Translations
Modern
So Joab went and told the king, and David summoned Absalom, who came to him and bowed facedown before him. Then the king kissed Absalom.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And Joab went to the king and told him, and he called for Absalom, and he came to the king and bowed himself on his nose to the ground before the face of the king. And the king kissed Absalom.
Latin
Ingressus itaque Joab ad regem, nuntiavit ei omnia: vocatusque est Absalom, et intravit ad regem, et adoravit super faciem terræ coram eo: osculatusque est rex Absalom.
Original
Hebrew
English
So Joab went and told the king, and David summoned Absalom, who came to him and bowed facedown before him. Then the king kissed Absalom.
Notes
Absalom bowed deeply, showing respect to the king (see also 2 Samuel 4:4, 22).
the king kissed Absalom: The absence of talking, hugging (compare Luke 15:20), or crying (compare Genesis 33:4; 45:2, 14) suggests this was a formal meeting, not an affectionate reunion.
Events
People
Absalom: David's rebellious son who tried to usurp the throne Joab: Son of Zeruiah, commander of David's army
Glossary
Absalom David Kings, Books of First and Second Nathan Samuel, Books of First and Second
Topics
Joab: Son of David's Sister: Barley Field of, Burned by Absalom Kiss of Affection Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by David