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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 8:3 But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/8-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/09_1Sa_08_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 8:3 - Israel Demands a King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice." /><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/8-3.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/8-3.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/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 3</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="/ad3.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/8-2.htm" title="1 Samuel 8:2">◄</a> 1 Samuel 8:3 <a href="/1_samuel/8-4.htm" title="1 Samuel 8:4">►</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/8.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/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But his sons did not follow his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. They accepted bribes and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />His sons, however, did not walk in his ways but turned aside after dishonest gain, and they took bribes and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But his sons did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after greedy gain and took bribes and caused justice to turn aside.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, his sons did not walk in his ways—they turned toward dishonest profit, took bribes, and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, his sons did not walk in his ways—they turned toward dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But they were not like their father. They were dishonest and accepted bribes to give unfair decisions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The sons didn't follow their father's example but turned to dishonest ways of making money. They took bribes and denied people justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But they did not follow their father's example; they were interested only in making money, so they accepted bribes and did not decide cases honestly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />His sons did not follow Samuel's example. Instead, they pursued dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But his sons did not follow his ways. Instead, they made money dishonestly, accepted bribes, and perverted justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />His sons did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />His sons didn’t walk in his ways, but turned away after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and his sons have not walked in his ways, and turn aside after the dishonest gain, and take a bribe, and turn aside judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and his sons have not walked in his ways, and turn aside after the dishonest gain, and take a bribe, and turn aside judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And his sons went not in his way, and they will incline after plunder, and they will take a gift, and they will turn away from judgment.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And his sons walked not in his ways: but they turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But his sons did not walk in his ways. Instead, they turned aside, pursuing avarice. And they accepted bribes, and they perverted judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />His sons did not follow his example, but looked to their own gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Yet his sons did not follow in his ways, but turned aside after gain; they took bribes and perverted justice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But his sons did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes and perverted judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And his sons did not walk in his ways, and they turned away after deceit and they took bribes and turned away justice<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And his sons did not walk in his way; and they turned aside after gain, and took gifts, and perverted judgments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/8-3.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=1834" 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/8.htm">Israel Demands a King</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second was Abijah. They were judges in Beersheba. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇā·nāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">But his sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">walk</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: bə·ḏar·kō (Prep-b:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">in his ways;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: way·yiṭ·ṭū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">they turned aside</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">toward</a> <a href="/hebrew/1215.htm" title="1215: hab·bā·ṣa‘ (Art:: N-ms) -- Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit. From batsa'; plunder; by extension, gain.">dishonest gain,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·ḥū- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">accepting</a> <a href="/hebrew/7810.htm" title="7810: šō·ḥaḏ (N-ms) -- A present, bribe. From shachad; a donation.">bribes</a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: way·yaṭ·ṭū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">and perverting</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: miš·pāṭ (N-ms) -- Judgment. ">justice.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.…<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="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a></span><br />Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a></span><br />Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-11.htm">Micah 3:11</a></span><br />Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-23.htm">Isaiah 1:23</a></span><br />Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/22-17.htm">Jeremiah 22:17</a></span><br />“But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-12.htm">Ezekiel 22:12</a></span><br />In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-12.htm">Amos 5:12</a></span><br />For I know that your transgressions are many and your sins are numerous. You oppress the righteous by taking bribes; you deprive the poor of justice in the gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Proverbs 17:23</a></span><br />A wicked man takes a covert bribe to subvert the course of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-21.htm">Proverbs 28:21</a></span><br />To show partiality is not good, yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Malachi 2:9</a></span><br />“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="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-42.htm">Luke 11:42</a></span><br />Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-24.htm">Matthew 6:24</a></span><br />No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-14.htm">Luke 16:14</a></span><br />The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all of this and were scoffing at Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-18.htm">Acts 8:18-23</a></span><br />When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. / “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” / But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.