1 Samuel 2:33
And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.
Original Language Analysis
אֲנָשִֽׁים׃
And the man
H376
אֲנָשִֽׁים׃
And the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 17
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)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אַכְרִ֤ית
of thine whom I shall not cut off
H3772
אַכְרִ֤ית
of thine whom I shall not cut off
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
3 of 17
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
מֵעִ֣ם
H5973
מֵעִ֣ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 17
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
לְכַלּ֥וֹת
shall be to consume
H3615
לְכַלּ֥וֹת
shall be to consume
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
7 of 17
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֵינֶ֖יךָ
thine eyes
H5869
עֵינֶ֖יךָ
thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
9 of 17
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ
thine heart
H5315
נַפְשֶׁ֑ךָ
thine heart
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַרְבִּ֥ית
and all the increase
H4768
מַרְבִּ֥ית
and all the increase
Strong's:
H4768
Word #:
14 of 17
a multitude; also offspring; specifically interest (on capital)
בֵּֽיתְךָ֖
of thine house
H1004
בֵּֽיתְךָ֖
of thine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
15 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
This prophecy likely refers to Abiathar, who survived the massacre at Nob (1 Samuel 22:20) only to be eventually expelled from the priesthood by Solomon (1 Kings 2:26-27). His long life witnessed the transfer of priestly authority from Eli's line to Zadok's.
Questions for Reflection
- How can survival become a form of judgment rather than blessing?
- What does it mean to live as a witness to the consequences of others' sins?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
One survivor will remain - not for blessing but for 'consuming eyes and grieving heart.' This descendant will live in misery, watching the house's decline while unable to prevent it. The phrase 'all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age' pictures young men cut down before their prime. This surviving witness becomes a perpetual reminder of judgment, living testimony to the consequences of honoring sons above God. Survival without restoration can be worse than death.