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.

But in all Israel {H3478} there was none {H376} to be so much {H3966} praised {H1984} as Absalom {H53} for his beauty {H3303}: from the sole {H3709} of his foot {H7272} even to the crown of his head {H6936} there was no blemish {H3971} in him.

Now in all Isra'el there was no one more praised for his beauty than Avshalom -there was no defect on him from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.

Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw.

Now 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.

Commentary

This verse, 2 Samuel 14:25 in the King James Version, offers a striking description of Absalom, the son of King David. It highlights his unparalleled physical appearance among all the people of Israel at that time.

Context

This verse appears as Absalom is living in Jerusalem, having been brought back from exile in Geshur by Joab's scheme (detailed earlier in 2 Samuel 14). While back in the city, Absalom was initially not allowed to see his father, King David. This description of his remarkable beauty serves as a backdrop to his growing prominence and perhaps hints at the charisma that would later contribute to his ability to win the hearts of the people, as described in 2 Samuel 15:6. The narrative is setting the stage for Absalom's actions later in the book.

Key Themes

  • Physical Beauty and Perfection: The verse explicitly states that Absalom was the most praised for his beauty in all of Israel, lacking any physical "blemish." This emphasizes his outward perfection.
  • Outward Appearance vs. Inner Character: While the verse focuses solely on Absalom's physical attractiveness, the broader narrative of 2 Samuel contrasts this outward perfection with his later actions, which reveal ambition, deceit, and treachery against his father. This serves as a powerful, albeit implicit, reminder that God looks not on the outward appearance, but on the heart.
  • Absalom's Prominence: His exceptional beauty is presented as a notable characteristic, contributing to his status and recognition among the people of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "no blemish in him" translates the Hebrew word mûm (מוּם), which means a physical defect or flaw. This term is often used in Levitical law to describe the physical perfection required for sacrificial animals or priests, signifying wholeness and purity. While not used in a ritual sense here, its application to Absalom emphasizes the idea of his physical flawlessness, from "sole of his foot even to the crown of his head."

Reflection

2 Samuel 14:25 highlights the captivating physical presence of Absalom. However, the tragic story that follows serves as a cautionary tale. While physical appearance can be striking and attract attention, the Bible consistently teaches that true worth and character are found in one's inner self and actions. This verse invites us to consider where we place value – on outward beauty and charisma, or on integrity, loyalty, and the state of the heart before God. Absalom's story reminds us that the most beautiful exterior can sometimes hide a deeply flawed interior.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 1:6 (6 votes)

    From the sole of the foot even unto the head [there is] no soundness in it; [but] wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

  • Deuteronomy 28:35 (5 votes)

    The LORD shall smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore botch that cannot be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the top of thy head.

  • Job 2:7 (5 votes)

    ¶ So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

  • Matthew 23:27 (3 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 9:2 (3 votes)

    And he had a son, whose name [was] Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and [there was] not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward [he was] higher than any of the people.

  • Ephesians 5:27 (3 votes)

    That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

  • Proverbs 31:30 (3 votes)

    Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.