</p><p class="hdg">his sons</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4</a></b></br> Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">1 Kings 12:6-11</a></b></br> And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/21-1.htm">2 Kings 21:1-3</a></b></br> Manasseh <i>was</i> twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name <i>was</i> Hephzibah… </p><p class="hdg">but turned</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/18-21.htm">Exodus 18:21</a></b></br> Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place <i>such</i> over them, <i>to be</i> rulers of thousands, <i>and</i> rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a></b></br> Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/15-5.htm">Psalm 15:5</a></b></br> <i>He that</i> putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these <i>things</i> shall never be moved.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/13-23.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-25.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/10-17.htm">Bribes</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-35.htm">Dishonest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-25.htm">However</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-2.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/judges/5-10.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-17.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Lucre</a> <a href="/judges/17-4.htm">Money</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-5.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-5.htm">Perverted</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Rewards</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-16.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-12.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/judges/9-19.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-35.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-35.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-23.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/18-5.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">Bribe</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-7.htm">Bribes</a> <a href="/psalms/119-36.htm">Dishonest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-9.htm">However</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">Judging</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-33.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-15.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Lucre</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-2.htm">Money</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-23.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-27.htm">Perverted</a> <a href="/psalms/62-10.htm">Rewards</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-5.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-23.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">Ways</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-1.htm">By occasion of the ill government of Samuel's sons, the Israelites ask a king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">Samuel praying in grief is comforted by God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-10.htm">He tells the manner of a king</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/8-19.htm">God wills Samuel to yield unto the importunity of the people</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/8.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/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But his sons did not walk in his ways;</b><br>Samuel's sons, Joel and Abijah, were appointed as judges over Israel, but they failed to follow the righteous example set by their father. This phrase highlights the recurring biblical theme of the failure of the next generation to uphold the spiritual and moral standards of their predecessors. Similar patterns are seen with Eli's sons in <a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12-17</a>, who also did not follow in their father's ways. This failure underscores the importance of personal responsibility in maintaining faithfulness to God's commands, regardless of one's lineage or upbringing.<p><b>they turned aside toward dishonest gain,</b><br>The phrase "turned aside" suggests a deliberate departure from the path of righteousness. The pursuit of dishonest gain indicates a prioritization of personal wealth and power over justice and integrity. This behavior is condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Proverbs 15:27</a>, which warns against the destructive nature of greed. The actions of Samuel's sons reflect a broader societal issue where leaders exploit their positions for personal benefit, a problem that persists in various forms throughout history.<p><b>accepting bribes</b><br>Accepting bribes is explicitly condemned in the Mosaic Law, as seen in <a href="/exodus/23-8.htm">Exodus 23:8</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a>, where it is stated that bribes blind the eyes of the wise and subvert the cause of the righteous. This practice undermines the justice system and erodes public trust in leadership. The acceptance of bribes by Samuel's sons illustrates their moral corruption and the resulting failure to administer justice impartially, which is a direct violation of God's commandments.<p><b>and perverting justice.</b><br>Perverting justice is a grave sin in the biblical context, as justice is a foundational principle of God's character and His expectations for human governance. <a href="/isaiah/5-20.htm">Isaiah 5:20-23</a> speaks against those who call evil good and good evil, highlighting the severity of distorting justice. The actions of Samuel's sons contributed to the people's demand for a king, as they lost faith in the current system of judges. This demand ultimately led to the anointing of Saul as king, marking a significant shift in Israel's governance and fulfilling God's warning about the consequences of rejecting His direct rule (<a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7-9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>A prophet and judge over Israel, known for his faithfulness to God. He was instrumental in transitioning Israel from the period of judges to the monarchy.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/joel_and_abijah.htm">Joel and Abijah</a></b><br>The sons of Samuel, appointed as judges in Beersheba. Unlike their father, they were corrupt and did not follow his righteous ways.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/beersheba.htm">Beersheba</a></b><br>A significant city in the southern part of Israel, where Samuel's sons served as judges.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation of God's chosen people, who were affected by the corruption of Samuel's sons and subsequently demanded a king.