2 Samuel 14:28
New International Version
Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king’s face.

New Living Translation
Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years, but he never got to see the king.

English Standard Version
So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king’s presence.

Berean Standard Bible
Now Absalom lived in Jerusalem two years without seeing the face of the king.

Berean Literal Bible
And Absalom dwelt in Jerusalem two full years, and the face of the king he did not see.

King James Bible
So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.

New King James Version
And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, but did not see the king’s face.

New American Standard Bible
Now Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, yet he did not see the king’s face.

NASB 1995
Now Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, and did not see the king’s face.

NASB 1977
Now Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, and did not see the king’s face.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, and did not see the king’s face.

Amplified Bible
Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without seeing the king’s face.

Berean Annotated Bible
Now Absalom (my father is peace) lived in Jerusalem (city of peace) two years without seeing the face of the king.

Christian Standard Bible
Absalom resided in Jerusalem two years but never saw the king.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Absalom resided in Jerusalem two years but never saw the king.

American Standard Version
And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem; and he saw not the king's face.

Contemporary English Version
Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without seeing his father.

English Revised Version
And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem; and he saw not the king's face.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Absalom stayed in Jerusalem two full years without seeing the king.

Good News Translation
Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years, but never saw the king's face.

NET Bible
Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without seeing the king's face.

New Heart English Bible
Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem; and he did not see the king's face.

Webster's Bible Translation
So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Now Absalom lived in Jerusalem two years without seeing the face of the king.

World English Bible
Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, and he didn’t see the king’s face.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Absalom dwells in Jerusalem [for] two years of days, and he has not seen the face of the king;

Berean Literal Bible
And Absalom dwelt in Jerusalem two full years, and the face of the king he did not see.

Young's Literal Translation
And Absalom dwelleth in Jerusalem two years of days, and the face of the king he hath not seen;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Absalom dwelt in Jerusalem two years of days, and saw not the king's face.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Absalom dwelt two years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Absalom remained for two years in Jerusalem, and he did not see the face of the king.

New American Bible
Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without appearing before the king.

New Revised Standard Version
So Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem, without coming into the king’s presence.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So Absalom dwelt two years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Abishlum dwelt in Jerusalem two years and did not see the face of the King
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem; and he saw not the kings face.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Abessalom remained in Jerusalem two full years, and he saw not the king's face.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Absalom Reconciled to David
28Now Absalom lived in Jerusalem two years without seeing the face of the king. 29Then he sent for Joab to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So Absalom sent a second time, but Joab still would not come.…

Cross References
Now Absalom lived in Jerusalem

2 Samuel 15:2
He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,”

2 Samuel 15:4
And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.”

2 Samuel 15:6
Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
two years

2 Samuel 13:23
Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were at Baal-hazor near Ephraim, he invited all the sons of the king.

Genesis 41:1
After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream: He was standing beside the Nile,

Acts 24:27
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.
without seeing the face of the king.

2 Samuel 3:13
“Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you. But there is one thing I require of you: Do not appear before me unless you bring Saul’s daughter Michal when you come to see me.”

Genesis 44:23
But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your younger brother comes down with you, you will not see my face again.’

Genesis 43:3
But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us, ‘You will not see my face again unless your brother is with you.’
2 Samuel 13:38-39
After Absalom had fled and gone to Geshur, he stayed there three years. / And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.

2 Samuel 15:1-6
Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. / He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” / Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” …

2 Samuel 3:27
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.

2 Samuel 18:33
The king was shaken and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

2 Samuel 19:4
But the king covered his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

2 Samuel 13:37
Now Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But David mourned for his son every day.

2 Samuel 15:13-14
Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” / And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”


Treasury of Scripture

So Absalom dwelled two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.

A.

2 Samuel 14:24
And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

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Absalom Ab'salom Dwelleth Dwelt Face Full Jerusalem Kings King's Presence
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Absalom Ab'salom Dwelleth Dwelt Face Full Jerusalem Kings King's Presence
2 Samuel 14
1. Joab, suborning a widow of Tekoah to incline the king's heart to fetch Absalom,
21. brings him home to Jerusalem
25. Absalom's beauty, hair, and children
28. After two years, Absalom is brought into the king's presence by Joab












Now Absalom lived in Jerusalem

Absalom returned to the City of David, where the nation’s government and worship were centered. Though he was back in the capital, his position remained uncertain because David had not received him personally.

