Absalom in the Bible — David's Rebellious Son

Absalom was David's third son and by universal account the most handsome man in all Israel. He avenged his sister Tamar's rape by killing Amnon, fled to his grandfather's house, returned to Jerusalem, and systematically 'stole the hearts of the men of Israel' before mounting a full-scale coup against David. He died when his magnificent hair caught in a tree during battle. David's grief was inconsolable: 'O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!' Below are 4 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about absalom?

Who is Absalom in the Bible? King David's third son — the most handsome man in Israel — who murdered his half-brother, stole the hearts of the people, and led a rebellion against his own father. His death broke David's heart.

4 Bible Verses About Absalom (KJV)

“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.”

2 Samuel 14:25 KJV Read 2 Samuel chapter 14 →

“And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”

2 Samuel 15:6 KJV Read 2 Samuel chapter 15 →

“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.”

2 Samuel 18:9 KJV Read 2 Samuel chapter 18 →

“And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! ”

2 Samuel 18:33 KJV Read 2 Samuel chapter 18 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About Absalom in the Bible

What does the Bible say about absalom?
Absalom was David's third son and by universal account the most handsome man in all Israel. He avenged his sister Tamar's rape by killing Amnon, fled to his grandfather's house, returned to Jerusalem, and systematically 'stole the hearts of the men of Israel' before mounting a full-scale coup against David. He died when his magnificent hair caught in a tree during battle. David's grief was inconsolable: 'O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!' Key KJV passages: 2 Samuel 14:25, 2 Samuel 15:6, 2 Samuel 18:9, 2 Samuel 18:33.
What are the best Bible verses about absalom?
The most important KJV passages on absalom include: 2 Samuel 14:25, 2 Samuel 15:6, 2 Samuel 18:9, 2 Samuel 18:33. Read all 4 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about absalom?
The Bible addresses absalom throughout both Testaments. Key references include 2 Samuel 14:25, 2 Samuel 15:6, 2 Samuel 18:9, 2 Samuel 18:33. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.replit.app.
What does the Old Testament say about absalom?
Old Testament scriptures on absalom: 2 Samuel 14:25, 2 Samuel 15:6, 2 Samuel 18:9, 2 Samuel 18:33. See them in full context free at The Living Sword.
How do I study Bible verses about absalom?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 4 passages on absalom at thelivingsword.replit.app — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.