1 Samuel 3:13
1 Samuel 3:13 in Multiple Translations
I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them.
For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons did bring a curse upon themselves, and he restrained them not.
And you are to say to him that I will send punishment on his family for ever, for the sin which he had knowledge of; because his sons have been cursing God and he had no control over them.
I told him that I will judge his family forever because of the sins he knows about, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not try and stop them.
And I haue tolde him that I will iudge his house for euer, for the iniquitie which hee knoweth, because his sonnes ranne into a slaunder, and he stayed them not.
and I have declared to him that I am judging his house — to the age, for the iniquity which he hath known, for his sons are making themselves vile, and he hath not restrained them,
For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves, and he didn’t restrain them.
For I have told him, that I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knoweth: because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
For I have foretold unto him, that I will judge his house for ever, for iniquity, because he knew that his sons did wickedly, and did not chastise them.
His sons have shown great disrespect for me by the disgraceful things they have done, and Eli did not restrain them. So I told him that I would punish his family forever.
I told Eli, ‘I’m angry with you and your family, and I will finish you all. You knew that your 2 sons did wrong things, without any shame, and with no respect for my word. Everybody hates them now. But you didn’t stop them at all.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 3:13
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 3:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִגַּ֣דְתִּי
ל֔/וֹ
כִּֽי
שֹׁפֵ֥ט
אֲנִ֛י
אֶת
בֵּית֖/וֹ
עַד
עוֹלָ֑ם
בַּ/עֲוֺ֣ן
אֲשֶׁר
יָדַ֗ע
כִּֽי
מְקַֽלְלִ֤ים
לָ/הֶם֙
בָּנָ֔י/ו
וְ/לֹ֥א
כִהָ֖ה
בָּֽ/ם
וְ/הִגַּ֣דְתִּי
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שֹׁפֵ֥ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal
אֲנִ֛י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בֵּית֖/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עוֹלָ֑ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
בַּ/עֲוֺ֣ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
Prep | N-cs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יָדַ֗ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מְקַֽלְלִ֤ים
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Piel
לָ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
בָּנָ֔י/ו
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
כִהָ֖ה
kâhâh
H3543
to grow dim
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 3:13
וְ/הִגַּ֣דְתִּי
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שֹׁפֵ֥ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
אֲנִ֛י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
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.
בֵּית֖/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עוֹלָ֑ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
בַּ/עֲוֺ֣ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
יָדַ֗ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מְקַֽלְלִ֤ים
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Piel
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
לָ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
בָּנָ֔י/ו
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כִהָ֖ה
kâhâh
H3543
"to grow dim"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To rebuke means to scold or correct someone, like when God rebukes His people in the Bible for disobedience. It can also mean to become weak or dim, like when light fades away. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to grow weak, grow dim, grow faint, falter, be weak, be dim, be darkened, be restrained, be faint, fail 1a) (Qal) to grow dim 1b) (Piel) to faint, grow weak, grow faint
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: darken, be dim, fail, faint, restrain, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 27:1; Job 17:7; Isaiah 42:4.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 3:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 3:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 3:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 3:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:13
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:13
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 3:13
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 3:13
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 3:13
Context — The LORD Calls Samuel
11Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle.
12On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his house, from beginning to end.
13I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them.
14Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, ‘The iniquity of Eli’s house shall never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’” 15Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 19:18 | Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death. |
| 2 | Matthew 10:37 | Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 2:12 | Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 2:17 | Thus the sin of these young men was severe in the sight of the LORD, for they were treating the LORD’s offering with contempt. |
| 5 | Proverbs 23:13–14 | Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die. Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol. |
| 6 | 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.) |
| 7 | Ezekiel 7:3 | The end is now upon you, and I will unleash My anger against you. I will judge you according to your ways and repay you for all your abominations. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 18:30 | Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. |
| 9 | Proverbs 29:15 | A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 7:22 | For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others. |
1 Samuel 3:13 Summary
[This verse, 1 Samuel 3:13, teaches us about the importance of accountability and addressing sin, particularly for those in positions of leadership or responsibility, as seen in the story of Eli and his sons. Eli knew about his sons' sinful behavior, but he did not stop them, and as a result, God held him accountable. This reminds us that we have a responsibility to address wrongdoing and promote what is right, as instructed in Proverbs 24:23-25 and Matthew 18:15. By learning from Eli's example, we can prioritize spiritual growth and development for ourselves and those around us, and take action to address sin and wrongdoing when we see it.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God would judge Eli's house forever for the iniquity he knows?
