5 Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him.
5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
5 And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.
5 Whenever someone would treat him with special honor, he'd shrug it off and treat him like an equal, making him feel important.
5 And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him.
5 When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn't let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:5
Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:1-6
(Read 2 Samuel 15:1-6)
David allows Absalom's pomp. Those parents know not what they do, who indulge a proud humour in their children: many young people are ruined by pride. And those commonly are most eager for authority who least understand its duties.