1 Samuel Chapter 3 · Verse 14
And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
Original Language Analysis
וְלָכֵ֥ן
H3651
וְלָכֵ֥ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי
And therefore I have sworn
H7650
נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי
And therefore I have sworn
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
2 of 13
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
בֵּית
house
H1004
בֵּית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אִֽם
H518
אִֽם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
5 of 13
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִתְכַּפֵּ֞ר
shall not be purged
H3722
יִתְכַּפֵּ֞ר
shall not be purged
Strong's:
H3722
Word #:
6 of 13
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
בֵּית
house
H1004
בֵּית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
בְּזֶ֥בַח
with sacrifice
H2077
בְּזֶ֥בַח
with sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
וּבְמִנְחָ֖ה
nor offering
H4503
וּבְמִנְחָ֖ה
nor offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
11 of 13
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
Cross References
Isaiah 22:14And it was revealed in mine ears by the LORD of hosts, Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.Jeremiah 7:16Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.Jeremiah 15:1Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.1 Samuel 2:25If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.
Historical Context
The concept of sin beyond normal atonement appears rarely in Scripture. The willful sin of Hebrews 10:26-27 echoes this severity. Such passages address extraordinary rebellion by those with full knowledge and position, not ordinary believers struggling with sin.
Questions for Reflection
- What makes certain sins exceed the provision of normal means of grace?
- How does presumptuous sin by religious leaders differ from common human failing?
Analysis & Commentary
The oath formula 'I have sworn unto the house of Eli' seals irrevocable judgment. The statement 'iniquity...shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever' is devastating - the very system Eli served cannot avail for his house. Their sin exceeded what the sacrificial system could address. This does not indicate a general failure of atonement but specific judgment on a particular house. The ordinary means of grace (sacrifice, offering) remain effective for others, but Eli's house is excluded. Only extraordinary divine mercy could help - and that would not come.