King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 2:25 Mean?

1 Samuel 2:25 in the King James Version says “If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

1 Samuel 2:25 · KJV


Context

23

And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. of your: or, evil words of you

24

Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress. transgress: or, cry out

25

If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

26

And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

27

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?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eli's argument reaches its theological apex with a profound question: 'if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?' Sins between humans can find human judges and mediators. But sins directly against God leave no higher court of appeal. This rhetorical question answers itself: none can mediate between the sinner and the offended God - except, as the full canon reveals, the promised Mediator, Jesus Christ. Yet the sons 'hearkened not' because 'the LORD would slay them.' Divine judicial hardening confirms their self-chosen path toward destruction.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of divine hardening appears throughout Scripture (Exodus 4:21; Romans 9:18). Hophni and Phinehas had so thoroughly committed to wickedness that God withdrew restraining grace, sealing their destruction. Their refusal to listen confirms rather than causes their doom.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Eli's unanswered question find its answer in Christ's mediatorial work?
  2. How does persistent rejection of correction lead to judicial hardening?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
אִם1 of 21
H518

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

יֶֽחֱטָא2 of 21

sin

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

אִ֔ישׁ3 of 21

If one man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אִ֔ישׁ4 of 21

If one man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִתְפַּלֶּל5 of 21

shall judge

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

אֱלֹהִ֔ים6 of 21

the judge

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְאִ֤ם7 of 21
H518

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

יְהוָ֖ה8 of 21

against the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יֶֽחֱטָא9 of 21

sin

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

אִ֔ישׁ10 of 21

If one man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִ֖י11 of 21
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יִתְפַּלֶּל12 of 21

shall judge

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

ל֑וֹ13 of 21
H0
וְלֹ֤א14 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשְׁמְעוּ֙15 of 21

for him Notwithstanding they hearkened

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לְק֣וֹל16 of 21

not unto the voice

H6963

a voice or sound

אֲבִיהֶ֔ם17 of 21

of their father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

כִּֽי18 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָפֵ֥ץ19 of 21

would

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

יְהוָ֖ה20 of 21

against the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לַֽהֲמִיתָֽם׃21 of 21

slay

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill


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 2:25 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 2:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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