Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he failed to restrain them. New Living Translation I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them. English Standard Version And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Berean Standard Bible I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them. Berean Literal Bible For I have told him that I will judge his house even to forever for the iniquity that he knows, because his sons blasphemed God, and he did not restrain them. King James Bible For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. New King James Version For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. New American Standard Bible For I have told him that I am going to judge his house forever for the wrongdoing that he knew, because his sons were bringing a curse on themselves and he did not rebuke them. NASB 1995 “For I have told him that I am about to judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves and he did not rebuke them. NASB 1977 “For I have told him that I am about to judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves and he did not rebuke them. Legacy Standard Bible And I have told him that I am about to judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knew because his sons have been bringing a curse on themselves, but he did not rebuke them. Amplified Bible Now I have told him that I am about to judge his house forever for the sinful behavior which he knew [was happening], because his sons were bringing a curse on themselves [dishonoring and blaspheming God] and he did not rebuke them. Berean Annotated Bible I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God [made themselves contemptible] and he did not restrain them. Christian Standard Bible I told him that I am going to judge his family forever because of the iniquity he knows about: his sons are cursing God, and he has not stopped them. Holman Christian Standard Bible I told him that I am going to judge his family forever because of the iniquity he knows about: his sons are defiling the sanctuary, and he has not stopped them. American Standard Version For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons did bring a curse upon themselves, and he restrained them not. Contemporary English Version He knew that his sons refused to respect me, and he let them get away with it, even though I said I would punish his family forever. English Revised Version For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons did bring a curse upon themselves, and he restrained them not. GOD'S WORD® Translation I told him that I would hand down a permanent judgment against his household because he knew about his sons' sin-that they were cursing God-but he didn't try to stop them. Good News Translation I have already told him that I am going to punish his family forever because his sons have spoken evil things against me. Eli knew they were doing this, but he did not stop them. International Standard Version I've told him that I'm about to judge his family forever because of the iniquity that he knew about. His sons committed blasphemy and he did not rebuke them. NET Bible You should tell him that I am about to judge his house forever because of the sin that he knew about. For his sons were cursing God, and he did not rebuke them. New Heart English Bible For I have told him that I will judge his house forever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons were cursing God, and he did not restrain them. Webster's Bible Translation For I have told him, that I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knoweth: because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them. World English Bible For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves, and he didn’t restrain them. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand I have declared to him that I am judging his house for all time, for the iniquity which he has known, for his sons are making themselves vile, and he has not restrained them, Berean Literal Bible For I have told him that I will judge his house even to forever for the iniquity that he knows, because his sons blasphemed God, and he did not restrain them. Young's Literal Translation and I have declared to him that I am judging his house -- to the age, for the iniquity which he hath known, for his sons are making themselves vile, and he hath not restrained them, Smith's Literal Translation And I announced to him that I judge his house even forever, for the iniquity which he knew: for his sons cursing for themselves and he admonished them not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor I have foretold unto him, that I will judge his house for ever, for iniquity, because he knew that his sons did wickedly, and did not chastise them. Catholic Public Domain Version For I have foretold to him that I will judge his house unto eternity, because of iniquity. For he had known that his sons acted shamefully, and he did not chastise them. New American Bible I announce to him that I am condemning his house once and for all, because of this crime: though he knew his sons were blaspheming God, he did not reprove them. New Revised Standard Version For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd I will show him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knew when his sons reviled the people and he did not rebuke them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I shall show him that I judge his house for eternity in the evil that he had known, that these his sons had been abusing the people and he was not rebuking them OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity, in that he knew that his sons did bring a curse upon themselves, and he rebuked them not. Brenton Septuagint Translation And I have told him that I will be avenged on his house perpetually for the iniquities of his sons, because his sons spoke evil against God, and he did not admonish them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The LORD Calls Samuel…12On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his family, from beginning to end. 13I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them. 14Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, ‘The iniquity of Eli’s house shall never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’ ”… Cross References I told him that I would judge his house forever 1 Samuel 2:30-34 Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained. / Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that no one in it will reach old age. / You will see distress in My dwelling place. Despite all that is good in Israel, no one in your house will ever again reach old age. … 1 Kings 2:27 So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli. Exodus 34:7 maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” for the iniquity of which he knows, Ezekiel 33:7-9 As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me. / If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. / But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life. Luke 12:47-48 That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded. Proverbs 24:11-12 Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter. / If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? because his sons blasphemed God Leviticus 24:15-16 And you are to tell the Israelites, ‘If anyone curses his God, he shall bear the consequences of his sin. / Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death; the whole assembly must surely stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or native; if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death. 