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/judges.htm">Judges</a></b><br>Leaders appointed by God to deliver Israel from oppression and lead them in His ways. Samuel was the last judge before the establishment of the monarchy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_leadership.htm">The Importance of Godly Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders must walk in God's ways to guide others effectively. Samuel's sons serve as a cautionary tale of how leadership can falter when it strays from God's path.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_corruption.htm">The Consequences of Corruption</a></b><br>Dishonest gain and perversion of justice lead to societal decay. The actions of Samuel's sons prompted Israel to demand a king, altering the nation's trajectory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/parental_influence_and_responsibility.htm">Parental Influence and Responsibility</a></b><br>While Samuel was a faithful servant of God, his sons did not follow his example. This highlights the importance of intentional spiritual guidance within families.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_materialism.htm">The Dangers of Materialism</a></b><br>Pursuing dishonest gain and accepting bribes reflect a heart turned away from God. Believers are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/justice_and_integrity.htm">Justice and Integrity</a></b><br>Upholding justice is a biblical mandate. As followers of Christ, we are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_bribes.htm">What does the Bible say about accepting bribes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_christianity_and_politics.htm">What does the Bible say about Christianity and politics?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_david_both_brutal_and_godly.htm">How can one harmonize David's brutal warfare in 2 Samuel 8 with the biblical depiction of him as a 'man after God's own heart?'</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_1_samuel_8_an_edited_text.htm">Could 1 Samuel 8 reflect later editorial influences rather than an authentic historical event?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Took bribes, and perverted judgment.</span>--This sin, at all times a fatally common one in the East, was especially denounced in the Law. (See <a href="/context/exodus/23-6.htm" title="You shall not wrest the judgment of your poor in his cause.">Exodus 23:6-8</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm" title="You shall not wrest judgment; you shall not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift does blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.">Deuteronomy 16:19</a>.) It is strange that the same ills that ruined Eli's house, owing to the evil conduct of his children, now threatened Samuel. The prophet-judge, however, acted differently to the high priestly judge. The sons of Samuel were evidently, through their father's action in procuring the election of Saul, quickly deposed from their authority. The punishment seems to have been successful in correcting the corrupt tendencies of these men, for we hear in after days of the high position occupied at the court of David by the distinguished descendants of the noble and disinterested prophet. (See the notices in <a href="/1_chronicles/6-33.htm" title="And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel,">1Chronicles 6:33</a>; <a href="/context/1_chronicles/25-4.htm" title="Of Heman: the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamtiezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth:">1Chronicles 25:4-5</a>, respecting Heman, the grandson of Samuel, the king's seer, who was chief of the choir of the Psalmist-king in the house of God.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">His sons...took bribes.</span> This sin was expressly forbidden in <a href="/exodus/23-6.htm">Exodus 23:6, 8</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/16-19.htm">Deuteronomy 16:19</a>, and it marks the high spirit of the nation that it was so indignant at justice being thus perverted. <span class="cmt_word">They walked not in his way</span> (singular - so the written text); for Samuel's own administration of justice had been most upright (<a href="/1_samuel/12-4.htm">1 Samuel 12:4</a>), nor is it laid to his charge that he connived at the misconduct of his sons. On the contrary, after remonstrance indeed, not for his sons' sake, but for the honour of the theocracy, and that the people might be on their guard against a despotic exercise of the power with which they were about to intrust a single man, he superseded not them only, but also himself. His conduct in this trying conjuncture was most admirable, and few commentators have done justice to the man, who, possessed of what was virtually kingly power, yet gave it over for the nation's good into the hands of another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/8-3.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">But his sons</span><br /><span class="heb">בָנָיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<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">did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">walk</span><br /><span class="heb">הָלְכ֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·lə·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his ways;</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּדְרָכָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(biḏ·rā·ḵāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they turned aside</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּטּ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiṭ·ṭū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">toward</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dishonest gain,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבָּ֑צַע</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bā·ṣa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1215.htm">Strong's 1215: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">accepted</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּ֨קְחוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·ḥū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bribes,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁ֔חַד</span> <span class="translit">(šō·ḥaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7810.htm">Strong's 7810: </a> </span><span class="str2">A present, bribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and perverted</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּטּ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yaṭ·ṭū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">justice.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁפָּֽט׃</span> <span class="translit">(miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 8:3 His sons didn't walk in his ways (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/8-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 8:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 8:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/8-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 8:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 8:4" /></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>