1 Samuel 3:12
In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
Original Language Analysis
בַּיּ֤וֹם
In that day
H3117
בַּיּ֤וֹם
In that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַהוּא֙
H1931
הַהוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
אָקִ֣ים
I will perform
H6965
אָקִ֣ים
I will perform
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
3 of 13
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֵ֛ת
H853
אֵ֛ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
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 #:
7 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי
all things which I have spoken
H1696
דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי
all things which I have spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
9 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בֵּית֑וֹ
his house
H1004
בֵּית֑וֹ
his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
The phrase 'when I begin, I will also make an end' (Hebrew: hachel vegam kallo) emphasizes completed action. Divine judgment, once initiated, proceeds to completion. This principle appears throughout prophetic literature - God's words do not return void (Isaiah 55:11).
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's commitment to complete announced judgment teach about His faithfulness?
- How should awareness of certain judgment shape present response?
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Analysis & Commentary
God confirms that the previously delivered prophecy (2:27-36) will now be fulfilled. The phrase 'when I begin, I will also make an end' emphasizes divine determination to complete announced judgment. This is not threat but settled decree. The reference to 'all things which I have spoken concerning his house' connects Samuel's revelation to the earlier unnamed prophet. Samuel's call validates the prior word while adding urgency - fulfillment is imminent. God accomplishes what He declares, from beginning to end.