1 Samuel 2:23 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Eli questions his sons, telling them he hears reports of their evil deeds from all the people.
What Does 1 Samuel 2:23 Mean?
Eli finally speaks to his sons, asking why they do such things, for the reports of their evil have reached him through all the people. His words are a rebuke, but a gentle and questioning one.
Eli confronts the wrong, yet his response falls short of the firm action his office demanded. He names the sin and notes that the whole nation is talking, but words alone could not stem such corruption. The moment reveals a father and high priest who saw clearly but acted weakly. Confronting evil with only mild words, when more was required, would prove insufficient before God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 2:23
What does 1 Samuel 2:23 mean?
Eli questions his sons, telling them he hears reports of their evil deeds from all the people.