2 Samuel 14:26

KJV

And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled [it]: because [the hair] was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he polled {H1548} his head {H7218},(for it was at every year's {H3117}{H3117} end {H7093} that he polled {H1548} it: because the hair was heavy {H3513} on him, therefore he polled {H1548} it:) he weighed {H8254} the hair {H8181} of his head {H7218} at two hundred {H3967} shekels {H8255} after the king's {H4428} weight {H68}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He would cut his hair only once a year, at the end of the year; and the only reason he cut it then was because it weighed him down. He weighed the hair from his head at 200 shekels (using the royal weight) [about five pounds].

Berean Standard Bible

And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard.

American Standard Version

And when he cut the hair of his head (now it was at every year’s end that he cut it; because it was heavy on him, therefore he cut it); he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels, after the king’s weight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse provides an exceptionally precise and seemingly unusual detail about Absalom, King David's son, focusing on the remarkable weight of his hair. It reveals that Absalom meticulously trimmed his hair annually because of its considerable heaviness, and that the collected hair weighed an astonishing two hundred shekels according to the official "king's weight." This specific description serves to underscore Absalom's striking physical appearance, particularly his luxuriant hair, which was a significant aspect of his renowned beauty and, implicitly, his personal vanity and public persona, setting the stage for his subsequent actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Absalom's complex and strained return to Jerusalem after his three-year exile in Geshur, following his murder of his half-brother Amnon ([2 Samuel 13:38](/2_samuel/13-38 "2 Samuel 13:38 - Absalom's Flight to Geshur")). Upon his return, orchestrated by Joab, Absalom was not immediately reconciled with his father, King David, and remained in a state of semi-isolation in Jerusalem for two full years without seeing the king's face ([2 Samuel 14:24](/2_samuel/14-24 "2 Samuel 14:24 - Absalom's Return to Jerusalem")). The preceding verse, [2 Samuel 14:25](/2_samuel/14-25 "2 Samuel 14:25 - Absalom's Unblemished Beauty"), offers a sweeping declaration of Absalom's unparalleled beauty, stating that "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." Verse 26 then zooms in on a specific, almost hyperbolic detail of this beauty: his hair. This meticulous emphasis on his physical perfection and extraordinary features is not merely descriptive; it subtly prepares the reader for Absalom's later actions, where he leverages his charisma and appearance to win the hearts of the people and mount a formidable rebellion against his father ([2 Samuel 15:1-6](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1-6 - Absalom's Conspiracy")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, and particularly within Israelite culture, long, abundant, and well-maintained hair for men was often a potent symbol of strength, vitality, virility, and high status. It could signify a kingly or princely presence, as well as a sign of divine favor or a Nazarite vow (though Absalom was not a Nazarite). The meticulous grooming implied by the yearly polling and weighing of Absalom's hair suggests a significant cultural emphasis on personal appearance, especially for those of royal lineage whose public image was paramount. The phrase "king's weight" (אֶבֶן הַמֶּלֶךְ, _'even hammelekh_) refers to an official, standardized system of weights maintained by the royal court. This standard was crucial for ensuring consistency, fairness, and preventing fraud in commercial transactions. Its application here, though not for commerce, underscores the importance and perhaps even the public interest in this detail about Absalom, a prince whose physical attributes were clearly a subject of note and official record. The practice of cutting hair annually due to its weight highlights not only its extraordinary volume but also the practical challenges of managing such prodigious growth, further emphasizing Absalom's unique and almost legendary physical characteristic.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several crucial themes within the broader narrative of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "The Book of 2 Samuel"). Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Absalom's vanity and pride**. The extraordinary detail given to his hair, its remarkable weight, and the annual ritual of polling points to a man highly concerned with his outward appearance and public image. This superficiality stands in stark contrast to the internal qualities of character, humility, and integrity that are often valued in biblical leadership, particularly in the lineage of David. