1 Samuel 2:24
Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress.
Original Language Analysis
אַ֖ל
H408
אַ֖ל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 12
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
בָּנָ֑י
Nay my sons
H1121
בָּנָ֑י
Nay my sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כִּ֠י
H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֽוֹא
H3808
לֽוֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
טוֹבָ֤ה
for it is no good
H2896
טוֹבָ֤ה
for it is no good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 12
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שֹׁמֵ֔עַ
that I hear
H8085
שֹׁמֵ֔עַ
that I hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
9 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מַֽעֲבִרִ֖ים
to transgress
H5674
מַֽעֲבִרִ֖ים
to transgress
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
10 of 12
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Historical Context
The principle that leaders bear responsibility for followers' sins appears throughout Scripture. Jesus warns that causing 'little ones' to stumble merits severe judgment (Matthew 18:6). Paul identifies this as a reason why elder qualifications are so rigorous (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
Questions for Reflection
- How might your actions, good or bad, cause others to follow in similar paths?
- What heightened accountability do those in leadership bear?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eli's continued appeal shows concern but inadequate response. His statement 'it is no good report that I hear' focuses on what people are saying. The phrase 'ye make the LORD'S people to transgress' identifies a crucial dynamic: corrupt leadership causes followers to sin. The Hebrew ta'avrim (cause to cross over, transgress) makes the priests responsible not only for their own sin but for others' stumbling. Leadership multiplication works both ways - godly leaders multiply righteousness; wicked leaders multiply wickedness.