1 Samuel 2:25
New International Version
If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the LORD, who will intercede for them?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the LORD’s will to put them to death.

New Living Translation
If someone sins against another person, God can mediate for the guilty party. But if someone sins against the LORD, who can intercede?” But Eli’s sons wouldn’t listen to their father, for the LORD was already planning to put them to death.

English Standard Version
If someone sins against a man, God will mediate for him, but if someone sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the LORD to put them to death.

Berean Standard Bible
If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death.

King James Bible
If 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.

New King James Version
If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?” Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the LORD desired to kill them.

New American Standard Bible
If one person sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a person sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the LORD desired to put them to death.

NASB 1995
“If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the LORD desired to put them to death.

NASB 1977
“If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the LORD desired to put them to death.

Legacy Standard Bible
If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against Yahweh, who can pray for him?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for Yahweh desired to put them to death.

Amplified Bible
If one man does wrong and sins against another, God will intercede (arbitrate) for him; but if a man does wrong to the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, for it was the LORD’S will to put them to death.

Christian Standard Bible
If one person sins against another, God can intercede for him, but if a person sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him? ” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to kill them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him, but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to kill them.

American Standard Version
If one man sin against another, God shall judge him; but if a man sin against Jehovah, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding, they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because Jehovah was minded to slay them.

Contemporary English Version
If you harm another person, God can help make things right between the two of you. But if you commit a crime against the LORD, no one can help you!" But the LORD had already decided to kill them. So he kept them from listening to their father.

English Revised Version
If one man sin against another, God shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If one person sins against another, God will take care of him. However, when a person sins against the LORD, who will pray for him?" But they wouldn't listen to their father's warning-the LORD wanted to kill them.

Good News Translation
If anyone sins against someone else, God can defend the one who is wrong; but who can defend someone who sins against the LORD?" But they would not listen to their father, for the LORD had decided to kill them.

International Standard Version
If a person sins against another, God will mediate for him, but if a person sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?" But they would not follow the advice of their father; for the LORD wanted to put them to death.

Majority Standard Bible
If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?? But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death.

NET Bible
If a man sins against a man, one may appeal to God on his behalf. But if a man sins against the LORD, who then will intercede for him?" But Eli's sons would not listen to their father, for the LORD had decided to kill them.

New Heart English Bible
If one man sins against another, he shall appeal to the LORD; but if a man sins against the LORD, who shall entreat for him?" But, they did not listen to the voice of their father, because the LORD intended to kill them.

Webster's Bible Translation
If one man shall sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man shall sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not to the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

World English Bible
If one man sins against another, God will judge him; but if a man sins against Yahweh, who will intercede for him?” Notwithstanding, they didn’t listen to the voice of their father, because Yahweh intended to kill them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
If a man sins against a man, then God has judged him; but if a man sins against YHWH, who prays for him?” And they do not listen to the voice of their father, though YHWH has delighted to put them to death.

Young's Literal Translation
If a man sin against a man, then hath God judged him; but if against Jehovah a man sin, who doth pray for him?' and they hearken not to the voice of their father, though Jehovah hath delighted to put them to death.

Smith's Literal Translation
If a man shall sin against a man, and God judged him; and if a man shall sin against Jehovah, who shall judge for him? and they will not hear to the voice of their father for Jehovah was willing to destroy them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If one man shall sin against another, God may be appeased in his behalf: but if a man shall sin against the Lord, who shall pray for him? And they hearkened not to the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If a man has sinned against a man, God may be able to be appeased over him. But if a man has sinned against the Lord, who will pray for him?” But they did not listen to the voice of their father, that the Lord was willing to kill them.

New American Bible
If someone sins against another, anyone can intercede for the sinner with the LORD; but if anyone sins against the LORD, who can intercede for the sinner?” But they disregarded their father’s warning, since the LORD wanted them dead.

New Revised Standard Version
If one person sins against another, someone can intercede for the sinner with the LORD; but if someone sins against the LORD, who can make intercession?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father; for it was the will of the LORD to kill them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
If a man sin against a man, he will seek forgiveness before the LORD; but if a man sin against the LORD, from whom shall he seek forgiveness? But they did not hearken to the voice of their father, because it was the LORD'S will that they should be slain.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
If a man will sin against a man, he may pray before LORD JEHOVAH, and if a man will sin against LORD JEHOVAH, to whom will he pray?” And they did not listen to the voice of their father, because LORD JEHOVAH desired to kill them
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
If one man sin against another, God shall judge him; but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him?' But they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
If a man should at all sin against another, then shall they pray for him to the Lord; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? But they hearkened not to the voice of their father, because the Lord would by all means destroy them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Eli's Wicked Sons
24No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people. 25If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death. 26And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man.…

Cross References
Numbers 15:30-31
But the person who sins defiantly, whether a native or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD. That person shall be cut off from among his people. / He shall certainly be cut off, because he has despised the word of the LORD and broken His commandment; his guilt remains on him.”

Deuteronomy 17:12
But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.

Hebrews 10:26-31
If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, / but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries. / Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. ...

Matthew 12:31-32
Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. / Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come.

