1 Samuel 2:27
And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֥א
And there came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֥א
And there came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אִישׁ
a man
H376
אִישׁ
a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 19
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)
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כֹּ֚ה
H3541
כֹּ֚ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נִגְלֵ֙יתִי֙
Did I plainly
H1540
נִגְלֵ֙יתִי֙
Did I plainly
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
11 of 19
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
נִגְלֵ֙יתִי֙
Did I plainly
H1540
נִגְלֵ֙יתִי֙
Did I plainly
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
12 of 19
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
לְבֵ֥ית
house
H1004
לְבֵ֥ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
14 of 19
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָבִ֔יךָ
of thy father
H1
אָבִ֔יךָ
of thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
15 of 19
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֥ם
H1961
בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֥ם
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
16 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּמִצְרַ֖יִם
when they were in Egypt
H4714
בְּמִצְרַ֖יִם
when they were in Egypt
Strong's:
H4714
Word #:
17 of 19
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
Cross References
Exodus 4:27And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.Deuteronomy 33:1And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.1 Kings 13:1And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Beth-el: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.Judges 13:6Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:
Historical Context
The title 'man of God' (ish elohim) designates a prophetic figure throughout the Old Testament. Such figures often delivered covenant lawsuit oracles, prosecuting Israel or its leaders for breaking covenant stipulations. This anonymous prophet initiates the judgment process against Eli's house.
Questions for Reflection
- How does greater spiritual heritage increase accountability?
- What privileges of revelation and access to God do you enjoy, and what responsibility accompanies them?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
An anonymous 'man of God' delivers prophetic judgment to Eli. His message begins with historical reminder: God revealed Himself to Eli's ancestors in Egypt, choosing them for priestly service. The rhetorical question expects an affirmative answer - yes, God had plainly appeared to Aaron's house. This historical foundation makes current failure inexcusable. Those with greater privilege bear greater responsibility. Eli's family had generations of divine revelation and sacred service; their corruption therefore warranted severe judgment.