King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 12:25 Mean?

1 Samuel 12:25 in the King James Version says “But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.”

1 Samuel 12:25 · KJV

Context

23

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: in: Heb. from

24

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. how: or, what a great thing

25

But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.

Samuel's concluding warning maintains covenant conditionality: 'if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.' The inclusion of 'your king' emphasizes that monarchy provides no escape from covenant consequences. The Hebrew saphah ('consumed' or 'swept away') denotes complete destruction. This solemn warning frames all of Israel's subsequent monarchical history and prophetically anticipates the exile that would eventually fulfill it. Hope and warning together characterize biblical preaching.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This warning was fulfilled ultimately in 586 BC when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and ended the monarchy. The prophets would repeatedly cite Israel's covenant violations as explanation for national catastrophe. Samuel's warning established the theological framework for interpreting Israel's monarchical history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should sobering warnings balance encouraging promises in Christian proclamation?
  2. What does the eventual fulfillment of Samuel's warning teach about the seriousness of covenant faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְאִם1 of 8
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תָּרֵ֑עוּ2 of 8

“But if ye shall still”

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

תָּרֵ֑עוּ3 of 8

“But if ye shall still”

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

גַּם4 of 8
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַתֶּ֥ם5 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

גַּֽם6 of 8
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

מַלְכְּכֶ֖ם7 of 8

“both ye and your king”

H4428

a king

תִּסָּפֽוּ׃8 of 8

“ye shall be consumed”

H5595

properly, to scrape (literally, to shave; but usually figuratively) together (i.e., to accumulate or increase) or away (i.e., to scatter, remove, or r

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 12:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 12:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 24:201 Samuel 31:1-5Hosea 10:3Deuteronomy 28:36Isaiah 3:11Deuteronomy 32:15-44

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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