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.
Original Language Analysis
לָ֥מָּה
H4100
לָ֥מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּן
unto them Why do
H6213
תַֽעֲשׂ֖וּן
unto them Why do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
דִּבְרֵיכֶ֣ם
dealings
H1697
דִּבְרֵיכֶ֣ם
dealings
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙
for I hear
H8085
שֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙
for I hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
9 of 16
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵיכֶ֣ם
dealings
H1697
דִּבְרֵיכֶ֣ם
dealings
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
11 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
מֵאֵ֖ת
H853
מֵאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Eli's mild rebuke contrasts sharply with the severity required by Mosaic law. Sexual misconduct by priests warranted death (Leviticus 21:9 addresses priests' daughters; the principle extends to priests themselves). Eli's failure to act decisively constitutes dereliction of duty.
Questions for Reflection
- When does pastoral gentleness become compromise with evil?
- How do you distinguish between situations requiring discussion versus decisive action?
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Analysis & Commentary
Eli's rebuke to his sons appears reasonable but proves ineffective. His question 'Why do ye such things?' seeks explanation rather than demanding cessation. The phrase 'I hear of your evil dealings by all this people' shows concern for reputation rather than holiness. Eli addresses their behavior's impact on public perception, not its offense against God. His approach is pastoral rather than prophetic, remedial rather than decisive. Sometimes situations require not discussion but decisive discipline - a lesson Eli never learns.