1 Samuel 1:17
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֧עַן
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֧עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
לְכִ֣י
H1980
לְכִ֣י
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לְשָׁל֑וֹם
in peace
H7965
לְשָׁל֑וֹם
in peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
5 of 13
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֣י
and the God
H430
וֵֽאלֹהֵ֣י
and the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
יִתֵּן֙
grant
H5414
יִתֵּן֙
grant
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Mark 5:34And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.Judges 18:6And the priest said unto them, Go in peace: before the LORD is your way wherein ye go.2 Kings 5:19And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.1 Samuel 25:35So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.Luke 7:50And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.1 Chronicles 4:10And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.Luke 8:48And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
Historical Context
The priestly blessing formula echoes elements of the Aaronic benediction (Numbers 6:24-26). The priest's role as intermediary between God and worshipers remained operative even when the priest's personal discernment failed.
Questions for Reflection
- How can God use even flawed spiritual leaders to channel genuine blessing?
- What does Eli's blessing, given without knowing its content, teach about faith in God's sovereignty?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Eli's response shifts dramatically from rebuke to blessing. His words 'Go in peace' invoke the fullness of Hebrew shalom - not merely absence of conflict but complete well-being. His petition that 'the God of Israel grant thy petition' acknowledges that only God can fulfill her request. Ironically, Eli pronounces blessing on the prayer he neither heard nor understood. Despite his failures, Eli remains God's priest, and his blessing carries spiritual authority. God graciously uses imperfect instruments to accomplish His purposes.