1 Samuel 2:14
And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִכָּ֨ה
And he struck
H5221
וְהִכָּ֨ה
And he struck
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 22
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
בַכִּיּ֜וֹר
it into the pan
H3595
בַכִּיּ֜וֹר
it into the pan
Strong's:
H3595
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl
א֣וֹ
H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
3 of 22
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
בַדּ֗וּד
or kettle
H1731
בַדּ֗וּד
or kettle
Strong's:
H1731
Word #:
4 of 22
a pot (for boiling); also (by resemblance of shape) a basket
א֤וֹ
H176
א֤וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
5 of 22
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
א֣וֹ
H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
7 of 22
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
כֹּ֚ל
H3605
כֹּ֚ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַֽעֲלֶ֣ה
brought up
H5927
יַֽעֲלֶ֣ה
brought up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
11 of 22
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֖ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
14 of 22
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
כָּ֚כָה
H3602
יַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ
for himself So they did
H6213
יַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ
for himself So they did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
17 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
unto all the Israelites
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
unto all the Israelites
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
19 of 22
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הַבָּאִ֥ים
that came
H935
הַבָּאִ֥ים
that came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
20 of 22
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Historical Context
Archaeological evidence suggests Shiloh was destroyed around 1050 BCE, likely by Philistines. This destruction, referenced later in Jeremiah 7:12-14 and 26:6, became a paradigm of divine judgment on corrupt worship sites. The priests' behavior contributed to God's willingness to allow this destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- What happens when religious corruption becomes systematic rather than isolated?
- How should believers respond when encountering corrupted religious institutions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The corruption spreads from the priests' portion to the people's share. Whatever the fork brought up, 'the priest took for himself.' This violated multiple laws: taking more than priestly due, interrupting the worshiper's communion meal, and showing contempt for sacred procedures. The phrase 'So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites' indicates systematic, widespread abuse. Every worshiper who came to the central sanctuary encountered this corruption. Religious leaders who exploit worshipers destroy not only individual faith but national spiritual life.