2 Samuel 14:24 But 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 king.

Bible > 2 Samuel > Chapter 14 > Verse 24

◄ 2 Samuel 14:24 ►

New International Version
But the king said, “He must go to his own house; he must not see my face.” So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the face of the king.

New Living Translation
But the king gave this order: “Absalom may go to his own house, but he must never come into my presence.” So Absalom did not see the king.

English Standard Version
And the king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king’s presence.

Berean Standard Bible
But 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 king.

King James Bible
And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

New King James Version
And the king said, “Let him return to his own house, but do not let him see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, but did not see the king’s face.

New American Standard Bible
However, the king said, “He shall return to his own house, but he shall not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house and did not see the king’s face.

NASB 1995
However the king said, “Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face.” So Absalom turned to his own house and did not see the king’s face.

NASB 1977
However the king said, “Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face.” So Absalom turned to his own house and did not see the king’s face.

Legacy Standard Bible
However the king said, “Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face.” So Absalom turned to his own house and did not see the king’s face.

Amplified Bible
However, the king said, “Let him go to his own house, and do not let him see my face.” So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the king’s face.

Christian Standard Bible
However, the king added, “He may return to his house, but he may not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his house, but he did not see the king.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
However, the king added, “He may return to his house, but he may not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his house, but he did not see the king.

American Standard Version
And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, but let him not see my face. So Absalom turned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

Contemporary English Version
David told Joab, "I don't want to see my son Absalom. Tell him to stay away from me." So Absalom went to his own house without seeing his father.

English Revised Version
And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, but let him not see my face. So Absalom turned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But the king said, "Absalom should return to his own house. He will not see me." So Absalom returned to his house and didn't see the king.

Good News Translation
The king, however, gave orders that Absalom should not live in the palace. "I don't want to see him," the king said. So Absalom lived in his own house and did not appear before the king.

International Standard Version
Nevertheless, the king said, "Let him return to his own home and not show his face to me." So Absalom returned to his own home and did not show his face to the king.

Majority Standard Bible
But 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 king.

NET Bible
But the king said, "Let him go over to his own house. He may not see my face." So Absalom went over to his own house; he did not see the king's face.

New Heart English Bible
The king said, "He must return to his own house, but he must not see my face." So Absalom returned to his own house, and did not see the king’s face.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

World English Bible
The king said, “Let him return to his own house, but let him not see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house, and didn’t see the king’s face.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and the king says, “Let him turn around to his house, and he does not see my face.” And Absalom turns around to his house, and he has not seen the face of the king.

Young's Literal Translation
and the king saith, 'Let him turn round unto his house, and my face he doth not see.' And Absalom turneth round unto his house, and the face of the king he hath not seen.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king will say, He shall turn about to his house and not see my face. And Absalom will turn to his house and not see the face of the king.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But the king said: Let him return into his house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned into his house, and saw not the king's face.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the king said, “Let him return to his own house, but let him not see my face.” And so, Absalom returned to his own house, but he did not see the face of the king.

New American Bible
But the king said, “Let him go off to his own house; he shall not appear before me.” So Absalom went off to his house and did not appear before the king.

New Revised Standard Version
The king said, “Let him go to his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom went to his own house, and did not come into the king’s presence.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the king said, Let him go to his own house, but let him not be seen in my presence. So Absalom went to his own house and did not see the king's face.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King said: “He shall go to his house and he shall not appear before me.” And Abishlum went to his house and he did not see the face of the King

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the king said: 'Let him turn to his own house, but let him not see my face.' So Absalom turned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king said, Let him return to his house, and not see my face. And Abessalom returned to his house, and saw not the king's face.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

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 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.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Samuel 13:37-39
Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day. / After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years. / And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.

2 Samuel 18:33
The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

2 Samuel 19:4
But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

2 Samuel 3:37-38
So on that day all the troops and all Israel were convinced that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner. / Then the king said to his servants, “Do you not realize that a great prince has fallen today in Israel?

2 Samuel 15:13-14
Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” / And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”

2 Samuel 12:10-12
Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ / This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. / You have acted in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’”

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 2:24-25
And now, as surely as the LORD lives—the One who established me, who set me on the throne of my father David, and who founded for me a dynasty as He promised—surely Adonijah shall be put to death today!” / So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died.

