Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Whenever he cut the hair of his head—he used to cut his hair once a year because it became too heavy for him—he would weigh it, and its weight was two hundred shekels by the royal standard. New Living Translation He cut his hair only once a year, and then only because it was so heavy. When he weighed it out, it came to five pounds! English Standard Version And when he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king’s weight. Berean Standard Bible 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 Bible 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. New King James Version And when he cut the hair of his head—at the end of every year he cut it because it was heavy on him—when he cut it, he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels according to the king’s standard. New American Standard Bible And when he cut the hair of his head (and it was at the end of every year that he cut it, because it was heavy on him, so he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels by the king’s weight. NASB 1995 When he cut the hair of his head (and it was at the end of every year that he cut it, for it was heavy on him so he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head at 200 shekels by the king’s weight. NASB 1977 And when he cut the hair of his head (and it was at the end of every year that he cut it, for it was heavy on him so he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head at 200 shekels by the king’s weight. Legacy Standard Bible When he shaved the hair of his head (and it was at the end of every year that he shaved it, for it was heavy on him so he shaved it), he weighed the hair of his head at 200 shekels by the king’s weight. Amplified Bible When he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of each year he cut it, because its weight was heavy on him) he weighed the hair of his head at 200 shekels by the king’s weight. Christian Standard Bible When he shaved his head—he shaved it at the end of every year because his hair got so heavy for him that he had to shave it off—he would weigh the hair from his head and it would be five pounds according to the royal standard. Holman Christian Standard Bible When he shaved his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy for him that he had to shave it off—he would weigh the hair from his head and it would be five pounds according to the royal standard. American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version His hair grew so thick and heavy that when he got it cut once a year, it weighed over two kilograms. English Revised Version And when he polled his head, (now 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation At the end of every year, he used to cut his hair because it became heavy for him. When he cut the hair on his head and weighed it, it weighed five pounds according to the royal standard. Good News Translation His hair was very thick, and he had to cut it once a year, when it grew too long and heavy. It would weigh about five pounds according to the royal standard of weights. International Standard Version Whenever he cut his hair —he cut it at the end of every year, because it grew thick on his head, which is why he cut it—his hair weighed in at 200 shekels measured by the royal standard. NET Bible When he would shave his head--at the end of every year he used to shave his head, for it grew too long and he would shave it--he used to weigh the hair of his head at three pounds according to the king's weight. New Heart English Bible When he cut the hair of his head ? now it was at the end of every year that he cut it, because it became too heavy, therefore he cut it ? he weighed the hair of his head at one hundred shekels by the king's weight. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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. World English Bible 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. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand in his shaving his head—and it has been at the end of year by year that he shaves [it], for it [is] heavy on him, and he has shaved it—he has even weighed out the hair of his head—two hundred shekels by the king’s weight. Young's Literal Translation 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. Smith's Literal Translation And in his shaving his head (and it was from the end of days to days that he will shave, for it was heavy upon him;) and he shaved and weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the stone of the king. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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. Catholic Public Domain Version And when he shaved off his hair, for he shaved it off once a year, because his long hair was burdensome to him, he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels, by the public weights. New American Bible When he shaved his head—as he used to do at the end of every year, because his hair became too heavy for him—the hair weighed two hundred shekels according to the royal standard. New Revised Standard Version When he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king’s weight. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when he had his hair shorn (he used to cut it once a year because it was heavy on him, therefore he cut it), the hair of his head weighed two hundred shekels by the king's weight. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And whenever his head was sheared, from time to time he was sheared because his hair was heavy on him, he was sheared for it and the hair of his head was weighed at two hundred shekels by the shekel of the King OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when he polled his head--now 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation And when he polled his head, (and it was at the beginning of every year that he polled it, because it grew, heavy upon him,) even when he polled it, he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels according to the royal shekel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Absalom's Return to Jerusalem…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.… Cross References 1 Samuel 9:2 And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. 1 Kings 1:6 (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) 1 Kings 1:25 For today he has gone down and sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 1 Kings 1:52 And Solomon replied, “If he is a man of character, not a single hair of his will fall to the ground. But if evil is found in him, he will die.” 1 Kings 11:3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away. 1 Kings 14:26 He seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including all the gold shields that Solomon had made. 1 Kings 15:5 For David had done what was right in the eyes of the LORD and had not turned aside from anything the LORD commanded all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. 1 Chronicles 3:2 the third was Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; the fourth was Adonijah the son of Haggith; 1 Chronicles 3:9 These were all the sons of David, besides the sons by his concubines. And Tamar was their sister. 1 Chronicles 28:5 And of all my sons—for the LORD has given me many sons—He has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. 2 Samuel 18:18 During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument. 