1 Samuel 2:23
1 Samuel 2:23 in Multiple Translations
“Why are you doing these things?” Eli said to his sons. “I hear about your wicked deeds from all these people.
And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.
And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings from all this people.
And he said to them, Why are you doing such things? for from all this people I get accounts of your evil ways.
He asked them, “Why are you doing all this? I keep on hearing from everyone about your evil actions.
And hee saide vnto them, Why doe ye such things? for of all this people I heare euill reportes of you.
and he saith to them, 'Why do ye things like these? for I am hearing of your evil words from all the people — these!
He said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people.
And he said to them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.
And he said to them: Why do ye these kinds of things, which I hear, very wicked things, from all the people?
He said to them, “◄It is terrible that you do such things!/Why do you do such things?► [RHQ] Many people keep telling me about the evil things that you do.
Eli said to his 2 sons, “Lots of people tell me that you do bad things. Why are you doing that?
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 2:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 2:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
לָ/הֶ֔ם
לָ֥/מָּה
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ/ן
כַּ/דְּבָרִ֣ים
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
אָנֹכִ֤י
שֹׁמֵ֨עַ֙
אֶת
דִּבְרֵי/כֶ֣ם
רָעִ֔ים
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
כָּל
הָ/עָ֥ם
אֵֽלֶּה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ/ן
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
כַּ/דְּבָרִ֣ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָנֹכִ֤י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
שֹׁמֵ֨עַ֙
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דִּבְרֵי/כֶ֣ם
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp | Suff
רָעִ֔ים
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/עָ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 2:23
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תַעֲשׂ֖וּ/ן
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כַּ/דְּבָרִ֣ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָנֹכִ֤י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
שֹׁמֵ֨עַ֙
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דִּבְרֵי/כֶ֣ם
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
רָעִ֔ים
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 2:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 2:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:23
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:23
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:23
Context — Eli’s Wicked Sons
21So the LORD attended to Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.
22Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
23“Why are you doing these things?” Eli said to his sons. “I hear about your wicked deeds from all these people.
24No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people. 25If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 8:12 | Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse, says the LORD. |
| 2 | Philippians 3:19 | Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. |
| 3 | Acts 9:4 | He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” |
| 4 | Acts 14:15 | “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 1:6 | (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) |
| 6 | Isaiah 3:9 | The expression on their faces testifies against them, and like Sodom they flaunt their sin; they do not conceal it. Woe to them, for they have brought disaster upon themselves. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 3:3 | Therefore the showers have been withheld, and no spring rains have fallen. Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute; you refuse to be ashamed. |
1 Samuel 2:23 Summary
In this verse, Eli is talking to his sons about the bad things they have been doing. He has heard from many people about their wicked deeds, and he is trying to correct them. This shows that Eli, as a father and a priest, is concerned about his sons' actions and wants them to turn back to God, just like we see in Psalm 51:1-19, where David repents of his sins. Eli's conversation with his sons is a reminder that our actions have consequences, and we should strive to honor God in all we do, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Eli's relationship like with his sons?
Eli, as a father and a priest, had a responsibility to guide his sons, but it seems he was aware of their wicked deeds and was trying to correct them, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:23-25, where he confronts them about their actions.
Why did Eli's sons not listen to their father's warnings?
The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 2:25 that the LORD intended to put them to death, suggesting that their hearts were hardened against God and their father's warnings, similar to the hardness of heart described in Romans 1:28.
What kind of wicked deeds were Eli's sons doing?
According to 1 Samuel 2:22, Eli's sons were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, which was a grave sin and a betrayal of their priestly office, as also warned against in Leviticus 21:14-15.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of 1 Samuel?
This verse highlights the spiritual decay and corruption among the priesthood in Israel, which sets the stage for the rise of Samuel as a prophet and leader, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:1-21, where Samuel is called by God to serve as a prophet.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be knowingly or unknowingly dishonoring God, and how can I repent and turn back to Him?
