1 Samuel 3:13
For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִגַּ֣דְתִּי
For I have told
H5046
וְהִגַּ֣דְתִּי
For I have told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֹׁפֵ֥ט
him that I will judge
H8199
שֹׁפֵ֥ט
him that I will judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
4 of 19
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּית֖וֹ
his house
H1004
בֵּית֖וֹ
his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 19
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
עַד
for
H5704
עַד
for
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עוֹלָ֑ם
ever
H5769
עוֹלָ֑ם
ever
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָדַ֗ע
which he knoweth
H3045
יָדַ֗ע
which he knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
12 of 19
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מְקַלְלִ֤ים
made themselves vile
H7043
מְקַלְלִ֤ים
made themselves vile
Strong's:
H7043
Word #:
14 of 19
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
בָּנָ֔יו
because his sons
H1121
בָּנָ֔יו
because his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
16 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
17 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Matthew 10:37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.Proverbs 19:18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.1 Samuel 2:12Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.1 Samuel 2:17Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.Ezekiel 18:30Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.Ezekiel 7:3Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations.1 Kings 1:6And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.Proverbs 29:15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Historical Context
Eli's failure represents a pattern seen in parental and leadership failures throughout Scripture. David's similar failure with Adonijah (1 Kings 1:6) followed the same pattern of knowing but not restraining. Authority carries responsibility to act.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between speaking against evil and actually restraining it?
- What areas of rightful authority are you failing to exercise?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The specific sin is restated: Eli knew his sons made themselves vile (cursed, treated with contempt) and 'restrained them not.' The Hebrew kahah (to rebuke, restrain) indicates the action Eli failed to take. He spoke (2:23-25) but did not act decisively. The sin requiring atonement is not merely the sons' wickedness but Eli's passive tolerance. His failure to exercise rightful authority constituted betrayal of both divine trust and parental responsibility. Those with power to restrain evil bear guilt when they fail to act.