1 Samuel 2:12

KJV

Now the sons of Eli [were] sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the sons {H1121} of Eli {H5941} were sons {H1121} of Belial {H1100}; they knew {H3045} not the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Eli's sons were scoundrels who had no regard for ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD

American Standard Version

Now the sons of Eli were base men; they knew not Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 2:12 introduces Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of High Priest Eli, as "sons of Belial" who "knew not the LORD." This verse immediately establishes their profound moral corruption and spiritual rebellion, setting a foundational contrast within the narrative between their depraved conduct and the burgeoning faithfulness of young Samuel. It foreshadows the severe divine judgment that will befall Eli's priestly house due to their unrighteousness and contempt for God's sacred ordinances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed after Hannah's profound prayer and prophetic song in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Prayer and Prophecy"), which extols God's justice, sovereignty, and His ability to reverse fortunes, raising the humble and bringing down the proud. The immediate preceding verses describe Samuel's dedication to the LORD and his service in the tabernacle under Eli ([1 Samuel 2:11](/1_samuel/2-11 "1 Samuel 2:11 - Samuel Serves the Lord")). Thus, 1 Samuel 2:12 introduces a stark contrast: the spiritual devotion of Samuel against the profound depravity of Eli's own sons, who were meant to be spiritual leaders. The verses immediately following ([1 Samuel 2:13-17](/1_samuel/2-13 "1 Samuel 2:13-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")) detail the specific abuses of Hophni and Phinehas concerning the sacrificial system, confirming their "unknowing" of the LORD through their actions. This sets the stage for God's direct judgment against Eli's house, as prophesied by a man of God in [1 Samuel 2:27-36](/1_samuel/2-27 "1 Samuel 2:27-36 - Prophecy Against Eli's House") and confirmed to Samuel in [1 Samuel 3:11-14](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11-14 - God's Judgment Revealed to Samuel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges, in which this narrative is set, was characterized by moral and spiritual decline, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")). Eli served as the High Priest at Shiloh, which was the central place of worship and the location of the tabernacle before the construction of the Temple. The priesthood was an inherited office, responsible for mediating between God and Israel, offering sacrifices, and teaching the Law. The integrity of the priests was paramount for the spiritual health of the nation and the proper functioning of the covenant relationship. Sacrifices were not merely rituals but sacred acts of worship, atonement, and communion with God. The actions of Eli's sons, as described here and in subsequent verses, represent a profound desecration of these sacred duties, undermining the very foundation of Israel's worship and their relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights the pervasive theme of **Corrupt Leadership**, demonstrating how spiritual authority, when wielded by unrighteous individuals, can lead to profound societal and spiritual decay. The phrase "they knew not the LORD" introduces the critical theme of **True Knowledge vs. Superficial Piety**, emphasizing that genuine relationship with God involves obedience and reverence, not just outward religious practice or inherited position. Their actions, detailed later, underscore the **Desecration of Sacred Things** and the **Abuse of Power**. Ultimately, this verse lays the groundwork for the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, as God, who "raises up the poor out of the dust" and "makes the barren woman to keep house" ([1 Samuel 2:8](/1_samuel/2-8 "1 Samuel 2:8 - God's Sovereignty in Hannah's Song")), will not tolerate such wickedness within His own house, leading to the downfall of Eli's lineage and the rise of a new, righteous leadership in Samuel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Belial (Hebrew, _bĕliya'al_):** This term is often translated as "worthlessness," "wickedness," or "unprofitableness." It describes individuals who are utterly depraved, without moral restraint, and dedicated to evil. To call Eli's sons "sons of Belial" was not merely an insult but a definitive character assessment, labeling them as embodiments of wickedness and rebellion against divine authority. It implies a complete lack of moral compass and a destructive nature. In later Jewish literature, "Belial" sometimes personifies evil itself.
* **Knew (Hebrew, _yada'_):** The verb _yada'_ (יָדַע) signifies more than mere intellectual or factual knowledge. It denotes an intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge, often implying recognition, acknowledgment, and obedience. When the text states "they knew not the LORD," it means they lacked a personal, covenantal relationship with God characterized by reverence, submission, and obedience to His commands. Their actions, as detailed in [1 Samuel 2:13-17](/1_samuel/2-13 "1 Samuel 2:13-17 - The Profane Practices of Eli's Sons"), clearly demonstrate this profound absence of a true, obedient knowledge of God, despite their proximity to His holy presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the sons of Eli [were] sons of Belial":** This clause immediately identifies Hophni and Phinehas, Eli's priestly sons, by their moral character rather than their office. The designation "sons of Belial" (literally "sons of worthlessness" or "sons of wickedness") is a severe indictment. It indicates that their very nature was corrupt and depraved, embodying moral bankruptcy. This is particularly shocking given their sacred role as priests, who were meant to be holy and set apart for God's service. Their character was antithetical to the holiness required of their office.
* **"they knew not the LORD":** This second clause explains the root cause and manifestation of their "Belial" nature. It's not an intellectual ignorance of God's existence or laws, but a profound and deliberate rejection of His authority, character, and covenant demands. Despite serving in the tabernacle and presumably being taught the Law, they had no intimate, obedient, or reverential relationship with Yahweh. Their actions, such as taking the best portions of sacrifices for themselves and engaging in immorality (as described in [1 Samuel 2:13-17](/1_samuel/2-13 "1 Samuel 2:13-17 - The Abominable Practices of Eli's Sons") and [1 Samuel 2:22](/1_samuel/2-22 "1 Samuel 2:22 - Eli Hears of His Sons' Sins")), were direct evidence of this fundamental lack of "knowing" God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is immediately evident, contrasting the spiritual purity and growth of young Samuel, introduced in the preceding verse, with the utter depravity of Eli's sons. This stark contrast highlights the moral chasm within the spiritual leadership of Israel. The phrase "sons of Belial" functions as an **idiom** or **metaphor**, vividly portraying their inherent wickedness and worthlessness. It's not a literal familial relationship but a character description indicating their complete dedication to evil. Furthermore, the verse serves as significant **foreshadowing**. The deep corruption of the priests, the very mediators between God and His people, signals an impending crisis and divine judgment upon Eli's house and, by extension, the current system of leadership in Israel. This moral decay at the top sets the stage for the transition from the period of Judges and the priesthood to the prophetic and monarchical eras.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a stark theological commentary on the nature of true faith and leadership. It underscores that outward religious observance, even in a sacred office, is meaningless without an inward, obedient, and reverential relationship with God. The "unknowing" of the LORD by Eli's sons reveals a profound spiritual bankruptcy that contaminates the very acts of worship and mediation. Their corruption not only dishonored God but also caused the people to "abhor the offering of the LORD" ([1 Samuel 2:17](/1_samuel/2-17 "1 Samuel 2:17 - The People Abhorred the Offering")). This highlights the immense responsibility of spiritual leaders to embody the holiness they represent, as their integrity directly impacts the people's perception of and relationship with God. The divine judgment that follows their actions emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to His own holiness and justice, even when it means disciplining His chosen servants.