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **physical appearance as a tool for influence and manipulation**. Absalom's unparalleled beauty, including his remarkable hair, is presented as a key asset that he later exploits to gain popular support and undermine David's legitimate reign ([2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom Steals the Hearts of Israel")). This serves as a subtle foreshadowing that external charm can mask internal corruption or dangerous ambition. Finally, it touches upon the pervasive biblical theme of **the deceptive nature of outward splendor**. While Absalom possesses unparalleled physical beauty, his actions reveal a deeply flawed character driven by resentment, ambition, and a profound lack of filial piety, ultimately leading to tragic consequences for himself and for Israel, demonstrating that true worth is found in the heart, not in external show.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Polled (Hebrew: גָּלַח, _gâlach'_):** This verb, derived from a primitive root, properly means "to be bald," but causatively, it means "to shave" or "to cut off." Figuratively, it can mean "to lay waste." In the context of 2 Samuel 14:26, it specifically refers to the act of trimming or shearing hair. The repetition of the verb ("he polled his head... he polled it... therefore he polled it") emphasizes the regularity and necessity of this action. It implies a deliberate, annual ritual of maintenance, not just a casual trim, necessitated by the extraordinary growth and weight of Absalom's hair. This consistent act of shearing underscores the exceptional nature of his hair, which grew so rapidly and heavily that it required such regular and significant attention.
* **Heavy (Hebrew: כָּבֵד, _kâbad'_):** This primitive root means "to be heavy," which can be understood in both negative (burdensome, severe, dull) and positive (numerous, rich, honorable) senses. Causatively, it means "to make weighty." Here, the hair was "heavy on him" in the sense of being burdensome or inconvenient due to its sheer volume and mass. This is not merely a descriptive adjective but indicates a practical discomfort or challenge for Absalom, further emphasizing the prodigious nature of his hair and the necessity of its annual trimming. The weight implies not just length, but an extraordinary density and thickness.
* **Shekels (Hebrew: שֶׁקֶל, _sheqel'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to suspend or poise" (as in weighing), a shekel was an ancient unit of weight, widely used throughout the Near East, primarily for measuring precious metals like silver and gold, but also other commodities. While the precise weight of a shekel varied across different periods and regions, a common estimate for the Israelite shekel is approximately 11.4 grams or 0.4 ounces. Therefore, 200 shekels would translate to roughly 2.28 kilograms or about 5 pounds. This is an extraordinarily heavy amount of hair for a single year's growth, indicating an exceptionally thick, long, and voluminous mane, far beyond typical human hair growth rates. The inclusion of this precise weight highlights the almost legendary quality of Absalom's physical attributes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he polled his head":** This opening clause introduces the specific and regular action Absalom undertook regarding his hair. The verb "polled" (גָּלַח, _gâlach'_) signifies a deliberate and thorough cutting or shearing of the hair, suggesting a formal and perhaps even ritualistic act of grooming rather than a casual trim.
* **"(for it was at every year's end that he polled [it]:":** This parenthetical clause clarifies the precise frequency of this grooming ritual. The phrase "every year's end" indicates an annual practice, underscoring the consistent and significant growth of his hair that necessitated such regular and substantial trimming. This detail emphasizes the exceptional nature of Absalom's hair, requiring yearly management due to its rapid and voluminous growth.
* **"because [the hair] was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:)":** This second parenthetical clause provides the direct and practical reason for the annual polling. The hair was not merely long but "heavy" (כָּבֵד, _kâbad'_), causing discomfort, inconvenience, or perhaps even a hindrance due to its sheer volume and weight. This practical necessity further highlights the extraordinary abundance of his hair, making it a prominent and defining physical characteristic that required active management.
