King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 2:14 Mean?

1 Samuel 2:14 in the King James Version says “And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for hims...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.”

1 Samuel 2:14 · KJV

Context

12

Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

13

And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

14

And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.

15

Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

16

And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. presently: Heb. as on the day

Read 1 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The corruption spreads from the priests' portion to the people's share. Whatever the fork brought up, 'the priest took for himself.' This violated multiple laws: taking more than priestly due, interrupting the worshiper's communion meal, and showing contempt for sacred procedures. The phrase 'So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites' indicates systematic, widespread abuse. Every worshiper who came to the central sanctuary encountered this corruption. Religious leaders who exploit worshipers destroy not only individual faith but national spiritual life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological evidence suggests Shiloh was destroyed around 1050 BCE, likely by Philistines. This destruction, referenced later in Jeremiah 7:12-14 and 26:6, became a paradigm of divine judgment on corrupt worship sites. The priests' behavior contributed to God's willingness to allow this destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. What happens when religious corruption becomes systematic rather than isolated?
  2. How should believers respond when encountering corrupted religious institutions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְהִכָּ֨ה1 of 22

“And he struck”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

בַכִּיּ֜וֹר2 of 22

“it into the pan”

H3595

properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl

א֣וֹ3 of 22
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בַדּ֗וּד4 of 22

“or kettle”

H1731

a pot (for boiling); also (by resemblance of shape) a basket

א֤וֹ5 of 22
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בַקַּלַּ֙חַת֙6 of 22

“or caldron”

H7037

a kettle

א֣וֹ7 of 22
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

בַפָּר֔וּר8 of 22

“or pot”

H6517

a skillet (as flat or deep)

כֹּ֚ל9 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַֽעֲלֶ֣ה11 of 22

“brought up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

הַמַּזְלֵ֔ג12 of 22

“all that the fleshhook”

H4207

a fork

יִקַּ֥ח13 of 22

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן14 of 22

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בּ֑וֹ15 of 22
H0
כָּ֚כָה16 of 22
H3602

just so, referring to the previous or following context

יַֽעֲשׂ֣וּ17 of 22

“for himself So they did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְכָל18 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל19 of 22

“unto all the Israelites”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַבָּאִ֥ים20 of 22

“that came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

שָׁ֖ם21 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בְּשִׁלֹֽה׃22 of 22

“in Shiloh”

H7887

shiloh, a place in palestine

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 2:14 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 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 29:27-281 Samuel 2:29Isaiah 56:112 Peter 2:13-15Malachi 1:10Leviticus 7:34

Places in This Verse

ShilohSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Seilun · 32.06°N, 35.29°E37 verses across 8 books
View all places in 1 Samuel 2 →

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