2 Samuel 14:25
ESV
Now in all Israel there was no one so much to be praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
NIV
In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him.
NASB
Now in all Israel there was no one as handsome as Absalom, so highly praised; from the sole of his foot to the top of his head there was no impairment in him.
CSB
No man in all Israel was 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.
NLT
Now Absalom was praised as the most handsome man in all Israel. He was flawless from head to foot.
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.
NKJV
Now in all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his good looks. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
What does 2 Samuel 14:25 mean?
Bible writers occasionally go out of their way to call out how good-looking certain people are. Young King Saul was admired for his height and his handsomeness (1 Samuel 9:2). David, also, had a ruddy handsomeness noted even by Goliath (1 Samuel 17:42). Praising David's son Absalom for his stunning looks and impressive hair (2 Samuel 14:26) is significant for two reasons. Early Israelite rulers were known for handsomeness (1 Samuel 9:2; 16:12; 1 Kings 1:6), and Absalom hopes to be the next king of Israel. Second, Absalom's future success in stealing the hearts of the people from their loyalty to David (2 Samuel 15:6) was likely aided by his winning appearance.The fact that Absalom has no "blemish" shows that he is ritually clean, as well (Leviticus 13:1–3). On the outside, he is more than worthy to be king. Yet that's not how God works. When sent by God, Samuel saw the impressive-looking Eliab and thought he was meeting Israel's next king (1 Samuel 16:1, 6). God reminded him that the Lord sees more than just physical appearances (1 Samuel 16:7). Absalom is cunning, decisive, good looking, and charming, as well as David's son. That doesn't mean he'd make a good king.