* **"he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.":** This is the climactic and most striking detail of the verse, quantifying the remarkable nature of Absalom's hair. The act of weighing, and the precise measurement of "two hundred shekels," transforms a descriptive detail into an almost hyperbolic statement of his physical distinctiveness. The specific mention of "the king's weight" emphasizes the accuracy, official nature, and authoritative standard of this measurement, lending credibility to this astonishing figure and underscoring the importance placed on this aspect of Absalom's royal persona and public image.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to emphasize Absalom's extraordinary physical attributes and to subtly foreshadow his character and destiny. **Hyperbole** is powerfully evident in the description of the hair's weight at "two hundred shekels." While presented as a precise measurement, the sheer volume implied by this weight (approximately 5 pounds of hair from a single year's growth) pushes the description into the realm of exaggeration, highlighting Absalom's almost mythical beauty and unique physical presence. This exaggeration serves to impress upon the reader the magnitude of his physical splendor and the exceptional nature of his appearance. Furthermore, the meticulous detail of the annual polling and weighing, following the general description of his unparalleled beauty in the previous verse, functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a specific, striking part (his hair) is used to represent the whole of his exceptional physical perfection and the attention he garnered. This intense focus on his outward appearance also serves as potent **Foreshadowing**. The emphasis on his vanity, self-absorption, and the attention paid to his physical attributes subtly hints at his character flaws – his pride, superficiality, and reliance on external charm – which will later manifest in his cunning manipulation of the people and his tragic rebellion against David. Ironically, this very hair, a symbol of his beauty and strength, becomes a direct factor in his downfall when it gets caught in an oak tree during battle, leading to his death ([2 Samuel 18:9](/2_samuel/18-9 "2 Samuel 18:9 - Absalom's Hair catches in the Oak")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly minor detail about Absalom's hair carries profound theological weight by contributing to the pervasive biblical theme of the deceptive nature of outward appearance versus the true value of the heart and inner character. Absalom's extraordinary beauty, epitomized by his luxuriant hair, is presented not merely as a physical fact but as a source of personal pride and a powerful tool for manipulation. The meticulous description of his physical perfection stands in stark contrast to his inner character, which is revealed to be marked by ambition, deceit, resentment, and a profound lack of loyalty and integrity. This narrative detail aligns perfectly with a recurring biblical motif that warns against judging by external factors, emphasizing instead the paramount importance of internal righteousness, humility, and faithfulness. Absalom's vanity, highlighted by the meticulous attention to his hair, ultimately contributes to his downfall, serving as a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, self-glory, and relying on superficial charm rather than genuine character before God and man.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart"): "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"): "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
* [Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"): "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Absalom's hair invites us to deeply reflect on our own perceptions of beauty, status, and true worth in a world often captivated by outward appearance and superficial charm. This verse serves as a potent and timeless reminder that genuine value lies not in external splendor or physical attractiveness, but in the character of one's heart and the integrity of one's soul. Absalom's exceptional beauty, meticulously described and almost legendary, ultimately masked a rebellious, self-serving, and destructive spirit. This narrative challenges us to look beyond the surface, both in our assessment of others and in our own self-evaluation, and to diligently cultivate virtues like humility, integrity, genuine love, and a spirit of service, which are far more enduring and eternally significant than any fleeting physical attribute or public image. It prompts us to critically examine what we prioritize in our lives: the temporary glory of outward show and human admiration, or the eternal substance of a heart aligned with God's will and His righteous standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does contemporary society, and even segments of the church, tend to overemphasize outward appearance, charisma, or superficial qualities over genuine character?**
* **In what ways might we, like Absalom, be tempted to rely on our natural gifts, external charm, or perceived strengths rather than diligently cultivating inner character and spiritual depth?**
* **What does it truly mean to "look at the heart" in our interactions with others, in our leadership choices, and in our personal self-assessment, as God consistently demonstrates?**
* **How can we discern between genuine, Spirit-led influence and manipulative charm, both in public figures and in our own motivations and interactions?**

