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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/2-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/09_1Sa_02_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 2:12 - Eli's Wicked Sons" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/2-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/2-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/2-11.htm" title="1 Samuel 2:11">◄</a> 1 Samuel 2:12 <a href="/1_samuel/2-13.htm" title="1 Samuel 2:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Eli&#8217s sons were scoundrels; they had no regard for the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli <i>were</i> sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli <i>were</i> corrupt; they did not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were useless men; they did not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were vile men; they did not know Yahweh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Eli [Hophni and Phinehas] were worthless (dishonorable, unprincipled) men; they did not know [nor respect] the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Eli’s sons were wicked men; they did not respect the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Eli&#8217s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were base men; they knew not Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Eli's sons, [Hophni and Phinehas,] were good-for-nothing priests; they had no faith in the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The sons of Eli were scoundrels. They paid no attention to the LORD <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were worthless men who did not know the LORD. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The sons of Eli were wicked men. They did not recognize the LORD's authority.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were wicked men. They didn’t know Yahweh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the sons of Eli [are] sons of worthlessness, they have not known YHWH.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the sons of Eli are sons of worthlessness, they have not known Jehovah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the sons of Eli, sons of Belial; they knew not Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now the sons of Heli were children of Belial, not knowing the Lord, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But the sons of Eli were sons of Belial, not knowing the Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were wicked; they had respect neither for the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels; they had no regard for the LORD<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they did not know the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the sons of Eli, the sons of sin, did not know LORD JEHOVAH<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were base men; they knew not the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the sons of Heli the priest <i>were</i> evil sons, not knowing the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/2-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=414" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/2.htm">Eli's Wicked Sons</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇə·nê (Conj-w:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">Now the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/5941.htm" title="5941: ‘ê·lî (N-proper-ms) -- A priest at Shiloh. From alah; lofty; Eli, an Israelite high-priest.">of Eli</a> <a href="/hebrew/1100.htm" title="1100: ḇə·lî·yā·‘al (N-ms) -- Worthlessness. From bliy and ya'al; without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness.">were wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">men;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they had no</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏə·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">regard</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">for the LORD</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>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…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Malachi 2:7-9</a></span><br />For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. / But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts. / “So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-11.htm">Jeremiah 23:11</a></span><br />“For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-26.htm">Ezekiel 22:26</a></span><br />Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/56-10.htm">Isaiah 56:10-12</a></span><br />Israel’s watchmen are blind, they are all oblivious; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they are dreamers lying around, loving to slumber. / Like ravenous dogs, they are never satisfied. They are shepherds with no discernment; they all turn to their own way, each one seeking his own gain: / “Come, let me get the wine, let us imbibe the strong drink, and tomorrow will be like today, only far better!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13-15</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. / Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Romans 1:28-32</a></span><br />Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. / They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1-5</a></span><br />But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. / For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Titus 1:16</a></span><br />They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a></span><br />You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a></span><br />Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-18.htm">Philippians 3:18-19</a></span><br />For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. / Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-3</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-4.htm">Jude 1:4</a></span><br />For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">The sons</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6-9</a></b></br> My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/2-1.htm">Malachi 2:1-9</a></b></br> And now, O ye priests, this commandment <i>is</i> for you… </p><p class="hdg">sons of Belial</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">1 Samuel 10:27</a></b></br> But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-17.htm">1 Samuel 25:17</a></b></br> Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he <i>is such</i> a son of Belial, that <i>a man</i> cannot speak to him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/13-13.htm">Deuteronomy 13:13</a></b></br> <i>Certain</i> men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;</p><p class="hdg">knew</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/3-7.htm">1 Samuel 3:7</a></b></br> Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/2-10.htm">Judges 2:10</a></b></br> And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/2-8.htm">Jeremiah 2:8</a></b></br> The priests said not, Where <i>is</i> the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after <i>things that</i> do not profit.