1 Samuel 2:36
And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַנּוֹתָר֙
And it shall come to pass that every one that is left
H3498
הַנּוֹתָר֙
And it shall come to pass that every one that is left
Strong's:
H3498
Word #:
3 of 20
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
בְּבֵ֣יתְךָ֔
in thine house
H1004
בְּבֵ֣יתְךָ֔
in thine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לְהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוֹ֣ת
and crouch
H7812
לְהִשְׁתַּֽחֲוֹ֣ת
and crouch
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
6 of 20
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
לַֽאֲג֥וֹרַת
to him for a piece
H95
לַֽאֲג֥וֹרַת
to him for a piece
Strong's:
H95
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, something gathered, i.e., perhaps a grain or berry; used only of a small (silver) coin
כֶּ֖סֶף
of silver
H3701
כֶּ֖סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
9 of 20
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
וְכִכַּר
and a morsel
H3603
וְכִכַּר
and a morsel
Strong's:
H3603
Word #:
10 of 20
a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l
לָֽחֶם׃
of bread
H3899
לָֽחֶם׃
of bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
11 of 20
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
סְפָחֵ֥נִי
Put
H5596
סְפָחֵ֥נִי
Put
Strong's:
H5596
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, to scrape out, but in certain peculiar senses (of removal or association)
נָ֛א
H4994
נָ֛א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
14 of 20
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אַחַ֥ת
me I pray thee into one
H259
אַחַ֥ת
me I pray thee into one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
Historical Context
This prophecy's fulfillment extends through Israel's history. After Abiathar's expulsion, Eli's descendants lost all priestly privilege. Archaeological evidence suggests priests lived at varying economic levels; some were quite poor, dependent on offerings and assignments.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the principle of reversal operate in God's justice?
- What warning does this provide for those currently in positions of religious privilege?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The final verse pictures total reversal. Those who once wielded priestly power will beg for the most menial religious positions - just for bread to eat. The phrase 'crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread' describes desperate pleading. The former elite become suppliants. Their request to be placed in 'one of the priests' offices' shows desire to cling to any religious role. The complete reversal recalls Hannah's song: the full now beg for bread, the mighty bow low. God's justice perfectly fits punishment to crime.