### FAQ
**How much is 200 shekels of hair in modern weight?**

Answer: While the exact weight of an ancient shekel could vary depending on the period and region, a commonly accepted estimate for the Israelite shekel is around 11.4 grams (or approximately 0.4 ounces). Therefore, 200 shekels would be approximately 2,280 grams, or about 2.28 kilograms (which is roughly 5 pounds). This is an extraordinary amount of hair to grow in a single year, far exceeding typical human hair growth rates and weights, underscoring the hyperbole used to describe Absalom's unique and almost mythical physical attribute.

**Why is this seemingly trivial detail about Absalom's hair included in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: The inclusion of this detail is far from trivial; it serves several crucial narrative and theological purposes. Firstly, it vividly reinforces and elaborates upon the description of Absalom's unparalleled beauty from the preceding verse ([2 Samuel 14:25](/2_samuel/14-25 "2 Samuel 14:25 - Absalom's Unblemished Beauty")), highlighting a specific and remarkable aspect of his physical perfection that made him stand out. Secondly, it subtly but powerfully foreshadows his character, emphasizing his vanity, self-absorption, and the meticulous attention he paid to his appearance, which he later leveraged to win over the hearts of the people of Israel and orchestrate a rebellion ([2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom Steals the Hearts of Israel")). Finally, it creates a poignant and tragic irony, as this very hair, a symbol of his pride, beauty, and strength, ultimately becomes the instrument of his demise when it gets caught in an oak tree during battle ([2 Samuel 18:9](/2_samuel/18-9 "2 Samuel 18:9 - Absalom's Hair Catches in the Oak")).

**What does "after the king's weight" mean?**

Answer: "After the king's weight" (אֶבֶן הַמֶּלֶךְ, _'even hammelekh_) refers to an official and standardized system of weights maintained by the royal court. In ancient times, weights could vary significantly from region to region or even vendor to vendor, leading to potential dishonesty in trade. The "king's weight" represented the authoritative, accurate, and consistent standard, ensuring legitimacy and fairness in transactions. Its mention here signifies that the weighing of Absalom's hair was done with precision and according to the highest, most reliable standard available. This detail further emphasizes the extraordinary nature of his hair and the importance placed on this aspect of Absalom's royal persona, suggesting it was a remarkable fact that was officially measured and recorded.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous description of Absalom's physical beauty and the extraordinary weight of his hair, while a captivating detail, stands in stark and illuminating contrast to the true glory and eternal beauty revealed in Jesus Christ. Absalom's splendor was entirely external, a source of personal vanity and a tool for self-promotion and manipulation, ultimately leading to rebellion, division, and his tragic destruction. His beauty was a fleeting, earthly attribute that masked a heart full of pride, ambition, and deceit, serving as a stark reminder that "man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" ([1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - The Lord Looks at the Heart")). In profound contrast, Jesus, though the eternal Son of God, "had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him" ([Isaiah 53:2](/isaiah/53-2 "Isaiah 53:2 - The Suffering Servant's Appearance")). His glory was not in outward show, physical attractiveness, or the accumulation of earthly accolades, but in His perfect humility, unwavering obedience to the Father, and sacrificial love. While Absalom sought to seize a kingdom through self-exaltation and charming the people, Christ "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The true "weight" of Christ's glory is found not in physical attributes or external displays, but in His divine character, His sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, and His triumphant resurrection, which offer eternal life, true liberation, and reconciliation with God. Our call, therefore, is not to emulate Absalom's outward show or seek self-glory, but to imitate Christ's inward beauty of spirit, which is "of great worth in God's sight" ([1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - True Beauty in Christ")), and to find our identity and purpose in Him alone.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 44:20

Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.

2 Samuel 18:9

¶ And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that [was] under him went away.

1 Corinthians 11:14

Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?

Isaiah 3:24

And it shall come to pass, [that] instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; [and] burning instead of beauty.

Leviticus 19:36

Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I [am] the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt.

Genesis 23:16

¶ And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current [money] with the merchant.

Ezekiel 45:9

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord GOD.