And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.
2 SAMUEL 14:27KJVWhat does 2 Samuel 14:27 mean?
2 Samuel 14:27 reports that Absalom, a son of King David, had three sons and one daughter named Tamar, who was noted for her beauty. The verse highlights the family details of Absalom, specifically mentioning his daughter’s name and appearance.
This verse is part of a narrative describing Absalom’s life after his return to Jerusalem. The writer lists Absalom’s children, drawing special attention to his daughter Tamar, likely because she shares a name with Absalom’s sister, who had a tragic story earlier in 2 Samuel. The mention of Tamar’s beauty (“a woman of a fair countenance”) sets her apart and may foreshadow her significance in the family’s ongoing story.
The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:27
- תָּמָר (Tamar, transliterated “Tamar”): The name Tamar means “palm tree” in Hebrew. The verse’s emphasis on her name connects her to Absalom’s sister, also named Tamar, whose story was important earlier in 2 Samuel.
- יָפֶה (yafeh, “fair”): This word means beautiful or attractive. The verse uses it to describe Tamar’s appearance, underlining her notable beauty.
- תֹּאַר (to’ar, “countenance”): This word refers to form, shape, or appearance. Here, it emphasizes that Tamar’s beauty was visible and striking.
Why 2 Samuel 14:27 matters
- The verse clarifies Absalom’s family situation, which is important for understanding later events in his life and the royal succession.
- By naming Tamar and describing her beauty, the verse draws a parallel to Absalom’s sister Tamar, reminding readers of past family trauma and its lingering effects.
- The detail about Tamar’s appearance hints that she may have been a well-known or significant figure in her own right, even though the text does not elaborate further.