This means that God would hold Eli accountable for the sins he was aware of, particularly his sons' blasphemy, and that the consequences of these sins would have long-lasting effects on his family, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:13 and supported by Deuteronomy 23:3.
Why did God say Eli's sons blasphemed Him?
Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt and disobedient, using their positions for personal gain, which was a direct affront to God, as described in 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and 1 Samuel 3:13.
What does it mean that Eli did not restrain his sons?
Eli, as the father and high priest, had a responsibility to correct and guide his sons, but he failed to do so, allowing their sinful behavior to continue, which is emphasized in 1 Samuel 3:13 and echoed in Ezekiel 22:26, where leaders are called to distinguish between the holy and the common.
How does this verse relate to the concept of parental responsibility in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of parental responsibility, as seen in Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4, where parents are instructed to train and correct their children, and held accountable for their actions, as in the case of Eli and his sons.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of accountability for those under my care, whether as a parent, leader, or mentor, based on 1 Samuel 3:13?
- How can I ensure that I am not turning a blind eye to sin in my own life or the lives of those around me, and instead take action to address it, as Eli should have done with his sons?
- In what ways can I prioritize the spiritual well-being and development of those in my care, as Eli should have done with his sons, and what steps can I take to do so?
- What are some potential consequences of not addressing sin and wrongdoing, as seen in the case of Eli and his sons, and how can I learn from their example to avoid similar outcomes?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 3:13
For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever,.... That is, bring his judgments upon them, which should continue on them to their utter destruction; this, as to the substance, he said
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 3:13
For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. I will judge his house - i:e., I will punish (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:13
I will judge, i.e. condemn and punish or destroy, as the word judge is oft used, as 16:11. His house; his children and posterity, as is manifest by the story; as the word house is frequently taken, as . So the house of Judah, of Aaron, of David, are oft taken for their posterity. And to build a house, in Scripture use, is to increase their posterity, as . Compare 30:3. For ever; till they be utterly rooted out; or for a long time, as that phrase is oft used. Which he knoweth; either by the information of the prophet, , &c., or by his own guilty and self-accusing conscience. But these and the foregoing and following words may well be and are rendered thus; for this iniquity, because he knew (both by common fame, and by his own observation) that his sons, & c. He cannot pretend ignorance, or want of proof of their wickedness, which aggravates his sin. Vile; not only hateful to God, but contemptible to all the people, whereby they also brought their sacred office and God’ s holy ordinances into contempt.
Heb. cursed themselves, or made themselves execrable or accursed, both to God and men: by their lewd and cursed practices they put themselves under the curse of God, by such a gross violation of God’ s commands: compare 7:12,13. This expression may be used by way of reflection upon their father, because he did not denounce the curse of God against them, nor put them out of the priesthood, as accursed persons, although they were so vile, that they had prevented their father’ s censure, and meritoriously cast themselves out, and cut themselves off from the priesthood and congregation of the Lord, which their father should have done judicially. He restrained them not; he contented himself with a cold and gentle reproof, and did not severely rebuke, and punish, and effectually restrain them from their abominable courses, nor use that authority which God had given him, as a father, as a high priest, and as a judge, or chief magistrate, against them, as by the law of God he was obliged to do.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:13
1 Samuel 3:13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.Ver. 13. For I have told him.] And he shall find that I told him so not in terrorem, only to frighten him. For the iniquity which he knoweth.] Both by that prophet, and by that domestical chaplain, his conscience. Because his sons made themselves vile.] Heb., Contemned or despised themselves - viz., by despising their ways, not ordering them aright - and so have rendered themselves contemptible, or accursed, and the service of God also, by their maladministration: for who will taste of the fruit that first disliketh the tree? And he restrained them not.] No, not so much as by frowning upon them - so the word signifieth - by casting a wry look toward them. A Christian should carry a severe rebuke in his countenance at least, as God doth.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:13
(13) Because his sons made themselves vile.—The enormity of the sin of Eli and his house, which was to be so fearfully punished, must be measured by the extent of the mischief it worked; well-nigh all Israel were involved in it. The fatal example the priests had set at Shiloh filtrated through the entire people; the result was, that unbelief in the Eternal was becoming general throughout the land. The old pure religion was rapidly dying out of the hearts of the men, and the profligacy and covetousness of Shiloh would soon have been copied only too faithfully in all the homes of Israel. This fearful state of things was known to the high priest and judge, and still the weak and indulgent father refrained from removing his sons from their high office.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:13
Verse 13. I will judge his house for ever] I will continue to execute judgments upon it till it is destroyed. His sons made themselves vile] See 1 Samuel 2:12-17; 1 Samuel 2:22-25. He restrained them not.] He did not use his parental and juridical authority to curb them, and prevent the disorders which they committed. See at the conclusion of the chapter (1 Samuel 3:21 [note]).
