1 Samuel 2:16
And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.
Original Language Analysis
הָאִ֗ישׁ
And if any man
H376
הָאִ֗ישׁ
And if any man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יַקְטִיר֤וּן
to burn
H6999
יַקְטִיר֤וּן
to burn
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
4 of 21
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
יַקְטִיר֤וּן
to burn
H6999
יַקְטִיר֤וּן
to burn
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
5 of 21
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
כַּיּוֹם֙
presently
H3117
כַּיּוֹם֙
presently
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 21
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַחֵ֔לֶב
the fat
H2459
הַחֵ֔לֶב
the fat
Strong's:
H2459
Word #:
7 of 21
fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part
לָקַ֥חְתִּי
and then take
H3947
לָקַ֥חְתִּי
and then take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
8 of 21
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תְּאַוֶּ֖ה
H8378
תְּאַוֶּ֖ה
Strong's:
H8378
Word #:
11 of 21
a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
נַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ
as much as thy soul
H5315
נַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ
as much as thy soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַתָּ֣ה
H6258
תִתֵּ֔ן
him Nay but thou shalt give
H5414
תִתֵּ֔ן
him Nay but thou shalt give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
17 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
18 of 21
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹ֖א
H3808
לֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
19 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
The worshiper's proposal to let the fat be burned first before the priest takes his portion shows remarkable patience and flexibility. The priest's rejection of even this accommodation reveals that the issue was not merely greed but contemptuous disregard for proper worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when confronted about corrupt practices?
- What does coercion in religious contexts reveal about those who employ it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The confrontation between worshiper and corrupt priest reveals the depths of priestly arrogance. The worshiper reasonably requests proper order - burn God's portion first, then take what you want. This offered the priest even more than his due, demonstrating accommodation. But the response is threatening: 'Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.' The Hebrew chazaq (strength, force) indicates violent seizure. Worship meant to express gratitude becomes occasion for robbery. Those who resist corruption face coercion.