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm">Base</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm">Belial</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-11.htm">Eli</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-11.htm">Eli's</a> <a href="/judges/20-41.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-9.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm">Worthless</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm">Worthlessness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/7-17.htm">Base</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">Belial</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-20.htm">Eli</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-14.htm">Eli's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-23.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-20.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-23.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">Worthless</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-27.htm">Worthlessness</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-1.htm">Hannah's song in thankfulness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">The sin of Eli's sons</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-18.htm">Samuel's ministry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-20.htm">by Eli's blessing Hannah is more fruitful</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-22.htm">Eli reproves his sons</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-27.htm">A prophecy against Eli's house</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now the sons of Eli</b><br>The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests serving at the tabernacle in Shiloh. Eli was the high priest and judge of Israel, and his sons were expected to follow in his footsteps. This context highlights the gravity of their actions, as they were in positions of spiritual leadership. Their behavior would have had significant implications for the religious life of Israel, as they were responsible for mediating between God and the people.<p><b>were wicked men;</b><br>The term "wicked" indicates a moral and spiritual corruption. In the Hebrew text, the phrase used is "sons of Belial," which implies worthlessness and lawlessness. This description sets the stage for understanding their actions as not just personal failings but as a direct affront to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. Their wickedness is later detailed in the narrative, showing their abuse of priestly privileges and their exploitation of the sacrificial system.<p><b>they had no regard for the LORD</b><br>This phrase underscores their spiritual blindness and rebellion. The lack of regard for the LORD suggests a deliberate disregard for God's commandments and the sacred duties of their office. This is a serious indictment, as it implies a rejection of God's authority and a failure to honor the covenant. Their actions are contrasted with the faithful service expected of priests, as outlined in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. This disregard is a precursor to the judgment that will come upon Eli's house, as prophesied later in the chapter.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/eli.htm">Eli</a></b><br>The high priest of Shiloh and judge of Israel. He was responsible for the spiritual leadership of the nation and the training of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/hophni_and_phinehas.htm">Hophni and Phinehas</a></b><br>The sons of Eli, who served as priests but were described as "wicked men" in this verse. Their actions were contrary to the duties and responsibilities of their priestly office.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/shiloh.htm">Shiloh</a></b><br>The religious center of Israel at the time, where the tabernacle was located and where Eli and his sons served.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, whom Eli's sons failed to honor and respect in their priestly duties.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a></b><br>The dwelling place of God among His people, where sacrifices and worship were conducted, and where Eli's sons committed their transgressions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_reverence_for_god.htm">The Importance of Reverence for God</a></b><br>Eli's sons lacked reverence for the LORD, which serves as a warning to us about the importance of honoring God in all aspects of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_spiritual_neglect.htm">The Consequences of Spiritual Neglect</a></b><br>The wickedness of Eli's sons led to severe consequences for them and their family. This teaches us that neglecting our spiritual responsibilities can have far-reaching effects.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_accountability.htm">Leadership and Accountability</a></b><br>As leaders, whether in the church or in our homes, we are accountable for guiding others in the ways of the Lord. Eli's failure to correct his sons serves as a cautionary tale.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_holiness.htm">The Call to Holiness</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to be set apart and live lives that reflect God's holiness. This requires daily commitment and reliance on the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_priesthood.htm">The Role of the Priesthood</a></b><br>In the New Covenant, all believers are part of the royal priesthood, tasked with representing God to the world and interceding on behalf of others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_records_confirm_shiloh's_priesthood.htm">1 Samuel 2:12–17 describes corrupt priests at Shiloh—do archaeological records confirm such a worship center and priesthood as depicted? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_key_events_in_1_samuel.htm">What are the key events in 1 Samuel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_preachers'_kids_face_more_challenges.htm">Do preachers' kids face more challenges than others?