1 Samuel 2:17
Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַתְּהִ֨י
H1961
וַתְּהִ֨י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
חַטַּ֧את
Wherefore the sin
H2403
חַטַּ֧את
Wherefore the sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
2 of 14
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
הַנְּעָרִ֛ים
of the young men
H5288
הַנְּעָרִ֛ים
of the young men
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
3 of 14
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
מְאֹ֖ד
was very
H3966
מְאֹ֖ד
was very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פְּנֵ֣י
before
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִֽאֲצוּ֙
abhorred
H5006
נִֽאֲצוּ֙
abhorred
Strong's:
H5006
Word #:
10 of 14
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים
for men
H582
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים
for men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Genesis 6:11The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.Genesis 13:13But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.Malachi 2:13And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.
Historical Context
The phrase 'abhorred the offering' uses the Hebrew na'ats, indicating contemptuous rejection. This same verb describes how Israel's sin caused Gentiles to blaspheme God's name (Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:20-23). Leaders who cause others to despise God's worship bear enormous guilt.
Questions for Reflection
- How does corrupt leadership cause others to despise genuine faith?
- What responsibility do leaders bear for the faith or disillusionment of those they influence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The narrator's assessment is comprehensive: 'the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD.' Great in scope (affecting all worshipers), great in nature (profaning sacred things), and great in consequence (causing others to despise worship). The phrase 'men abhorred the offering of the LORD' indicates the most serious result - corrupted leadership drove people away from God. When those representing God act wickedly, seekers conclude that God Himself must be unworthy. The priests' sin multiplied through every discouraged worshiper who left Shiloh disillusioned.