2 Samuel 14:25

2 Samuel 14:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now 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.

King James Version KJV

¶ 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.

American Standard Version ASV

Now 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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now in all Israel there was no one so greatly to be praised for his beautiful form as Absalom: from his feet to the crown of his head he was completely beautiful.

Free Bible Version FBV

Absalom was admired as the most handsome man in the whole of Israel. He didn't have a single blemish from head to toe.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Nowe in all Israel there was none to be so much praysed for beautie as Absalom: from the sole of his foote euen to the toppe of his head there was no blemish in him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And like Absalom there was no man [so] fair in all Israel, to praise greatly; from the sole of his foot even unto his crown there was no blemish in him;

World English Bible WEB

Now in all Israel there was no one 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 defect in him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But in all Israel there was not a man so comely, and so exceedingly beautiful as Absalom: from the sole of the foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

Translation for Translators T4T

Absalom was very handsome. He looked perfect, from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head. In all of Israel there was no one whom people admired more than Absalom.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 14:25

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 14:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/כְ/אַבְשָׁל֗וֹם לֹא הָיָ֧ה אִישׁ יָפֶ֛ה בְּ/כָל יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לְ/הַלֵּ֣ל מְאֹ֑ד מִ/כַּ֤ף רַגְל/וֹ֙ וְ/עַ֣ד קָדְקֳד֔/וֹ לֹא הָ֥יָה ב֖/וֹ מֽוּם

וּ/כְ/אַבְשָׁל֗וֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 Absalom Conj | Prep | N-proper

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

הָיָ֧ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

יָפֶ֛ה yâpheh H3303 beautiful Adj

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

לְ/הַלֵּ֣ל hâlal H1984 to shine Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv

מִ/כַּ֤ף kaph H3709 palm Prep | N-fs

רַגְל/וֹ֙ regel H7272 foot N-fs | Suff

וְ/עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 till Conj | Prep

קָדְקֳד֔/וֹ qodqôd H6936 crown N-ms | Suff

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

הָ֥יָה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms

ב֖/וֹ Prep | Suff

מֽוּם mʼûwm H3971 blemish N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 14:25

וּ/כְ/אַבְשָׁל֗וֹם ʼĂbîyshâlôwm H53 "Absalom" Conj | Prep | N-proper

Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

הָיָ֧ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-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.

אִישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

יָפֶ֛ה yâpheh H3303 "beautiful" Adj

Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.

Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

לְ/הַלֵּ֣ל hâlal H1984 "to shine" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a

To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.

Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light

Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.

מְאֹ֑ד mᵉʼôd H3966 "much" Adv

Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.

Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness

Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.

מִ/כַּ֤ף kaph H3709 "palm" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.

Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)

Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.

רַגְל/וֹ֙ regel H7272 "foot" N-fs | Suff

This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.

Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)

Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.

וְ/עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 "till" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

קָדְקֳד֔/וֹ qodqôd H6936 "crown" N-ms | Suff

Qodqod means the crown of the head, referring to the top or scalp. It describes the upper part of the head, often translated as crown or scalp in the KJV Bible.

Definition: head, crown of head, top of head, hairy crown, scalp

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crown (of the head), pate, scalp, top of the head. See also: Genesis 49:26; Job 2:7; Psalms 7:17.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

הָ֥יָה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-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.

ב֖/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

מֽוּם mʼûwm H3971 "blemish" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a flaw or imperfection, either physical or moral, like a stain on someone's character. It appears in books like Leviticus and Deuteronomy. The KJV translates it as 'blemish' or 'spot'.

Definition: 1) blemish, spot, defect 1a) of physical defect 1b) of moral stain

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: blemish, blot, spot. See also: Leviticus 21:17; Numbers 19:2; Proverbs 9:7.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 14:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 14:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 14:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 14:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:25
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:25
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:25
Sermons on 2 Samuel 14:25

Context — Absalom’s Return to Jerusalem

23So Joab got up, went to Geshur, and brought Absalom 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 1:6	From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there is no soundness— only wounds and welts and festering sores neither cleansed nor bandaged nor soothed with oil.
2	Deuteronomy 28:35	The LORD will afflict you with painful, incurable boils on your knees and thighs, from the soles of your feet to the top of your head.
3	Job 2:7	So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and infected Job with terrible boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.
4	Matthew 23:27	Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity.
5	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.
6	1 Samuel 16:7	But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
7	Proverbs 31:30	Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
8	Ephesians 5:27	and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.