2 Samuel 3:3 his second was Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; his third was Absalom, the son of Maacah daughter of King Talmai of Geshur; 2 Samuel 13:1 After some time, David’s son Amnon fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of David’s son Absalom. 2 Samuel 13:21 When King David heard all this, he was furious. 2 Samuel 15:1 Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. Treasury of Scripture 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. when he polled 2 Samuel 18:9 And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away. Isaiah 3:24 And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. 1 Corinthians 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? two hundred shekels. Genesis 23:16 And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant. Leviticus 19:36 Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. Ezekiel 45:9-14 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord GOD… Jump to Previous Cut End Hair Head Heavy Hundred King's Polled Royal Shekels Time Used Weigh Weighed Weight Whenever Year'sJump to Next Cut End Hair Head Heavy Hundred King's Polled Royal Shekels Time Used Weigh Weighed Weight Whenever Year's2 Samuel 14 1. Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,21. brings him home to Jerusalem 25. Absalom's beauty, hair, and children 28. After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab And when he cut the hair of his head— This phrase introduces the practice of Absalom cutting his hair, which was notable due to its exceptional weight and volume. In ancient Israel, hair was often seen as a symbol of strength and vitality. Absalom's hair was a source of pride and a symbol of his attractiveness and charisma, which played a role in his influence over the people. The act of cutting his hair annually suggests a ritualistic or customary practice, possibly linked to vows or personal grooming habits of the time. 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David, known for his striking appearance and long hair. His hair is a symbol of his pride and vanity, which plays a significant role in his account. 2. King David The father of Absalom, who is the reigning king of Israel during this time. His relationship with Absalom is complex and filled with tension. 3. Jerusalem The capital city of Israel and the center of political and religious life during King David's reign. It is the backdrop for much of the account involving Absalom. 4. Royal Standard Refers to the official system of weights and measures used in the kingdom, indicating the significant weight of Absalom's hair. 5. Hebron Although not directly mentioned in this verse, it is relevant as the place where Absalom later declares himself king, showing his ambition and rebellion. Teaching Points The Danger of Pride and VanityAbsalom's focus on his hair symbolizes his pride. As Christians, we must guard against allowing our appearance or achievements to become sources of pride that lead us away from God. The Importance of Inner Character While Absalom was admired for his looks, his character was flawed. We should prioritize developing a Christ-like character over external appearances. The Consequences of Rebellion Absalom's account is a cautionary tale about the consequences of rebelling against God's established order. Submission to God's will is crucial for a life of peace and blessing. The Role of Family Dynamics The strained relationship between David and Absalom highlights the importance of addressing family conflicts with grace and wisdom, seeking reconciliation and understanding. Weighing Our Priorities Just as Absalom weighed his hair, we should regularly evaluate our priorities to ensure they align with God's purposes for our lives. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 141 Chronicles 14:8-17 - How do we reconcile any discrepancies between this account of David's battles with the Philistines and the parallel text in 2 Samuel 5? How did Absalom become caught by his head or hair in the oak tree (2 Samuel 18:9), and does this detail conflict with scientific plausibility? 2 Samuel 14:14: If 'God does not take away life,' how does this verse reconcile with other biblical passages where God sanctions or orders death? (Psalm 26:3) Does his certainty of always walking in God's truth contradict biblical accounts of David's moral failures?(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.Verse 26. - Two hundred shekels after the king's weight. Unless the royal shekel was smaller than the shekel of the sanctuary, the weight of Absalom's hair would be six pounds. But we cannot believe that the king's shekel was not full weight; for to imagine this is to suppose that the king had tampered with the coinage; for the shekel was a coin as well as a weight, being originally a fixed quantity of silver. As a matter of fact, David had amassed too much silver to have need of resorting to what is the expedient of feeble and impoverished princes. Nor can we grant an error in the number; for the versions all agree with the Hebrew, so that any mistake must, at all events, be of great antiquity. Josephus says that Solomon's body guard wore long hair powdered with gold dust, and undoubtedly Absalom's hair was something extraordinary (2 Samuel 18:9). But six pounds is so enormous a weight that it is just possible that some ancient copyist has enlarged the number, to make it accord with a legend current among the people, in which this feature of Absalom's beauty had been exaggerated. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And when he cut the hairוּֽבְגַלְּחוֹ֮ (ū·ḇə·ḡal·lə·ḥōw) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1548: To be bald, to shave, to lay waste of אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Direct object marker Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case his head— רֹאשׁוֹ֒ (rō·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7218: The head he shaved יְגַלֵּ֔חַ (yə·ḡal·lê·aḥ) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1548: To be bald, to shave, to lay waste it every year מִקֵּ֨ץ (miq·qêṣ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7093: An extremity, after because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction his hair got so heavy— כָבֵ֥ד (ḵā·ḇêḏ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome he would weigh וְשָׁקַל֙ (wə·šā·qal) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8254: To suspend, poise [it] שְׂעַ֣ר (śə·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8181: Hair [to be] two hundred מָאתַ֥יִם (mā·ṯa·yim) Number - fd Strong's 3967: A hundred shekels שְׁקָלִ֖ים (šə·qā·lîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8255: A weight, a commercial standard according to the royal הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king standard. בְּאֶ֥בֶן (bə·’e·ḇen) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 68: A stone Links 2 Samuel 14:26 NIV2 Samuel 14:26 NLT 2 Samuel 14:26 ESV 2 Samuel 14:26 NASB 2 Samuel 14:26 KJV 2 Samuel 14:26 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 14:26 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 14:26 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 14:26 French Bible 2 Samuel 14:26 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 14:26 When he cut the hair of his (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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