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 3:13
13. For I have told him] The Hebrew may be translated either (a) And I have shewed him that I do judge his house for ever: or (b) And I will shew him that I to judge his house for ever. If the first rendering is adopted, the words refer to the doom already pronounced by the prophet: if the second, the words are to be taken in connexion with the previous verse, to signify that the impending catastrophe would be a sign to Eli that the judgment upon his house was permanent and irreversible. Cp. 1 Samuel 2:34. judge] i.e. punish, as in Ezekiel 7:3, &c. for the iniquity which he knoweth] The Vulgate, followed by Luther, renders ‘for his iniquity because he knew that his sons dealt shamefully:’ describing the judgment as inflicted upon Eli for his own sin in neglecting his duty as father (Deuteronomy 21:18), high-priest (Deuteronomy 17:12), and judge, and failing to restrain the misconduct of his sons. But the rendering of the E. V. which makes the iniquity of Eli’s sons the ground of judgment, is possible, and agrees better with 1 Samuel 3:14. made themselves vile] Elsewhere the Heb. word always means to curse, or to blaspheme, and is here best rendered made themselves accursed. There is a Jewish tradition that the original reading was ‘cursed me,’ which was altered by the scribes from motives of reverence. The rendering of the LXX. ‘because his sons were blaspheming God,’ gives the same sense, corresponding to a slight alteration of the present Hebrew text. Eli’s sons had blasphemed God and made light of him by their infamous conduct in His very presence. he restrained them not] But contented himself with gentle expostulation (1 Samuel 2:23), instead of thrusting them out of the sacred office they had so grossly abused. By this weak indulgence he became partaker of their sins.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 3:13
Made themselves vile - Rather, “have cursed themselves,” i. e. brought curses upon themselves. He restrained them not - In the sense of punishing. He did not remove them from their office, which he ought to have done.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 3:13
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Ark of the Covenant and the Cross of Christ by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Eli, the last judge in Israel. Eli was a weary old man who excused sin in his own family and condoned it in the priesthood. He |
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Homily 17 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of upholding God's commandments, focusing on the seriousness of committing adultery not only physically but also in the heart by lusti |
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The Guilt and Consequences of Parental Unfaithfulness. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches on the consequences of neglecting the moral and religious education of children, using the story of Eli and his sons as a warning. He emphasizes the importan |
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The Scattered Sheep Sought After by Isaac Penington | The preacher delves into the concept of provoking children to anger, emphasizing the detrimental effects of nurturing bitterness, resentment, and grudges through harshness, favorit |
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Homily 8 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the miraculous healing of a lame man by Peter and John at the temple, emphasizing the power of faith and the compassion of God. The man, who had been la |
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(Godly Home) Part 11 - the Rod Is Love by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, Brother Denny discusses the importance of disciplining children through spanking. He shares a story of a family who struggled to control their children's behavior a |
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God's Truth: Authority and Discipline by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's word and the need for consistency in following through with what is said. He shares a personal anecdote about his so |