2 Samuel 14:25 Summary

This verse describes Absalom as the most handsome and highly praised man in all Israel, with no physical flaws from head to toe. However, as we read on in the Bible, we see that his physical perfection did not necessarily mean he had a perfect heart or character, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:1-12. This reminds us that what God values most is not our outward appearance, but our heart and our relationship with Him (1 Samuel 16:7). We can learn from Absalom's example that true beauty and worth come from within, and that we should strive to cultivate a heart that is pleasing to God, rather than focusing on physical appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Absalom was highly praised?

Absalom's physical appearance and charm made him highly admired, as stated in 2 Samuel 14:25, but this does not necessarily mean he was spiritually or morally upright, as seen in other parts of his story, such as 2 Samuel 15:1-6.

Is it important to be physically flawless like Absalom?

According to the Bible, physical appearance is not what makes a person valuable or pleasing to God, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:7, which says that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance.

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

The verse 2 Samuel 14:25 describes Absalom's physical perfection, but it does not necessarily imply that he had a perfect character, as his actions in 2 Samuel 15:1-12 and other parts of the Bible reveal his flaws and sins.

What can we learn from Absalom's physical description in this verse?

We can learn that physical appearance is fleeting and does not guarantee a person's spiritual or moral integrity, as stated in Proverbs 31:30, which says that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I focus too much on outward appearance, and how can I shift my focus to inner spiritual growth?
How do I respond when I encounter someone who seems physically perfect or highly admired, and what can I learn from their example?
In what ways can I cultivate a heart that is pleasing to God, rather than focusing on physical appearance or external validation?
What are some biblical examples of people who were not physically perfect but were still highly valued by God, such as in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 14:25

But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty,.... Which is observed to account in some measure for the interest he had in the affections of the people, both now

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 14:25

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:25

This is here noted as the occasion of his pride and insolency, and of the people’ s affections to him, and consequently of the following rebellion.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:25

2 Samuel 14:25 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.Ver. 25. There was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty.] This was no great commendation, that he was pulcherrimus corpore, aterrimus mente, fair without, and foul within; like an Egyptian temple: or as Alcibiades, comely but turbulent: or as Aurelia Orestilla, cuius praeter formam nihil unquam bonus laudavit, commendable only for her beauty; which is only then praise worthy, when it is the flower of virtue. Otherwise it is but as the goodly oak, which beareth no fruit but for swine; whereas the weak and deformed vine yieldeth sweet grapes: or, as the peacock, which hath gay feathers, but maketh the ground barren whereon it sitteth; whenas the poor homely bee yieldeth honey, &c. In Saul and Absalom, saith an interpreter here, two men of goodly stature, but of bad conditions, we have the right description of hypocrites, who bear a fair show outwardly, but within are corrupt. The more to blame were this people for doting so much upon these two whited sepulchres; as therefore worthy to reign, because comely and sightly. There was no blemish in him.] But nature had spent all her strength, saith one, in trimming his body; his soul she had left altogether untrimmed, as appeareth by his ambition. Sallust. Borrh. A Lap.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 14:25

Verse 25. None to be so much praised as Absalom] It was probably his personal beauty that caused the people to interest themselves so much in his behalf; for the great mass of the public is ever caught and led by outward appearances. There was no blemish in him.] He was perfect and regular in all his features, and in all his proportions.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 14:25

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) 2 Samuel 8-16 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of following God's rules and the consequences of violating them. He uses the story of Tamar, who was publicly humiliated and e
	Dating Sermon by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of young men in today's society, referring to them as "mall waifs" who spend their time playing video games and hanging out at malls
	Worship Beyond Prayer and Praise by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of preparing a sermon on the theme of worship. He shares that he began preparing this sermon in 1951 while lying in a h
	Psalm 130 by Carl Armerding	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the late hours of the night when he returns home after preaching. He talks about the weight of sin and how it accumulates like a national de
	Deliverance of Power by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the love of Christ and the significance of His death for humanity. The speaker highlights four characteristics of mankind: being without stre
	Christmas and the Shed Blood by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the desperate condition of mankind as described in the Bible. He emphasizes that man is unable to save himself or change his heart, and ther
	We Need the Breakings of God by R. Edward Miller	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of breaking the emotions and will in order to have a true and genuine relationship with God. He emphasizes the need to release