So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.

2 SAMUEL 14:33KJV
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2 Samuel 14:33 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 14:33 mean?

2 Samuel 14:33 describes how Joab brought Absalom before King David, and Absalom bowed down with his face to the ground before the king, after which David kissed Absalom. This verse shows a formal reconciliation between David and his son Absalom after a long period of estrangement.

Joab, one of David’s commanders, had arranged for Absalom to return to Jerusalem after being in exile for killing his brother Amnon. In this moment, Joab tells David that Absalom is waiting, and David finally allows Absalom to come before him. Absalom bows deeply—a gesture of humility and respect—while David’s kiss signals acceptance and forgiveness, at least outwardly. This meeting is a turning point in their strained relationship.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 14:33

  • בָּא (ba, "came"): This word is used twice in the verse, first for Joab coming to the king and then for Absalom coming before David. It emphasizes the physical approach and the formal steps taken to restore contact.
  • וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ (vayishtachu, "bowed"): This word means to bow down or prostrate oneself, often as a sign of deep respect or submission. Absalom’s action here is a strong gesture of humility before the king, not just a polite greeting.
  • נָשַׁק (nashaq, "kissed"): The kiss from David is an important cultural sign of reconciliation and acceptance, not just affection. It marks the official end of Absalom’s banishment.

Why 2 Samuel 14:33 matters

  • This verse clears up that David’s acceptance of Absalom was public and formal, not just a private feeling. The actions—bowing and kissing—were visible signs to others that the relationship was restored.
  • The verse connects to the wider story of family conflict and political tension in David’s household, showing a moment where outward peace is restored, even if deeper issues remain.
  • It highlights the role of Joab as a mediator, showing how others sometimes push for reconciliation or resolution in tense situations.

Where else these words appear

“kissed” Hebrew H5401 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 27:26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son.
  • Exodus 4:27 And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin.

“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.

“Joab” Hebrew H3097 · used in 124 verses

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.
  • 2 Samuel 14:21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
  • 2 Samuel 24:4 Notwithstanding the king's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel.