King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 8:3 Mean?

1 Samuel 8:3 in the King James Version says “And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.”

1 Samuel 8:3 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.

2

Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.

3

And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

4

Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,

5

And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.

Read 1 Samuel 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

Israel's demand for a king represents fundamental rejection of God's direct rule over His people. The desire to be 'like all the nations' reveals spiritual apostasy—seeking conformity to surrounding culture rather than maintaining distinctive covenant identity. While God permits the monarchy, He clearly warns about its costs: oppression, taxation, military conscription. This passage teaches the difference between God's permissive will and His perfect plan, showing how He works even through flawed human institutions to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The establishment of monarchy around 1050-1010 BCE represented a dramatic political and theological shift for Israel. Unlike surrounding nations where kings were considered divine or semi-divine, Israel's kings were supposed to function under God's ultimate authority as laid out in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. The Benjamite tribe occupied strategic territory between Ephraim and Judah, making Saul's selection a politically astute choice to balance tribal rivalries. Archaeological remains from this period show increased fortification and centralization of settlements, confirming the transition to state-level organization. Ancient Near Eastern monarchies (Egypt, Mesopotamian city-states, Hittites) provided the cultural context for Israel's understanding of kingship. However, Israel's covenant with Yahweh created unique tensions between human and divine authority. The transition from tribal confederation to centralized monarchy occurred throughout the ancient world during this period, often in response to external military threats.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen our understanding of God's character, purposes, and ways of working in human history?
  2. What specific heart attitudes, thought patterns, or life practices does this passage call you to examine or change?
  3. How does this passage connect to the larger biblical narrative of redemption and point toward Christ and the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 11
H3808

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

הָלְכ֤וּ2 of 11

“walked”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בָנָיו֙3 of 11

“And his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בִּדְרָכָ֔ו4 of 11

“not in his ways”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וַיַּטּ֖וּ5 of 11

“and perverted”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י6 of 11

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַבָּ֑צַע7 of 11

“lucre”

H1215

plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)

וַיִּ֨קְחוּ8 of 11

“and took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שֹׁ֔חַד9 of 11

“bribes”

H7810

a donation (venal or redemptive)

וַיַּטּ֖וּ10 of 11

“and perverted”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

מִשְׁפָּֽט׃11 of 11

“judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

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 8:3 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 8:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 16:19Psalms 15:51 Timothy 6:10Exodus 23:8Exodus 18:212 Samuel 15:4

Test Your Knowledge

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