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2 Samuel 14:33

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 14:33 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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 the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
30Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab`s field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom`s servants set the field on fire.
31Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?
32And 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 were better for me to be there still. Now therefore let me see the king`s face; and if there be iniquity in me, let him kill me.
33So 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.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“So Joab came to the king, and told him, etc.] What Absalom had said to him: and when he had called for Absalom; sent messengers to his house to order him to come to him: he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king; made a very reverend bow to him, according to the custom of those times, throwing himself at his feet in great submission to him: and the king kissed Absalom; in token of his reconciliation to him; which laid the foundation of his after troubles from him, related in the following chapters.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Kissed - This was the pledge of reconciliation. (See the marginal references and Genesis 45:15.) return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on 2 Samuel 14". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/2-samuel-14.html. 1870. StudyLight.org © 2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Kissed - Did the bowels of a father prevail to reconcile him to an impenitent son? And shall penitent sinners question the compassion of him who is the Father of mercy? If Ephraim bemoan himself, God soon bemoans him, with all the expressions of fatherly tenderness. He is a dear son, a pleasant child. Next: 2 Kings (2 Samuel) Chapter 15”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“14:33 Absalom bowed low, assuming a posture of respect and deference to the king’s majesty (see also 14:4, 22). • and the king kissed him: The lack of conversation, hugging (cp. Luke 15:20), or weeping (cp. Gen 33:4; 45:2, 14) suggests that this was a formal meeting rather than an affectionate reunion.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“am 2979, bc 1025, An, Ex, Is, 466 kissed Absalom: Gen 27:26, Gen 33:4, Gen 45:15; Luk 15:20 Next: 2 Kings (2 Samuel) Chapter 15”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification