Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

1 SAMUEL 2:12KJV
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1 Samuel 2:12 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 2:12 mean?

1 Samuel 2:12 says that Eli’s sons were “sons of Belial,” meaning they were wicked or worthless men, and that they did not know the LORD. This verse sets up a contrast between their religious position as priests and their actual character, highlighting their lack of true relationship with God.

The verse is part of a narrative where the writer describes the family of Eli, the high priest, during a time when Israel’s spiritual leadership was corrupt. By calling Eli’s sons “sons of Belial,” the text signals to the reader that these men, though serving as priests, did not honor God or follow His ways. The statement that they “knew not the LORD” underscores their spiritual ignorance and sets the stage for the problems that follow in the story.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:12

  • בְּנֵי בְּלִיַּעַל (bənê beliyya‘al, “sons of Belial”): This phrase is often understood as “worthless men” or “wicked men.” In the context of ancient Israel, it describes people who are morally corrupt or lawless, not just mischievous.
  • יָדַע (yada‘, “knew”): In Hebrew, “to know” often means more than intellectual awareness; it can imply relationship or acknowledgment. Saying Eli’s sons did not “know” the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH) means they had no real relationship with God, despite their religious roles.

Why 1 Samuel 2:12 matters

  • The verse clarifies that holding a religious office does not guarantee a genuine relationship with God; Eli’s sons are priests but are described as wicked and ignorant of the LORD.
  • This verse introduces the reason for the coming judgment on Eli’s family, helping the reader understand the seriousness of their actions in the following chapters.
  • The phrase “sons of Belial” is a strong condemnation, showing that their behavior was not just flawed but fundamentally opposed to God’s standards for His people.

Where else these words appear

“Belial” Hebrew H1100 · used in 26 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;
  • 1 Samuel 30:22 Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.
  • Job 34:18 Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly?

“Eli” Hebrew H5941 · used in 30 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.
  • 1 Samuel 2:22 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Samuel 3:15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.