1 Samuel 2:12
Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
Now the sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
Now the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנֵ֣י
Now the sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
Now the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְלִיָּ֑עַל
of Belial
H1100
בְלִיָּ֑עַל
of Belial
Strong's:
H1100
Word #:
4 of 8
without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָֽדְע֖וּ
they knew
H3045
יָֽדְע֖וּ
they knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
6 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Jeremiah 2:8The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.2 Corinthians 6:15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?Judges 2:10And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.Romans 1:21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.John 16:3And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.John 8:55Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Historical Context
The title 'sons of Belial' appears throughout the Old Testament for thoroughly wicked individuals (Deuteronomy 13:13; Judges 19:22; 1 Kings 21:10). Its use for priests at the central sanctuary represents the ultimate indictment of institutional corruption.
Questions for Reflection
- How can people be deeply involved in religious activity while not truly knowing God?
- What is the difference between religious performance and genuine relationship with God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The narrator's characterization of Eli's sons is devastating: 'sons of Belial' indicates complete worthlessness and wickedness. More shocking: 'they knew not the LORD.' These are priests, officiating at Israel's central sanctuary, yet they have no personal relationship with the God they supposedly serve. The Hebrew yada' (to know) implies intimate, experiential knowledge - they performed religious duties without genuine faith. Institutional position provides no substitute for personal covenant relationship. Many who serve in religious roles may be equally devoid of true spiritual knowledge.