Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him.
Parallel translations
- WEB It was so, that when any man came near to do him obeisance, he stretched out his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him.
- KJV And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
- NKJV And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him.
- NASB And whenever a man approached to prostrate himself before him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.
- NLT When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn’t let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
When people bow to Absalom, he raises them up and kisses them as equals. The gesture wins affection by appearing humble and approachable.
Overview
Absalom refuses the homage due a prince and instead embraces the common people, cultivating a sense of intimacy and favor. The studied warmth is a political performance designed to endear him to the masses. This counterfeit humility contrasts with the true humility of Christ, who genuinely lowers himself to serve rather than to seize power.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- 2 Sam 14:33So Joab went and told the king, and David summoned Absalom, who came to him and bowed facedown before him. Then the king kissed Absalom.
- Ps 55:21His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
- Prov 26:25When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.
- Ps 10:9–10He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net.
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Christ at the center
God's covenant with David — a son whose throne and kingdom would last forever (7:12–16) — finds its yes in Jesus, the Son of David who reigns without end.
How 2 Samuel 15:5 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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