Genesis 4:16
So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

Numbers 12:14-15
But the LORD answered Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.” / So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until she was brought in again.

Leviticus 13:46
As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp.

Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.

Matthew 18:15-17
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Matthew 5:23-24
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Luke 15:20-24
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. / The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ / But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ...

Treasury of Scripture

And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

let him not

2 Samuel 14:28
So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.

2 Samuel 3:13
And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul's daughter, when thou comest to see my face.

Genesis 43:3
And Judah spake unto him, saying, The man did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.

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2 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

Berean Study Bible

But the king added
The phrase "But the king added" indicates a decision made by King David, reflecting his authority and the weight of his words. In the Hebrew text, the word for "king" is "melek," which signifies not just a ruler but one who is divinely appointed. David's role as king is central to the narrative, highlighting the tension between his duties as a ruler and his personal feelings as a father. This decision is a compromise, showing David's struggle to balance justice and mercy.

He may return to his house
The permission for Absalom to "return to his house" signifies a partial restoration. The Hebrew word for "house" is "bayit," which can mean a physical dwelling or symbolize family and lineage. This return to his house suggests a reinstatement of Absalom's status and a step towards reconciliation, yet it is incomplete. It reflects the cultural and familial importance of one's household in ancient Israel, where family ties were deeply significant.

but he must not see my face
The stipulation "but he must not see my face" underscores the estrangement between David and Absalom. In Hebrew culture, seeing someone's face, especially a king's, was a sign of favor and acceptance. The phrase indicates a continued separation and unresolved conflict. The Hebrew word for "face" is "panim," often used to denote presence or favor. This restriction highlights the ongoing tension and the consequences of Absalom's actions, as well as David's unresolved emotions.

So Absalom returned to his own house
Absalom's return to "his own house" marks a physical return but not a relational one. The repetition of "house" emphasizes the theme of belonging and identity. Absalom's return is a step towards normalcy, yet it is marked by the absence of reconciliation with his father. This reflects the broader biblical theme of exile and return, where physical restoration does not always equate to relational healing.

but he did not see the king's face
The repetition of "but he did not see the king's face" reinforces the unresolved nature of Absalom's situation. It serves as a narrative device to highlight the ongoing conflict and the need for true reconciliation. The absence of seeing the king's face symbolizes a lack of full acceptance and forgiveness. This phrase invites reflection on the nature of forgiveness and the barriers that can exist even within familial relationships.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(24) Let him not see my face.--David allowed Absalom's return, but forbade him his presence. The former had been done in weakness, the latter through a sense of justice. The effect of this half measure was unfortunate; Absalom was irritated, and yet placed in a favourable position to carry out his plots. It is probable that Absalom was confined to his own house.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 24. - Let him turn to his own house, etc. This half forgiveness was unwise, and led to unhappy results. It seems even as if Absalom was a prisoner in his house, as he could not leave it to visit Joab. Still, we must not assume that even kind treatment would have made Absalom a dutiful son, or weaned him from his ambitions purposes. The long plotted revenge, carried out so determinately, gives us a low idea of his character, and probably during these two years of waiting, he had brooded over David's criminal leniency, and regarded it as a justification for his own foul deed. And now, when allowed to come home, but still treated unkindly, thoughts condemnatory of his father's conduct were cherished by him. It seems, too, as if a protracted punishment is always dangerous to the moral character of the criminal. And must we not add another reason? Absalom, we may feel sure, saw with indignation the growing influence of Bathsheba over the king. A granddaughter of Ahithophel, she was sure to be an adept in those intrigues in which the women of a harem pass their time; and even if, upon the whole, we form a favourable judgment upon her character, yet undoubtedly she was a very able woman, and could have no affection for Absalom.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But the king
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

added,
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“He may return
יִסֹּ֣ב (yis·sōḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his house,
בֵּית֔וֹ (bê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

but he must not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

see
יִרְאֶ֑ה (yir·’eh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

my face.”
וּפָנַ֖י (ū·p̄ā·nay)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440: The face

So Absalom
אַבְשָׁלוֹם֙ (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

returned
וַיִּסֹּ֤ב (way·yis·sōḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his own house,
בֵּית֔וֹ (bê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

but he did not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

see the king.
רָאָֽה׃ (rā·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

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OT History: 2 Samuel 14:24 The king said Let him turn (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)