2 Samuel 15:5
2 Samuel 15:5 in Multiple Translations
Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him.
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.
And it was so, that, when any man came nigh to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took hold of him, and kissed him.
And if any man came near to give him honour, he took him by the hand and gave him a kiss.
When anyone came to bow down before him, Absalom would stop them by reaching out his hand, taking hold of him, and kissing him.
And when any man came neere to him, and did him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and tooke him, and kissed him.
And it hath come to pass, in the drawing nearing of any one to bow himself to him, that he hath put forth his hand, and laid hold on him, and given a kiss to him;
It was so, that when any man came near to bow down to him, he stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and kissed him.
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.
Moreover when any man came to him to salute him, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
And whenever anyone came near to Absalom to bow respectfully in front of him, Absalom would reach out and embrace him and kiss him.
Sometimes people really did think Absalom was an important man, so they got down on their knees to show respect to him. Then Absalom shook their hands and hugged them, to get them to like him.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 15:5
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 15:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָה֙
בִּ/קְרָב
אִ֔ישׁ
לְ/הִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֖ת
ל֑/וֹ
וְ/שָׁלַ֧ח
אֶת
יָד֛/וֹ
וְ/הֶחֱזִ֥יק
ל֖/וֹ
וְ/נָ֥שַׁק
לֽ/וֹ
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בִּ/קְרָב
qârab
H7126
to present
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אִ֔ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
לְ/הִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֖ת
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/שָׁלַ֧ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יָד֛/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
וְ/הֶחֱזִ֥יק
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
ל֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/נָ֥שַׁק
nâshaq
H5401
to kiss
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 15:5
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | 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.
בִּ/קְרָב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
אִ֔ישׁ
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.
לְ/הִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֖ת
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/שָׁלַ֧ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יָד֛/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/הֶחֱזִ֥יק
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
ל֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/נָ֥שַׁק
nâshaq
H5401
"to kiss"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To kiss or touch, also to equip with weapons, as seen in armed men or rulers. It appears in various forms, including a romantic kiss or a mode of attachment. In the Bible, it is used to describe intimate touch.
Definition: 1) to put together, kiss 1a) (Qal) to kiss 1b) (Piel) to kiss 1c) (Hiphil) to touch gently
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: armed (men), rule, kiss, that touched. See also: Genesis 27:26; 2 Samuel 14:33; Psalms 2:12.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 15:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 15:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:5
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:5
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:5
Context — Absalom’s Conspiracy
3Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.”
4And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.”
5Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him.
6Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 7After four years had passed, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I have made to the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 14:33 | So Joab went and told the king, and David summoned Absalom, who came to him and bowed facedown before him. Then the king kissed Absalom. |
| 2 | Psalms 55:21 | His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. |
| 3 | Proverbs 26:25 | When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. |
| 4 | Psalms 10:9–10 | He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. They are crushed and beaten down; the hapless fall prey to his strength. |
2 Samuel 15:5 Summary
In 2 Samuel 15:5, we see Absalom greeting everyone who comes to him with a handshake and a kiss, which was a common way of showing respect and kindness in those days, similar to the way Jesus taught his disciples to greet one another in Matthew 5:47. However, Absalom's motives were not entirely pure, as he was trying to win people over to his side and gain power for himself, which is a warning to us to be careful of our own motivations and to seek to serve others with a genuine heart, as seen in Mark 10:45. This verse reminds us of the importance of being kind and respectful to others, but also of being humble and not seeking to elevate ourselves above others, as taught in Romans 12:3 and Philippians 2:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Absalom so interested in greeting everyone who came to him?
Absalom was trying to gain the people's trust and affection by showing them kindness and respect, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:5, much like Jesus taught in Matthew 23:6, where the Pharisees loved to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces.
What does it mean to 'steal the hearts of the men of Israel'?
To 'steal the hearts' means to win someone over or gain their loyalty, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:6, which is similar to the concept of 'gaining the whole world' in Matthew 16:26, where Jesus warns about the dangers of worldly pursuits.
Is Absalom's behavior in this verse similar to any other biblical characters?
Yes, Absalom's behavior is similar to that of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-14, who also sought to exalt himself and gain power and admiration from others, and also to the Pharisees in Luke 20:46-47, who loved to be greeted with respect and admired by men.
How does this verse relate to the concept of humility in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of humility, as seen in Proverbs 22:4, where the reward for humility is wealth and honor, and in 1 Peter 5:6, where believers are called to humble themselves under God's mighty hand, in contrast to Absalom's prideful and self-exalting behavior.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can show kindness and respect to those around me, like Absalom did in this verse, but with a genuine heart?
- How can I balance the desire for recognition and respect with the need for humility and a servant's heart, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28?
- What are some potential dangers of seeking to 'steal the hearts' of others, and how can I avoid those dangers in my own life, as warned in 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership and influence, and what can I learn from Absalom's example, both positively and negatively, in light of 1 Timothy 3:1-7?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:5
And it was [so], that when any man came nigh [to him] to do him obeisance,.... To pay his respects, and bow to him, as being the king's son, a prince of the blood, and heir to the crown, as was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:5
Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:5
Putting on the garb of singular humanity and good will to all men; for that seems to have been a ceremony in frequent use in those times of showing respect, as pulling off the hat, and bowing, or embracing, is at this day with us.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:5
2 Samuel 15:5 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.Ver. 5. To do him obeisance.] But should men bow to a molten calf, because made of golden earrings? And took him, and kissed him.] By a counterfeit courtesy, which, in high degree, easily ailureth men’ s minds, as do fair flowers, in the spring, the passengers’ eyes.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:5
5. put forth his hand] Instead of allowing the people to do him homage as the king’s son, he took them by the hand, and saluted them familiarly with a kiss. Cp. ch. 2 Samuel 20:9. Compare the description of Bolingbroke’s behaviour which Shakespeare puts into the mouth of Richard II.: Ourself and Bushy, Bagot here and GreenObserved his courtship to the common people;How he did seem to dive into their heartsWith humble and familiar courtesy,What reverence he did throw away on slaves,Wooing poor craftsmen with the craft of smiles,King Richard II., Acts 1. Sc. 4:23.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Secret Faults and Presumptuous Sins by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human tendency to be both praising and accusing God at the same time. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering our unsatisfied desire |
|
Are You Keeping Well by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the body as a means of communication with the outside world. He explains that while we can recognize others based on their phys |
|
Secrets of Happy Home Life by J.R. Miller | Greek Word Studies preaches about the dangers of trickery, using the term 'kubeia' to illustrate how some manipulate the Word of God for personal gain, similar to loaded dice used |
|
The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 8 by William Gurnall | William Gurnall preaches about the strengthening power of sincerity in a Christian's spirit, emphasizing how sincerity acts as a girdle that fortifies the believer in their spiritu |