	They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but must carefully trim their hair.
2	1 Corinthians 11:14	Doesn’t nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him,
3	2 Samuel 18:9	Now Absalom was riding on his mule when he met the servants of David, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so that he was suspended in midair.
4	Genesis 23:16	Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants.
5	Leviticus 19:36	You shall maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
6	Ezekiel 45:9–14	For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Enough, O princes of Israel! Cease your violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing My people, declares the Lord GOD.’ You must use honest scales, a just ephah, and a just bath. The ephah and the bath shall be the same quantity so that the bath will contain a tenth of a homer, and the ephah a tenth of a homer; the homer will be the standard measure for both. The shekel will consist of twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels will equal one mina. This is the contribution you are to offer: a sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat, and a sixth of an ephah from each homer of barley. The prescribed portion of oil, measured by the bath, is a tenth of a bath from each cor (a cor consists of ten baths or one homer, since ten baths are equivalent to a homer).
7	Isaiah 3:24	Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, shame.

2 Samuel 14:26 Summary

This verse tells us that Absalom, the son of King David, had very long and heavy hair that he shaved every year, which weighed about two hundred shekels. This shows how much he valued his physical appearance, which is also mentioned in 2 Samuel 14:25. However, as we see in other parts of the Bible, such as in 1 Samuel 16:7, God looks at the heart, not just our outward appearance, and as it is written in Proverbs 31:30, a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. We should focus on cultivating inner beauty and character, rather than just focusing on how we look, as taught in 1 Peter 3:3-4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Absalom shave his head every year?

According to 2 Samuel 14:26, Absalom shaved his head every year because his hair got so heavy, which suggests that he had a remarkable amount of hair that required regular maintenance, similar to the descriptions of strong and handsome men in Samuel and Kings, such as Saul in 1 Samuel 9:2 and Solomon in 1 Kings 1:42.

What is the significance of the weight of Absalom's hair being two hundred shekels?

The weight of Absalom's hair being two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard, highlights the exceptional nature of his physical appearance, as seen in 2 Samuel 14:25, where it is written that he was the most handsome man in all Israel, with no flaws from head to toe, much like the description of Adam before the fall in Genesis 1:31 and 2:25.

Is there any spiritual significance to Absalom's hair?

While the Bible does not provide a direct spiritual interpretation of Absalom's hair, it can be noted that in biblical times, hair was often seen as a symbol of strength, beauty, and spirituality, as seen in the story of Samson in Judges 13-16, where his hair was a source of his physical strength, and in the New Testament, where it is written that a woman's hair is her glory in 1 Corinthians 11:15.

How does Absalom's physical appearance relate to his character?

While Absalom's physical appearance is described in detail in 2 Samuel 14:25-26, his character is revealed in other parts of the Bible, such as in 2 Samuel 15:1-6, where he is shown to be cunning and manipulative, which contrasts with the physical perfection described in 2 Samuel 14:25, highlighting the difference between outward appearance and inner character, as noted in 1 Samuel 16:7 and Proverbs 31:30.

Reflection Questions

What does Absalom's attention to his physical appearance reveal about his values and priorities, and how can I examine my own priorities in light of biblical teachings such as 1 Peter 3:3-4?
How can I distinguish between outward beauty and inner character, as seen in the contrast between Absalom's physical appearance and his actions, and what does the Bible teach about the importance of inner beauty in Proverbs 31:10-31 and 1 Peter 3:1-6?
What role does pride play in Absalom's life, and how can I guard against the dangers of pride in my own life, as warned against in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Corinthians 13:4?
In what ways can I cultivate a humble and godly perspective on physical appearance, and what biblical principles can guide me in this, such as those found in Psalm 139:14 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 14:26

And when he polled his head,.... Or cut off the hair of it; for that was one thing, a good head of hair which he had, that made him look very comely and beautiful: for it was at every year's end that

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 14:26

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:26

Whereas ordinarily the hair of a man’ s head which grows in a year’ s space comes not to half so much. But some men’ s hair grows much faster, and is much heavier, than others. But others understand this not of the weight, but of the price of his hair, which was sold by him that polled it at that rate.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:26

2 Samuel 14:26 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.Ver. 26. And when he polled his head.] He had a pride in his hair, and might well have feared some such fearful disease as is the Plica Polonica. The Romans abhorred those that wore long hair. Our Henry I repressed that vanity, though a gaiety of no charge, as undecent; and all other dissoluteness. He weighed the hair of his head.] It was not worth so much, as some sense it, but it weighed above three pounds, at sixteen ounces to the pound, when yearly polled. Dan., Hist.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:26

(26) Two hundred shekels.—The value of the shekel “after the king’s weight” is unknown. If it was the same with the shekel of the sanctuary, the weight mentioned would be about six pounds; if only half as much, the weight would still be very extraordinary. Some clerical error has probably arisen in copying the number in the MSS.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:26

Verse 26. When he polled his head] Not at any particular period, but when the hair became too heavy for him. On this account of the extraordinary weight of Absalom's hair, see the observations at the end of this chapter. 2 Samuel 14:30.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 14:26

25–27. Absalom’s person and family 26. polled] From poll, the head, comes the verb to poll, to cut the hair. two hundred shekels after the king’s weight] If the royal shekel was the same as the sacred shekel, two hundred shekels would be about six pounds, an extraordinary weight. But perhaps the royal shekel was smaller, or as is so often the case with numbers, there may be some error in the text. It was not considered effeminate for men to wear their hair long: the Nazarites did so (Numbers 6:5), and Josephus says that Solomon’s body-guard had long flowing hair. Modern Arabs frequently allow the hair to grow to its natural length.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Samuel 14:26

Two hundred shekels ... - The exact weight cannot be determined.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:26

26. Polled his head — Cut or clipped off the superabundant growth of the hair. At every year’s end — Literally, from the end of days to days; that is, from time to time.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 14:26

	Sermon	Description
	(The Spiritual Man) the Law of the Spirit by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of living by the law of the Spirit in order to hear God's voice. He emphasizes the need for daily quiet time and being sensitiv
	Married Life and Raising Children by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of family life in the church ministry under the New Covenant, contrasting it with the Old Covenant. It highlights the need for good testimonie
	Words of Spirit and Life by A.W. Tozer	The preacher delves into the concept of 'phusis' or 'nature' as described in the Bible, highlighting how it refers to the inherent character, essential constitution, and origin of
	Psalm 3 by Carl Armerding	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of crying out to the Lord in times of need. He shares a personal testimony of a doctor who was also a minister and how he expe
	The Mule Walked On by Lester Roloff	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of his message and the potential consequences of ignoring it. He acknowledges that he may be criticized or labeled negatively
	Genesis 23:1-20 by John Calvin	John Calvin preaches about the death and burial of Sarah, highlighting Abraham's faith and reverence in securing a burial place for his wife, emphasizing the importance of honoring
	February 7. 1678. Weights and Measures. by Jane Lead	Jane Lead preaches about the importance of weighing ourselves with the Golden Weight or Shekel of the Sanctuary, emphasizing that anything short of that divine standard will be una