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_hold_eli_accountable_for_his_sons.htm">1 Samuel 3:13 – Why would God hold Eli accountable for his sons’ misconduct rather than act directly to prevent their corruption? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Sons of.</span>--The word Belial is printed here and <a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm" title="Count not your handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken till now.">1Samuel 1:16</a>, as though Belial were the name of some pagan deity, but it simply signifies "worthlessness." It is a common term in these records of Samuel, being used some nine or ten times. It is rarely found in the other historical books. "Sons of Belial" signifies, then, merely "sons of worthlessness," worthless, good-for-nothing men. The <span class= "ital">Speaker's Commentary </span>ingeniously accounts for the use of Belial in the English Version here, and in other places in the Old Testament, by referring to the contrast drawn by St. Paul between Christ and Belial, as if Belial were the name of an idol. or the personification of evil (<a href="/2_corinthians/6-15.htm" title="And what concord has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel?">2Corinthians 6:15</a>).<p><span class= "bld">They knew not the Lord.</span>--The whole conduct of these high priestly officials showed they were utter unbelievers. They used their sacred position merely as affording an opportunity for their selfish extortions; and, as is so often the case now, as it was then, their unbelief was the source of their moral worthlessness (see <a href="/1_samuel/2-22.htm" title="Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did to all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.">1Samuel 2:22</a>). "Hophni and Phinehas (the two sons of Eli) are, for students of ecclesiastical history, eminently suggestive characters. They are true exemplars of the grasping and worldly clergy of all ages.<p>"It was the sacrificial feasts that gave occasion for their rapacity. It was the dances and assemblies of the women in the vineyards and before the sacred feast that gave occasion for their debaucheries. They were the worst development of the lawlessness of the age, penetrating, as in the case of the wandering Levite of the Book of Judges, into the most sacred offices.<p>"But the coarseness of these vices does not make the moral less pointed for all times. The three-pronged fork which fishes up the seething flesh is the earliest type of grasping at pluralities and Church preferments by base means, the open profligacy at the door of the Tabernacle is the type of many a scandal brought on the Christian Church by the selfishness or sensuality of the ministers."--Dean Stanley, <span class= "ital">On the Jewish Churchy </span>Lecture 17, Part I.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial,</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> worthless men (see on 1 Samuel 1:16). <span class="cmt_word">They knew not Jehovah.</span> He had never been revealed to their consciences, and so his fear had no influence upon their lives. The next words, in ver. 13, are difficult, but lit. mean, "The legal right of the priests, towards, or as respects, the people." On this account the Vulgate and several commentators couple the sentence with what precedes: "they knew neither Jehovah, nor their own legal rights." But the word <span class="accented">also</span> in ver. 15 is incompatible with this rendering; for if what is mentioned there be illegal, so must also the practice be which is recorded here. But neither does <span class="accented">custom</span> give the sense; for the Hebrews has not priest's (sing.) as the A.V., but <span class="accented">of the priests</span>, of all priests generally, and not of Eli merely and his sons. The right translation is that given by the Sept., Syriac, and Chaldee, namely, "the due of the priests from the people," on which see <a href="/leviticus/7-31.htm">Leviticus 7:31-35</a>. In the original this is put absolutely "And as to the priests' due from the people, when," etc., but our language requires some insertion to make it read more smoothly. "And as to the due of the priests from the people, the manner of its exaction was as follows: When," etc. But besides the due and legal portion, which, nevertheless, they took in an illegal way, they demanded a part of the flesh reserved for the feast of the offerer, and to which they had absolutely no right (see <a href="/leviticus/8-31.htm">Leviticus 8:31</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/35-13.htm">2 Chronicles 35:13</a>). The legal due of the priest was the right shoulder and the wave breast; but before he took them they were to be consecrated to God by the burning of the fat upon the altar (<a href="/leviticus/3-5.htm">Leviticus 3:5</a>; <a href="/leviticus/7-31.htm">Leviticus 7:31, 34</a>). It is worth observing that the people seem well acquainted with the words of the Law, and are indignant because the priests, its proper guardians, do not abide literally by them. This contempt of the Law distressed their religious susceptibilites, while the cupidity of Eli's sons offended their moral nature. And so <span class="cmt_word">men abhorred the offering of Jehovah.</span> Lit. it is the <span class="accented">minchah</span>, the unbloody sacrifice, or meat offering, but it is put here forevery kind of sacrificial offering. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/2-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Now the sons</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Eli</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵלִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5941.htm">Strong's 5941: </a> </span><span class="str2">Eli -- a priest at Shiloh</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were wicked</span><br /><span class="heb">בְלִיָּ֑עַל</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·lî·yā·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1100.htm">Strong's 1100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickedness </span><br /><br /><span class="word">men;</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they had no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">regard</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדְע֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were base (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/2-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 2:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 2:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/2-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 2:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 2:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>