And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

1 SAMUEL 2:13KJV
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1 Samuel 2:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 2:13 mean?

1 Samuel 2:13 describes a practice among the priests in Israel, where a servant of the priest would come while a sacrifice was being boiled and use a three-pronged tool to take some of the meat for the priest. This verse explains a custom that had developed regarding how the priests received their portion from sacrifices offered by the people.

The verse is part of a larger story about the priest Eli and his sons at the sanctuary in Shiloh. It sets the scene for the criticism of Eli’s sons, showing how the priests’ household handled offerings. The detail about the "fleshhook of three teeth" highlights a specific, physical method used during the sacrificial process, giving a glimpse into the daily religious practices of ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:13

  • "custom" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word usually means "judgment," "law," or "ordinance." Here, it refers to the established procedure or rule the priests followed, suggesting this was not just a random act but a set pattern.
  • "fleshhook" (מַזְלֵג, mazleg): This is a specific tool, likely a fork with three prongs, used to retrieve meat from the boiling pot. The mention of "three teeth" (שֵׁן, shen) emphasizes the tool’s design, which would allow for grabbing a substantial portion.
  • "seething" (בָּשַׁל, bashal): This word means "boiling" or "cooking." The verse points out that the servant came while the meat was still being prepared, not after it was finished, which hints at impatience or disregard for the proper order of sacrifice.

Why 1 Samuel 2:13 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the background for the coming criticism of Eli’s sons, showing that the priestly family’s actions were not just personal failings but part of a broader, problematic custom.
  • The description of the "custom" and the specific tool used makes the story more vivid and helps readers understand the practical side of ancient Israelite worship.
  • By explaining the priests’ method for taking their share, the verse sets up the contrast with what the law actually required, which becomes important in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“fleshhook” Hebrew H4207 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 27:3 And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.
  • Numbers 4:14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:17 Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver:

“seething” Hebrew H1310 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Leviticus 8:31 And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.
  • 2 Kings 6:29 So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.

“teeth” Hebrew H8127 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 49:12 His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.
  • Job 19:20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.
  • Song of Solomon 5:14 His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.

“offered” Hebrew H2076 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
  • 1 Samuel 1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:11 And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.