KJV ORIGINAL
And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Joab said to Amasa, 'How are you doing, my brother?' Then Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard with his right hand as if to kiss him.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Joab greets Amasa with what appears to be a friendly, affectionate gesture, calling him 'brother' and reaching to kiss him in greeting.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during the aftermath of Absalom's rebellion against King David. Amasa had been Absalom's military commander but was pardoned by David and appointed to replace Joab as commander of David's army. Ancient Middle Eastern culture commonly included kissing and embracing as normal greetings between men, especially relatives or close associates.
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