Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

1 SAMUEL 2:30KJV
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1 Samuel 2:30 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 2:30 mean?

1 Samuel 2:30 says that God had promised Eli’s family a lasting place of service, but now God is taking that away because they have not honored Him. God makes clear that He will honor those who honor Him, but those who treat Him with contempt will be regarded as unimportant.

In this verse, God is speaking through a prophet to Eli, the high priest, after Eli’s sons have shown great disrespect for their priestly duties. The verse marks a turning point, as God withdraws His earlier promise to Eli’s family because of their actions. The main idea is that God’s favor is not automatic; it depends on people’s respect and attitude toward Him.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:30

  • "honour" (כָּבֵד, kāvēd): This word means to treat as weighty or important. In this context, it highlights that God values being taken seriously and respected, not just outward religious actions.
  • "despise" (בָּזָה, bazah): This word means to treat as insignificant or worthless. God is saying that those who disregard Him will not receive honor or importance in return.
  • "lightly esteemed" (קָלַל, qalal): This means to be considered light, trivial, or insignificant. God is making a strong contrast: those who treat Him as unimportant will themselves be treated as unimportant.

Why 1 Samuel 2:30 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s promises to serve in His presence are not unconditional; they depend on ongoing faithfulness and respect.
  • The verse explains why Eli’s family loses their priestly role, connecting personal choices to real consequences in Israel’s history.
  • It emphasizes a key principle in the Bible: God honors those who honor Him, making respect for God central to the relationship between God and His people.

Where else these words appear

“me” Hebrew H2486 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 18:25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
  • 1 Samuel 14:45 And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.
  • 2 Samuel 20:20 And Joab answered and said, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

“despise” Hebrew H959 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
  • Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
  • Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

“esteemed” Hebrew H7043 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • 2 Samuel 16:9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.

“for” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:23 And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the LORD be between thee and me for ever.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?