If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

1 SAMUEL 2:25KJV
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1 Samuel 2:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 2:25 mean?

1 Samuel 2:25 says that if someone sins against another person, a human judge can settle the matter, but if someone sins against the LORD, there is no one who can plead for them. The verse ends by noting that Eli’s sons did not listen to their father’s warning, because the LORD intended to bring judgment on them.

In this verse, Eli, the high priest, is speaking to his sons, who have been behaving wickedly in their roles as priests. Eli warns them that while human disputes can be judged by people, offenses against God are much more serious, with no one able to intercede. The verse highlights the seriousness of their actions and shows that their refusal to listen was a sign that God’s judgment was certain.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:25

  • אֱלֹהִים (’elohim, transliterated "elohim") is translated here as "the judge." While often used for "God," in this context it refers to a human judge or authority who settles disputes between people.
  • יֶחֱטָא (yecheta’, from חָטָא, "chata’") means "to sin" or "miss the mark." The word is used both for sinning against people and against the LORD, but the verse draws a sharp distinction between the two.
  • יִפְלַל (yiflal, from פָּלַל, "palal") is translated "shall judge" or "intreat." The same root is used for both judging and interceding, showing a play on words about who can stand between the offender and the one wronged.
  • שָׁמַע (shama’, "hearkened") means "to listen" or "obey." The verse notes that Eli’s sons did not listen to their father’s warning, signaling their stubbornness and sealing their fate.

Why 1 Samuel 2:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that some wrongs can be settled by human means, but sin against God is in a different category, with no human able to mediate.
  • The verse shows the seriousness of Eli’s sons’ actions and why their refusal to listen is portrayed as a sign that God’s judgment is already decided.
  • It connects to the wider story by explaining why Eli’s sons are ultimately judged so harshly, setting up the coming events in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“would” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 21:14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
  • Song of Solomon 2:7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

“judge” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 2 Kings 4:33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.
  • Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.