2 Samuel 14:25

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּכְאַבְשָׁל֗וֹם

H53

as Absalom

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

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָיָ֧ה

H1961

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

אִישׁ

H376

there was none

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יָפֶ֛ה

H3303

for his beauty

beautiful (literally or figuratively)

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

But in all Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לְהַלֵּ֣ל

H1984

praised

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

מְאֹ֑ד

H3966

to be so much

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#10

מִכַּ֤ף

H3709

from the sole

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

#11

רַגְלוֹ֙

H7272

of his foot

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

#12

וְעַ֣ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#13

קָדְקֳד֔וֹ

H6936

even to the crown of his head

the crown of the head (as the part most bowed)

#14

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#15

הָ֥יָה

H1961

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

#16

ב֖וֹ

#17

מֽוּם׃

H3971

there was no blemish

a blemish (physically or morally)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Samuel chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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