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 14:27KJV
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2 Samuel 14:27 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“Tamar” Hebrew H8559 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 38:6 And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar.
  • 2 Samuel 13:4 And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.
  • 2 Samuel 13:20 And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house.

“fair” Hebrew H3303 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 12:11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
  • 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.
  • Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

“countenance” Hebrew H4758 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • Deuteronomy 28:34 So that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.
  • Ezekiel 1:28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

“Absalom” Hebrew H53 · used in 92 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • 2 Samuel 15:2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
  • 2 Samuel 17:18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.