King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 2:8 Mean?

1 Samuel 2:8 in the King James Version says “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to m... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

1 Samuel 2:8 · KJV


Context

6

The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.

7

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

8

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

9

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

10

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents the most dramatic social reversal: the poor raised from dust and dunghill (ash heap) to sit with princes and inherit glory. The imagery is deliberately extreme - from the garbage heap to the royal throne. The theological foundation appears in the final clause: 'the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.' Creation itself depends on God; therefore, all social structures rest on His will. His right to reorganize human hierarchies flows from His role as Creator and Sustainer of all things.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'ash heap' (ashpot) or dunghill was where the poorest sat to glean scraps (Lamentations 4:5). It represents utter destitution and social shame. The 'pillars of the earth' reflects ancient cosmology's conception of the world resting on foundations established by God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's absolute ownership of creation mean for human claims to status or achievement?
  2. How does this verse challenge social hierarchies that seem permanent and unchangeable?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
מֵקִ֨ים1 of 19

He raiseth up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

מֵֽעָפָ֜ר2 of 19

out of the dust

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

דָּ֗ל3 of 19

the poor

H1800

properly, dangling, i.e., (by implication) weak or thin

מֵֽאַשְׁפֹּת֙4 of 19

from the dunghill

H830

a heap of rubbish or filth

יָרִ֣ים5 of 19

and lifteth up

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

אֶבְי֔וֹן6 of 19

the beggar

H34

destitute

לְהוֹשִׁיב֙7 of 19

to set

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עִם8 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

נְדִיבִ֔ים9 of 19

them among princes

H5081

properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)

וְכִסֵּ֥א10 of 19

the throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

כָב֖וֹד11 of 19

of glory

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יַנְחִלֵ֑ם12 of 19

and to make them inherit

H5157

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

כִּ֤י13 of 19
H3588

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

לַֽיהוָה֙14 of 19

are the LORD'S

H3068

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

מְצֻ֣קֵי15 of 19

for the pillars

H4690

something narrow, i.e., a column or hilltop

אֶ֔רֶץ16 of 19

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַיָּ֥שֶׁת17 of 19

and he hath set

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם18 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

תֵּבֵֽל׃19 of 19

the world

H8398

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,


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 2:8 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 2:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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