1 Samuel 3:13 Meaning and Explanation
“For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The reason for judgment: Eli knew of his sons' wickedness yet failed to restrain them.
What Does 1 Samuel 3:13 Mean?
God states the ground of His judgment plainly. Eli's sons had made themselves vile by their corrupt and profane conduct at the sanctuary, and Eli, though he knew, did not restrain them. The failure was not ignorance but a refusal to act on what he knew.
Knowing wrong and tolerating it carries its own weight of responsibility, especially for those entrusted with the care of others. Love that will not correct is not the whole of love. The passage calls every parent and leader to faithful, courageous oversight, and it reminds us that holiness in God's house is not a small thing in His sight.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 3:13
What does 1 Samuel 3:13 mean?
The reason for judgment: Eli knew of his sons' wickedness yet failed to restrain them.