2Sa 15:2 He would get up early and stand beside the road…
2Sa 15:4 And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge”…
2Sa 15:6 Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king…

two years

For an extended period, Absalom lived near his father while remaining excluded from his presence. The unresolved breach allowed resentment and ambition to deepen.

2Sa 13:23 Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were…
Gen 41:1 After two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream:…
Act 24:27 After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded…

without seeing the face of the king.

David permitted Absalom’s return but withheld full reconciliation. Absalom’s continued separation from the king left the conflict within David’s house unsettled and prepared the way for his later rebellion.

2Sa 3:13 “Good,” replied David, “I will make a covenant with you.”…
Gen 44:23 But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your younger brother…
Gen 43:3 But Judah replied, “The man solemnly warned us,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Absalom
The third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and later rebellion against his father. At this point in the account, he is living in Jerusalem but estranged from David.

2. King David
The second king of Israel, a man after God's own heart, who is dealing with the consequences of his family's sins and his own past actions.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where King David's palace is located. It is a central place of political and spiritual significance.

4. Estrangement
The event of Absalom living in Jerusalem for two years without seeing King David, highlighting the broken relationship between father and son.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Unresolved Conflict
Absalom's estrangement from David serves as a reminder of the destructive power of unresolved conflict within families. It is crucial to address issues promptly and seek reconciliation.

The Importance of Forgiveness
David's failure to fully reconcile with Absalom highlights the need for forgiveness and restoration in relationships. Holding onto past grievances can lead to further division and heartache.

The Role of Leadership in Family Dynamics
As a leader, David's inability to manage his family's issues effectively had broader implications for his kingdom. Leaders must strive to maintain healthy relationships within their families to lead effectively.

God's Desire for Reconciliation
Despite human failures, God desires reconciliation and restoration. Believers are called to be agents of peace and reconciliation in their relationships.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 14:28?

2. Why did Absalom remain in Jerusalem without seeing the king for two years?

3. How does Absalom's situation in 2 Samuel 14:28 reflect unresolved family conflicts?

4. What scriptural principles can help resolve conflicts like Absalom's in 2 Samuel 14?

5. How can we apply patience and forgiveness in strained relationships, as seen here?

6. What lessons from Absalom's experience can guide our interactions with authority figures?

7. Why did Absalom live in Jerusalem for two years without seeing the king's face?

8. What does Absalom's isolation in 2 Samuel 14:28 reveal about his relationship with King David?

9. How does Absalom's situation in 2 Samuel 14:28 reflect on David's leadership as king?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 14?


Absalom’s two-year stay in Jerusalem without an audience with David spotlights unresolved sin, strained relationships, and the peril of mere proximity to divine blessing. The verse warns that withheld fellowship, when met with unrepentant pride rather than humble confession, hardens the heart and prepares the ground for deeper rebellion.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now Absalom
אַבְשָׁל֛וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 53: Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites

lived
וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב (way·yê·šeḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in Jerusalem
בִּירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

two
שְׁנָתַ֣יִם (šə·nā·ṯa·yim)
Noun - fd
Strong's 8141: A year

years
יָמִ֑ים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

without
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

seeing
רָאָֽה׃ (rā·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

the face
וּפְנֵ֥י (ū·p̄ə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

of the king.
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king


Additonal Resources
2 Samuel 14:28 Blue Letter Bible
2 Samuel 14:28 Bible Gateway
2 Samuel 14:28 Bible.com

2 Samuel 14:28 NIV
2 Samuel 14:28 NLT
2 Samuel 14:28 ESV
2 Samuel 14:28 NASB
2 Samuel 14:28 KJV

2 Samuel 14:28 Study Bible
2 Samuel 14:28 Biblia Paralela
2 Samuel 14:28 Chinese Bible
2 Samuel 14:28 French Bible
2 Samuel 14:28 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Samuel 14:28 Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)

2 Samuel 14:27
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