1 Samuel 2:33 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 2:33 mean?

1 Samuel 2:33 says that any man from Eli’s family who is not cut off from serving at the altar will bring sorrow and pain to Eli’s household, and that all the descendants of his house will die young. This is a warning of ongoing grief and loss for Eli’s family because of their unfaithfulness.

The verse is part of a message from God, delivered by a prophet to Eli, the high priest. God is judging Eli’s family because his sons have acted wickedly as priests, and Eli did not stop them. The verse explains that even those who survive will not bring comfort, but rather continued heartbreak, and that Eli’s family line will not continue into old age.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:33

• אִישׁ (’ish, H376) — "man": This word refers to a male descendant or member of Eli’s family, emphasizing that the prophecy is about specific individuals within his household.
• כָּלָה (kalah, H3615) — "consume": This word often means to finish or bring to an end, but here it carries the sense of causing emotional exhaustion or sorrow, showing that the surviving family members will be a source of grief.
• עַיִן (ayin, H5869) — "eyes": In Hebrew, the eyes are often connected to one’s emotions or well-being. Here, it suggests that seeing these events will be painful and distressing.
• לֵב (lev, H5315) — "heart": The heart in Hebrew thought is the center of emotion and life. The grief described is deep and personal, not just a passing sadness.

Why 1 Samuel 2:33 matters

• This verse clarifies that God’s judgment on Eli’s family is not just about physical death, but also ongoing emotional pain and a broken legacy.
• The verse highlights the seriousness of spiritual leadership and accountability, connecting the fate of Eli’s descendants to his failure to restrain his sons.
• It sets up the contrast between Eli’s fading line and the rise of Samuel, who will become a faithful leader in Israel.