Proverbs 29:1
A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.

John 9:31
We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will.

Isaiah 1:15
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.

Jeremiah 7:16
As for you, do not pray for these people, do not offer a plea or petition on their behalf, and do not beg Me, for I will not listen to you.

Ezekiel 18:24
But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.

Hebrews 6:4-6
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, / who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— / and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame.

1 John 5:16
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin. There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin.

Psalm 66:18
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.

Micah 3:4
Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done.

Proverbs 1:24-28
Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, / because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, / in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you, ...


Treasury of Scripture

If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they listened not to the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

sin against

Deuteronomy 17:8-12
If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose; …

Deuteronomy 25:1-3
If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked…

if a man

1 Samuel 3:14
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.

Numbers 15:30
But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Psalm 51:4,16
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest…

who shall

1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Hebrews 7:25
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

hearkened

Deuteronomy 2:30
But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.

Joshua 11:20
For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

2 Chronicles 25:16
And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

because.

Psalm 116:10
I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

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1 Samuel 2
1. Hannah's song in thankfulness
12. The sin of Eli's sons
18. Samuel's ministry
20. by Eli's blessing Hannah is more fruitful
22. Eli reproves his sons
27. A prophecy against Eli's house














If one man sins against another
The phrase highlights the interpersonal nature of sin, where one individual wrongs another. In Hebrew, the word for "sins" is "חָטָא" (chata), which means to miss the mark or to err. This reflects the idea that sin is a deviation from God's intended path. Historically, the Israelites had a system of judges and priests to mediate disputes, emphasizing the importance of justice and reconciliation within the community.

God can mediate for him
The concept of God as a mediator underscores His role as a just and fair arbiter. The Hebrew word for "mediate" is "פָּלַל" (palal), which can also mean to intercede or pray. This suggests that God is actively involved in the process of reconciliation, offering divine guidance and wisdom. In the broader biblical context, this foreshadows the ultimate mediation through Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity.

but if a man sins against the LORD
This phrase elevates the gravity of sinning directly against God. The Hebrew word for "against" is "אֶל" (el), indicating a direct offense towards the divine. Such sins are seen as more severe because they violate the covenant relationship between God and His people. Historically, this reflects the theocratic nature of Israel, where God was the ultimate authority.

who can intercede for him?
The rhetorical question emphasizes the seriousness of sinning against God. The Hebrew word for "intercede" is "פָּגַע" (paga), which means to meet or encounter, often in the context of prayer or supplication. This highlights the need for a mediator who can bridge the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God, pointing to the future role of Christ as the ultimate intercessor.

But they would not listen to their father
This phrase reflects the hardened hearts of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas. The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but obeying. Their refusal to heed their father's warning demonstrates a willful rebellion against both parental and divine authority, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

since the LORD intended to put them to death
This sobering conclusion reveals the divine judgment that awaited Eli's sons. The Hebrew word for "intended" is "חָפֵץ" (chaphets), meaning to delight or take pleasure in, though in this context, it indicates a determined purpose. This reflects the biblical principle that persistent sin leads to judgment, underscoring God's holiness and justice. Historically, this serves as a warning to Israel and to believers today about the consequences of unrepentant sin.

(25) Sin against the Lord.--This touches on the mystery of sin. There are transgressions which may again and again receive pardon, but there seems to be a transgression beyond the limits of Divine forgiveness. The pitiful Redeemer, in no obscure language, told His listeners the same awful truth when He warned them of the sin against the Holy Ghost.

They hearkened not . . . because the Lord would slay them.--Here the mysteries connected with God's foreknowledge and man's free-will are touched upon. The Lord's resolution to slay them was founded on the eternal foreknowledge of their persistence in wrong-doing.

There seems to be a period in the sinner's life when the Spirit of the Eternal ceases to plead; then the man is left to himself, and he feels no longer any remorse for evil done; this is spoken of in Exodus 4:21 as "hardening the heart." This period in the life of Hophni and Phinehas apparently had been reached when the Lord resolved to slay them.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

a man
אִ֤ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

sins
יֶחֱטָ֨א (ye·ḥĕ·ṭā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

against another man,
לְאִישׁ֙ (lə·’îš)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

God
אֱלֹהִ֔ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

can intercede for him,
וּפִֽלְל֣וֹ (ū·p̄il·lōw)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6419: To judge, to intercede, pray

but if
וְאִ֤ם (wə·’im)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

a man
אִ֔ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

sins
יֶֽחֱטָא־ (ye·ḥĕ·ṭā-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

against the LORD,
לַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

who
מִ֖י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

can intercede
יִתְפַּלֶּל־ (yiṯ·pal·lel-)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6419: To judge, to intercede, pray

for him?”
ל֑וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

But they would not
וְלֹ֤א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

listen
יִשְׁמְעוּ֙ (yiš·mə·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

to their father,
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם (’ă·ḇî·hem)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

since
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

intended
חָפֵ֥ץ (ḥā·p̄êṣ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire

to put them to death.
לַהֲמִיתָֽם׃ (la·hă·mî·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT History: 1 Samuel 2:25 If one man sin against another God (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 2:24
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