1 Samuel 2:31 Meaning and Explanation
“Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God foretells that he will cut off the strength of Eli's house, so that none of its men will reach old age.
What Does 1 Samuel 2:31 Mean?
The prophet now declares the coming judgment. God will 'cut off' the 'arm,' the strength, of Eli's house and his ancestral line, so that there will no longer be an old man among them. The family's power and long life would be brought to an end.
'Arm' stands for strength and vigor. Its cutting off means the loss of all that made the house secure. The judgment is grave because the trust betrayed was great. God's patience had been long, but persistent dishonor of sacred things would not go unanswered forever. The verse is a solemn reminder that privilege carries accountability, and that God's warnings are real.
1 Samuel 2:31 in the Original Language
zeroa' (זְרוֹעַ), 'arm' -- a figure for strength and power, here the might of Eli's household.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 2:31
What does 1 Samuel 2:31 mean?
God foretells that he will cut off the strength of Eli's house, so that none of its men will reach old age.