This word marks a break in the main story line. This new section gives background information for the part of the story that follows. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "people praised Absalom for his handsomeness more than they praised anyone else" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
This means the whole person was without blemish. Alternate translation: "There were no blemishes on any part of his body" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])