So: the common Hebrew conjunction need not necessarily be translated here if a new paragraph is begun at this point.

Two full years: according to 13.23, this is the same period of time that Absalom waited before taking revenge on Amnon for what he had done to his sister, Tamar.

Without coming into the king’s presence: or more literally “and he did not see the face of the king,” as in verse 24. Regarding the technical nature of this idiom, see the comments on 3.13. This phrase may be translated in some languages independently, beginning with a conjunction marking contrast, “but he did not see the king” or “however, he was not allowed to see King David.” The technical aspect of this expression is kept in Nueva Biblia Española, “without being received [in court] by the king.” Some translators may feel it necessary to remind their readers of what the original readers knew very well—that David was Absalom’s father. Contemporary English Version has “without seeing his father.” Compare verse 24.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .