King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 2:27 Mean?

1 Samuel 2:27 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

1 Samuel 2:27 · KJV


Context

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?

28

And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?

29

Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
An anonymous 'man of God' delivers prophetic judgment to Eli. His message begins with historical reminder: God revealed Himself to Eli's ancestors in Egypt, choosing them for priestly service. The rhetorical question expects an affirmative answer - yes, God had plainly appeared to Aaron's house. This historical foundation makes current failure inexcusable. Those with greater privilege bear greater responsibility. Eli's family had generations of divine revelation and sacred service; their corruption therefore warranted severe judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The title 'man of God' (ish elohim) designates a prophetic figure throughout the Old Testament. Such figures often delivered covenant lawsuit oracles, prosecuting Israel or its leaders for breaking covenant stipulations. This anonymous prophet initiates the judgment process against Eli's house.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does greater spiritual heritage increase accountability?
  2. What privileges of revelation and access to God do you enjoy, and what responsibility accompanies them?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיָּבֹ֥א1 of 19

And there came

H935

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

אִישׁ2 of 19

a 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)

אֱלֹהִ֖ים3 of 19

of God

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

אֶל4 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֵלִ֑י5 of 19

unto Eli

H5941

eli, an israelite highpriest

אָמַ֣ר6 of 19

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֗יו7 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּ֚ה8 of 19
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר9 of 19

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה10 of 19

the LORD

H3068

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

נִגְלֵ֙יתִי֙11 of 19

Did I plainly

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

נִגְלֵ֙יתִי֙12 of 19

Did I plainly

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

אֶל13 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְבֵ֥ית14 of 19

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִ֔יךָ15 of 19

of thy father

H1

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

בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֥ם16 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּמִצְרַ֖יִם17 of 19

when they were in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

לְבֵ֥ית18 of 19

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

פַּרְעֹֽה׃19 of 19

in Pharaoh's

H6547

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings


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 2:27 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 2:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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