* [Deuteronomy 13:13](/deuteronomy/13-13 "Deuteronomy 13:13 - Men of Belial")
* [Jeremiah 2:8](/jeremiah/2-8 "Jeremiah 2:8 - Priests Did Not Know the Lord")
* [Malachi 2:8-9](/malachi/2-8 "Malachi 2:8-9 - Corrupt Priests Rebuked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic example of Eli's sons in 1 Samuel 2:12 offers a potent warning for all believers, especially those in positions of spiritual influence. It challenges us to examine the depth and authenticity of our own "knowledge" of the LORD. Is it merely intellectual assent to theological truths, or is it an intimate, experiential relationship characterized by obedience, reverence, and a passionate pursuit of God's will? This verse reminds us that outward religious activity, even fervent participation in worship or ministry, can become a hollow shell if not rooted in a genuine, transforming encounter with God. It calls us to integrity, ensuring that our private lives and public ministries are consistent with the God we claim to serve. For leaders, it underscores the immense accountability they bear, as their actions can either draw people closer to God or cause them to stumble and despise the things of God. The legacy of Eli's sons is a solemn reminder that God values a pure heart and obedient spirit far above inherited privilege or outward performance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "serving" God without truly "knowing" Him in an intimate, obedient sense?**
* **How does the integrity of spiritual leaders impact my own faith or the faith of those around me?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my experiential knowledge of the LORD beyond mere intellectual understanding?**
* **How does this passage challenge me to live a life of greater authenticity and accountability, especially if I hold any position of influence?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Eli's sons to be called "sons of Belial"?**

