1 Samuel 2:31
Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.
Original Language Analysis
יָמִ֣ים
Behold the days
H3117
יָמִ֣ים
Behold the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 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
וְגָֽדַעְתִּי֙
that I will cut off
H1438
וְגָֽדַעְתִּי֙
that I will cut off
Strong's:
H1438
Word #:
4 of 13
to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
זְרֹ֖עַ
and the arm
H2220
זְרֹ֖עַ
and the arm
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
6 of 13
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
זְרֹ֖עַ
and the arm
H2220
זְרֹ֖עַ
and the arm
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
8 of 13
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
בְּבֵיתֶֽךָ׃
house
H1004
בְּבֵיתֶֽךָ׃
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
9 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָבִ֑יךָ
of thy father's
H1
אָבִ֑יךָ
of thy father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
10 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
מִֽהְי֥וֹת
H1961
מִֽהְי֥וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
11 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
The curse of shortened lifespans would be partially fulfilled in the slaughter at Nob (1 Samuel 22:18-19) and completed when Solomon expelled Abiathar (1 Kings 2:26-27). The gradual unfolding of this judgment demonstrates how prophetic curses work through history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does prophetic judgment often unfold gradually rather than immediately?
- What does generational consequence teach about the seriousness of leadership failure?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The judgment oracle specifies consequences. 'Cutting off the arm' represents removal of strength and ability to serve. No 'old man' in the house means premature death across generations. The devastating phrase 'behold, the days come' introduces prophetic certainty - this is not threat but announcement of determined judgment. Eli's house will experience generational diminishment, watching descendants die young while others prosper. The punishment fits the crime: they abused sacred privilege, so sacred privilege is removed; they shortened others' worship, so their own days are shortened.