1 Kings 21:10 But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain. and he did not restrain them 1 Kings 1:6 (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) Proverbs 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die. / Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol. 1 Samuel 2:12-17 Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD / or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling / and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. … 1 Samuel 2:22-25 Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. / “Why are you doing these things?” Eli said to his sons. “I hear about your wicked deeds from all these people. / No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people. … 1 Samuel 2:29-30 Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’ / Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained. 1 Samuel 2:31-34 Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that no one in it will reach old age. / You will see distress in My dwelling place. Despite all that is good in Israel, no one in your house will ever again reach old age. / And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, I will cause your eyes to fail and your heart to grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. … Treasury of Scripture For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knows; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. For I have told him. 1 Samuel 2:27-30 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house? … I will 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. Ezekiel 7:3 Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations. Ezekiel 18:30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. which he knoweth 1 Kings 2:44 The king said moreover to Shimei, Thou knowest all the wickedness which thine heart is privy to, that thou didst to David my father: therefore the LORD shall return thy wickedness upon thine own head; Exodus 7:22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. 1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. his sons 1 Samuel 2:12,17,22,23 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD… vile. 1 Samuel 2:23-25 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people… 1 Kings 1:6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom. Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. Jump to Previous Blaspheming Contemptible Control Curse Cursing Declared House Iniquity Judge Punish Punishment Rebuke Rebuked Restrain Restrained Sin Themselves VileJump to Next Blaspheming Contemptible Control Curse Cursing Declared House Iniquity Judge Punish Punishment Rebuke Rebuked Restrain Restrained Sin Themselves Vile1 Samuel 3 1. How the word of the Lord was first revealed to Samuel11. God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house 15. Samuel, though loath, tells Eli the vision 19. Samuel grows in credit I told him that I would judge his house forever This phrase refers to God's message to Eli through the young prophet Samuel. The judgment on Eli's house is a divine decree due to the persistent sin within his family. The concept of "house" in biblical terms often refers to one's family lineage or dynasty. This judgment is significant as it marks a shift in the priestly line, which was initially promised to Aaron's descendants. The idea of a perpetual judgment highlights the severity of the offense and the importance of holiness in leadership roles. for the iniquity of which he knows because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them Persons / Places / Events 1. EliThe high priest of Israel at the time, who served at the tabernacle in Shiloh. He was responsible for the spiritual leadership of Israel but failed to discipline his sons. 2. Eli's Sons (Hophni and Phinehas) They were priests who served under Eli but were corrupt and blasphemed God by their actions, which included taking advantage of their priestly position for personal gain. 3. Samuel A young boy serving under Eli, who would later become a prophet and judge of Israel. God called Samuel to deliver the message of judgment against Eli's house. 4. Shiloh The religious center of Israel at the time, where the tabernacle was located and where Eli and his sons served. 5. God's Judgment The divine decision to bring judgment upon Eli's house due to the unrestrained sin of his sons and Eli's failure to correct them. Teaching Points Parental ResponsibilityEli's failure to restrain his sons serves as a warning about the importance of parental discipline and guidance in accordance with God's standards. Consequences of Sin The passage highlights that unrepentant sin, especially among those in spiritual leadership, leads to severe consequences. God's Justice God's judgment on Eli's house demonstrates His commitment to justice and holiness, reminding us that He holds leaders accountable. Listening to God's Voice Samuel's role in delivering God's message encourages believers to be attentive and responsive to God's calling in their lives. Spiritual Leadership The account underscores the importance of integrity and accountability in spiritual leadership, urging leaders to uphold God's standards. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 3:13?2. How does 1 Samuel 3:13 highlight the importance of parental responsibility in faith? 3. What consequences did Eli face for not restraining his sons' behavior? 4. How can we apply Eli's example to modern Christian parenting practices? 5. What other biblical examples show the importance of addressing sin within the family? 6. How does 1 Samuel 3:13 encourage accountability within the church community? 7. Why did God hold Eli accountable for his sons' sins in 1 Samuel 3:13? 8. How does 1 Samuel 3:13 reflect on parental responsibility in spiritual matters? 9. What does 1 Samuel 3:13 reveal about God's judgment and justice? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 3? 11. Why did God permit concubines in the Bible? 12. What does the Bible say about Christianity and politics? 13. 1 Samuel 3:13 - Why would God hold Eli accountable for his sons' misconduct rather than act directly to prevent their corruption? 