King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 3:12 Mean?

1 Samuel 3:12 in the King James Version says “In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also ma... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. when: Heb. beginning and ending

1 Samuel 3:12 · KJV


Context

10

And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

11

And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

12

In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. when: Heb. beginning and ending

13

For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. For I: or, And I will tell him vile: or, accursed restrained: Heb. frowned not upon them

14

And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God confirms that the previously delivered prophecy (2:27-36) will now be fulfilled. The phrase 'when I begin, I will also make an end' emphasizes divine determination to complete announced judgment. This is not threat but settled decree. The reference to 'all things which I have spoken concerning his house' connects Samuel's revelation to the earlier unnamed prophet. Samuel's call validates the prior word while adding urgency - fulfillment is imminent. God accomplishes what He declares, from beginning to end.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'when I begin, I will also make an end' (Hebrew: hachel vegam kallo) emphasizes completed action. Divine judgment, once initiated, proceeds to completion. This principle appears throughout prophetic literature - God's words do not return void (Isaiah 55:11).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's commitment to complete announced judgment teach about His faithfulness?
  2. How should awareness of certain judgment shape present response?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
בַּיּ֤וֹם1 of 13

In that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַהוּא֙2 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אָקִ֣ים3 of 13

I will perform

H6965

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

אֶל4 of 13

concerning

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֵלִ֔י5 of 13

against Eli

H5941

eli, an israelite highpriest

אֵ֛ת6 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל7 of 13
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 13
H834

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

דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי9 of 13

all things which I have spoken

H1696

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

אֶל10 of 13

concerning

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּית֑וֹ11 of 13

his house

H1004

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

הָחֵ֖ל12 of 13

when I begin

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

וְכַלֵּֽה׃13 of 13

I will also make an end

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)


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 3:12 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 3:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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