King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 2:3 Mean?

1 Samuel 2:3 in the King James Version says “Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. arrogancy: Heb. hard”

1 Samuel 2:3 · KJV

Context

1

And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

2

There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

3

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. arrogancy: Heb. hard

4

The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

5

They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.

Read 1 Samuel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's warning against pride directly addresses those like Peninnah who trusted in human advantages. The phrase 'exceeding proudly' intensifies the prohibition. The theological basis is God's omniscience - He is 'a God of knowledge' (or 'God of knowledges,' plural of majesty). The statement 'by him actions are weighed' pictures divine scales measuring every deed. Human boasting reveals ignorance of the God who sees all, knows all, and will judge all. Pride before the omniscient God is not merely inappropriate but absurd.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The weighing of deeds imagery appears in Egyptian judgment scenes and was adopted in Israelite wisdom literature (Proverbs 16:2; 21:2; 24:12). The concept emphasizes divine evaluation that penetrates beyond external appearances to internal motivations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's complete knowledge of your actions and motives affect your daily conduct?
  2. What pride in your life ignores the reality of divine judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אַל1 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּרְבּ֤וּ2 of 15

“no more”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

תְדַבְּרוּ֙3 of 15

“Talk”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

גְבֹהָ֔ה4 of 15

“proudly”

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

גְבֹהָ֔ה5 of 15

“proudly”

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

יֵצֵ֥א6 of 15

“come”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

עָתָ֖ק7 of 15

“let not arrogancy”

H6277

impudent

מִפִּיכֶ֑ם8 of 15

“out of your mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

כִּ֣י9 of 15
H3588

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

אֵ֤ל10 of 15

“is a God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

דֵּעוֹת֙11 of 15

“of knowledge”

H1844

knowledge

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 15

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

וְל֥א13 of 15
H3808

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

נִתְכְּנ֖וּ14 of 15

“are weighed”

H8505

to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)

עֲלִלֽוֹת׃15 of 15

“and by him actions”

H5949

an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

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 2:3 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 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 8:39Proverbs 8:13Proverbs 24:12Jude 1:15-16Hebrews 4:12Proverbs 16:2

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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