14. Exodus 31:3 - How could a supernatural infusion of craftsmanship and skill be scientifically or historically validated? What Does 1 Samuel 3:13 Mean I told him• The Lord reminds Samuel that this warning to Eli is not new; it repeats the prophetic word spoken in 1 Samuel 2:27-29, proving God’s patience and fairness before judgment. • Like Genesis 6:3 and 2 Peter 3:9, God first sends clear warnings so no one can claim ignorance. • The statement stresses personal accountability; Eli received the message directly and could not pass responsibility to others. that I would judge his house forever • “Judge” here signals decisive, irreversible discipline on Eli’s priestly line, matching the earlier promise in 1 Samuel 2:30-34 that his descendants would die young and lose their place. • The permanence (“forever”) echoes Numbers 25:13, where faithfulness secured an everlasting priesthood; by contrast, unfaithfulness forfeits it (1 Kings 2:27). • It underscores God’s holiness in leadership: those who represent Him must reflect His character (Leviticus 10:3). for the iniquity of which he knows • Eli was not merely unaware or misinformed; he knowingly tolerated sin. James 4:17 reminds us, “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” • Knowledge increases responsibility (Luke 12:47). The verse confronts passive complicity—failure to act is itself sinful (Ezekiel 3:18). • Personal confession and decisive action were still possible, but Eli’s inertia demonstrated a hardened heart. because his sons blasphemed God • Hophni and Phinehas treated the Lord’s sacrifices with contempt (1 Samuel 2:12-17) and engaged in sexual immorality at the tabernacle entrance (2:22). • Such actions constituted blasphemy—open, defiant dishonor of God (Leviticus 24:10-16). • Malachi 2:8 later condemns priests who “caused many to stumble by your instruction,” mirroring Eli’s sons’ destructive influence on Israel’s worship. and he did not restrain them • Parental and spiritual oversight was Eli’s God-given duty (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). He rebuked his sons verbally (1 Samuel 2:23-25) but failed to remove them from office. • Scripture ties leadership to household management: “He must manage his own household well” (1 Timothy 3:4). Eli’s failure disqualified him. • Proverbs 13:24 and Hebrews 12:11 teach loving discipline; neglecting it invites ruin (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). Eli’s leniency became complicity. summary God’s message in 1 Samuel 3:13 illustrates that knowing, unrestrained sin—especially among leaders—invites certain judgment. Eli’s sons brazenly blasphemed, and Eli’s failure to act made him answerable. The verse calls every believer to uphold God’s holiness, exercise faithful oversight in the home and church, and respond promptly to divine warnings, trusting that obedience secures blessing while tolerated sin eventually meets God’s just discipline. (13) Because his sons made themselves vile.--The enormity of the sin of Eli and his house, which was to be so fearfully punished, must be measured by the extent of the mischief it worked; well-nigh all Israel were involved in it. The fatal example the priests had set at Shiloh filtrated through the entire people; the result was, that unbelief in the Eternal was becoming general throughout the land. The old pure religion was rapidly dying out of the hearts of the men, and the profligacy and covetousness of Shiloh would soon have been copied only too faithfully in all the homes of Israel. This fearful state of things was known to the high priest and judge, and still the weak and indulgent father refrained from removing his sons from their high office.Verse 13. - For I have told him, etc. These words may be translated, with the Septuagint and Vulgate, "For I have told him that I would judge his house," referring back to the message of the man of God; or, with the Syriac, "And I will show him that I do judge his house." Forever. I.e. finally; his house shall pass away. His sons made themselves vile. The verb used here invariably means to curse; but "they cursed themselves" does not, without straining, give a good sense. The Septuagint for "themselves" reads God, and the Syriac the people. Buxtorf says ('Lex. Rab.,' sub תִּקּוּן) that the right reading is me, and that this is one of eighteen places where the scribes have changed me into themselves or them. But while thus there is much uncertainty about the right text, the evidence is too uncertain to act upon, and it is best to translate, "His sons have brought a curse upon themselves," while acknowledging that the ordinary rendering would be "have cursed themselves." And he restrained them not. The Versions generally take the verb used here as equivalent to one differing only in having a softer medial consonant, כהה = כאה, and translate rebuked; but that really found in the Hebrew text signifies "to weaken, humble, reduce to powerlessness." The A.V. takes neither one verb nor the other in the rendering restrained. Eli ought to have prevented his sons from persisting in bringing disgrace upon God's service by stripping them of their office. Their wickedness was great, and required a stern and decisive remedy.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew I toldוְהִגַּ֣דְתִּי (wə·hig·gaḏ·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous him that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I אֲנִ֛י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I will judge שֹׁפֵ֥ט (šō·p̄êṭ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8199: To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate his house בֵּית֖וֹ (bê·ṯōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house forever עוֹלָ֑ם (‘ō·w·lām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always for the iniquity בַּעֲוֺ֣ן (ba·‘ă·wōn) Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity of which אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that he knows, יָדַ֗ע (yā·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3045: To know because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction his sons בָּנָ֔יו (bā·nāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son blasphemed God מְקַֽלְלִ֤ים (mə·qal·lîm) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling and he did not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no restrain כִהָ֖ה (ḵi·hāh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3543: To be weak, to despond, to grow dull them. בָּֽם׃ (bām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew Links 1 Samuel 3:13 NIV1 Samuel 3:13 NLT 1 Samuel 3:13 ESV 1 Samuel 3:13 NASB 1 Samuel 3:13 KJV 1 Samuel 3:13 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 3:13 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 3:13 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 3:13 French Bible 1 Samuel 3:13 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 3:13 For I have told him that (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
    |