- How can I, like Eli, lovingly but firmly confront those around me who may be engaging in sinful behavior, while also being mindful of my own heart and actions?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God and seek to honor Him in all aspects of my life, just as Samuel did in 1 Samuel 2:21?
- What are some ways I can be more mindful of the example I set for others, especially if I am in a position of leadership or influence, and how can I strive to be a positive influence on those around me?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:23
And he said unto them, why do ye such things?.... As to impose upon the people that bring their offerings, by taking more than is due, and in a very indecent and imperious manner; and especially to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:23
And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:23
Such things, as those above mentioned, ,22. Eli’ s sin in this matter was not only that he reproved them too gently, and generally, and sparingly; but especially that he contented himself with a verbal rebuke and did not restrain them, as is said , and inflict those punishments upon them, of putting them out of their priest’ s office, and cutting them off from God’ s people; which such high crimes deserved by God’ s law, and which he as judge and high priest ought to have done, without all respect of persons. By all this people, that dwell here, or come hither to worship.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:23
1 Samuel 2:23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.Ver. 23. And he said unto them, Why do ye such things?] This was to reprove them, Lenitate patris, non auctoritate pontificis, saith Jerome, i.e., with the lenity of a father, and not with the authority of a magistrate. This was to shave the head, which deserved cutting off, saith another. A weak dose doth but stir bad humours, and anger them, not purge them out: so it fareth with sins. Castigantur a parente Eli, leniter tamen et molli tantum brachio: Chastised these varlets were by their father, but so lightly, as if he were afraid to hurt them. It is likely he had always marred them with too much indulgence: David’ s fault also. Pope Paul III, hearing of the abominable practices of his son Petro Alvigi Farnesis, thought it enough to say, Haec vitia me non commonstratore didicit, He never learned these faults of his father. For I hear of your evil dealings.] Which Eli should have instanced and aggravated for their terror and shame. A reproof should be soundly set on. Jehoshaphat was to blame with his "Let not the king say so."
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:23
(11-36) The Service of the boy Samuel in the Sanctuary—The Dissolute Life of the Sons of Eli—The Doom of the House of Ithamar.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:23
Verse 23. Why do ye such things!] Eli appears to have been a fondly affectionate, easy father, who wished his sons to do well, but did not bring them under proper discipline, and did not use his authority to restrain them. As judge, he had power to cast them immediately out of the vineyard, as wicked and unprofitable servants; this he did not, and his and their ruin was the consequence.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:23
23. for I hear of your evil dealings] Rather, for I hear evil things of yon from all this people.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:23
23. Why do ye such things — The fond father merely remonstrates and reasons, but young men so deeply sunken in sin as were Hophni and Phinehas are not to be benefitted or reclaimed by kind moral suasion alone.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:23
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Don't Be Fooled, the Pew Won't Save You! by Bob Jennings | This sermon emphasizes how skillful the devil is in deceiving people to exchange their eternal inheritance for temporary desires, leading them to waste their lives and lose their s |
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New Covenant - the Root of Sin - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the essence of the New Covenant as depicted in Matthew chapter 3, emphasizing the crucial act of turning from the Kingdom of Earth to the Kingdom of Heaven |
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A Prisoner of Appetite Is Unhealthy Eating a Sin? by Shane Idleman | This sermon addresses the importance of taking care of our bodies and avoiding unhealthy eating habits, focusing on the struggle to resist temptations and the need to prioritize ph |
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The Captivity of the Righteous Part 5 by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of finding true satisfaction and peace in God rather than in worldly concerns, particularly for young people who often fret about their fut |
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Anxiety by A.W. Pink | The preacher delves into the concept of 'Destruction' (apoleia) in the Bible, emphasizing that it signifies the utter and hopeless loss of all that gives worth to existence, rather |
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Feast the Slave, and Starve the Wife? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the paramount importance of prioritizing the eternal welfare of our souls over earthly concerns. He argues that it is foolish to nourish the body while neg |
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Consumer Christianity by Dave Hunt | Dave Hunt addresses the issue of consumer Christianity, which focuses on building the kingdom of God or attracting individuals to Christianity through methods that appeal to the fl |