Answer: The term "sons of Belial" (Hebrew: _bĕliya'al_) is a severe and condemnatory descriptor. It literally means "sons of worthlessness" or "sons of wickedness," signifying individuals who are utterly depraved, morally bankrupt, and without any redeeming quality. It's not just a casual insult but a deep character assessment indicating a complete lack of moral restraint and a dedication to evil. In the context of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, it meant they were fundamentally rebellious against God and His laws, despite their sacred office as priests. Their actions, such as taking the best portions of sacrifices for themselves and engaging in sexual immorality at the tabernacle ([1 Samuel 2:13-17](/1_samuel/2-13 "1 Samuel 2:13-17 - The Abominable Practices of Eli's Sons") and [1 Samuel 2:22](/1_samuel/2-22 "1 Samuel 2:22 - Eli Hears of His Sons' Sins")), perfectly illustrate their "Belial" nature—they were worthless in God's eyes because they profaned His holy things and led others to sin.

**What is the significance of "they knew not the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "they knew not the LORD" goes far beyond a simple lack of intellectual information about God. In biblical Hebrew, the verb "to know" (_yada'_) often implies an intimate, personal, and covenantal relationship, characterized by experience, recognition, and obedience. For example, when Adam "knew" Eve ([Genesis 4:1](/genesis/4-1 "Genesis 4:1 - Cain's Birth")), it refers to sexual intimacy. When God says He "knows" His people ([Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - You Only Have I Known")), it speaks of a unique, chosen relationship. Therefore, for Eli's sons to "not know the LORD" meant they lacked a true, reverential, and submissive relationship with Him. Despite performing priestly duties and being in the very presence of God's tabernacle, their hearts were far from Him. Their subsequent actions of stealing from sacrifices and immorality were not just violations of law but clear evidence of their profound contempt for God's holiness and His covenant, demonstrating their utter lack of true, obedient knowledge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic failure of Eli's sons, who were "sons of Belial" and "knew not the LORD" despite their sacred priestly office, powerfully highlights the desperate need for a perfect High Priest. Their corruption and profanation of the sacrificial system underscored the inherent limitations and sinfulness of the Old Covenant priesthood. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the **true High Priest**, who perfectly "knew the LORD" in an intimate, obedient, and unparalleled way. He is the Son who perfectly reveals the Father ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")), and His knowledge of God was not merely intellectual but an eternal, experiential union. Unlike Hophni and Phinehas who defiled the sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself as the **perfect, unblemished sacrifice** for the sins of the world, once for all ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). He is the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Where the sons of Eli brought shame and judgment upon God's house, Jesus, through His perfect obedience and sacrifice, established a new covenant and made us a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), enabling all believers to truly "know the LORD" and draw near to Him with confidence, not through defiled rituals but through His own perfect mediation ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). He is the righteous Son who fulfills all that the unrighteous sons failed to be.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 1:28

And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Romans 1:30

Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Jeremiah 2:8

The priests said not, Where [is] the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after [things that] do not profit.

2 Corinthians 6:15

And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

Judges 2:10

And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

Romans 1:21

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Malachi 2:1

¶ And now, O ye priests, this commandment [is] for you.