2 Samuel 14:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 14:26 mean?

2 Samuel 14:26 describes how Absalom, King David’s son, would cut his hair once a year because it became so heavy, and when he did, the hair weighed about two hundred shekels by the royal standard. This detail highlights the remarkable weight and abundance of Absalom’s hair, which was notable even by the standards of the time.

The verse is part of a story about Absalom’s appearance and reputation in Israel. The writer is describing Absalom’s yearly practice, emphasizing his physical attractiveness and the unusual weight of his hair. This detail helps set the scene for understanding Absalom’s character and the attention he received from the people around him.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:26

• "polled" (גָּזַז, gazaz): This word means to shear or cut, usually used for shearing sheep but here applied to cutting hair. It emphasizes the act of trimming or cutting off the hair, which was a significant event due to its rarity and the amount involved.
• "shekels" (שֶׁקֶל, sheqel): This is a unit of weight, not currency in this context. The mention of "after the king's weight" means the measurement was by the official royal standard, underscoring the impressive amount.
• "heavy" (כָּבֵד, kaved): This word means "weighty" or "burdensome." The hair was not just long but physically heavy, which is why Absalom cut it.
• "weighed" (שָׁקַל, shaqal): This verb means to weigh out or measure. The act of weighing the hair shows how extraordinary it was—people took note and measured it, which was not a common practice.

Why 2 Samuel 14:26 matters

• This verse clears up that Absalom’s hair was not just long but unusually heavy, making it a point of public interest and part of his reputation.
• The detail about weighing the hair “after the king’s weight” shows the official, almost ceremonial nature of the act, suggesting Absalom’s status and the attention he received.
• The verse helps explain later events in Absalom’s story, where his hair plays a role in his fate, and sets up his image as someone admired for his appearance.