1 Samuel 2:17

KJV

Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore the sin {H2403} of the young men {H5288} was very {H3966} great {H1419} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}: for men {H582} abhorred {H5006} the offering {H4503} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sin of these young men was very serious in ADONAI's view, because they treated offerings made to ADONAI with contempt.

Berean Standard Bible

Thus the sin of these young men was severe in the sight of the LORD, for they were treating the LORD’s offering with contempt.

American Standard Version

And the sin of the young men was very great before Jehovah; for the men despised the offering of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 2:17 delivers a profound and damning indictment of the egregious sin committed by Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, in their priestly duties at the Tabernacle in Shiloh. Their actions were not merely neglectful but actively contemptuous and exploitative, directly dishonoring God and corrupting the sacred sacrificial system. This verse meticulously articulates the divine perspective on their conduct, declaring their sin "very great before the LORD" because it directly caused the people of Israel to despise and abhor the very offerings intended for God, thereby undermining the spiritual integrity and reverence due to divine worship and eroding the nation's faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within a narrative that starkly contrasts the burgeoning godliness and faithfulness of Hannah and the young prophet Samuel with the profound moral and spiritual corruption of Eli's priestly household. Immediately preceding [1 Samuel 2:17](/1_samuel/2-17 "1 Samuel 2:17 - The Sin of Eli's Sons"), verses [1 Samuel 2:12-16](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-16 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons") meticulously detail the specific abuses perpetrated by Hophni and Phinehas. They are explicitly characterized as "worthless men" (literally "sons of Belial") who demonstrated no regard whatsoever for the LORD. Their flagrant offenses included demanding the choicest portions of the sacrificial meat for themselves before it was properly offered to God, even resorting to taking it by force with a three-pronged fork, and insisting on raw meat for roasting, in direct violation of the prescribed Mosaic method of boiling the meat and burning the fat to the LORD first. This blatant disregard for the Mosaic Law and the sanctity of the altar directly led to the people's revulsion, as articulated in verse 17. The subsequent narrative, particularly [1 Samuel 2:22-36](/1_samuel/2-22 "1 Samuel 2:22-36 - Eli's Failure and Prophecy Against His House") and [1 Samuel 3:11-14](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11-14 - God's Judgment on Eli's House"), meticulously chronicles God's severe judgment against Eli's house due to this deep-seated corruption and Eli's culpable failure to restrain his sons.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Samuel unfold during the tumultuous and morally ambiguous period of the Judges, a time notoriously characterized by spiritual decline and anarchy, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")). The Tabernacle at Shiloh served as the central, divinely appointed place of worship for all Israel, housing the Ark of the Covenant and functioning as the primary site for sacrifices, national religious gatherings, and the administration of the Law. The priests, as divinely appointed mediators between God and His people, wielded immense spiritual authority and bore profound responsibility. Their sacred role was to facilitate proper worship, meticulously administer the Law, and scrupulously maintain the sanctity of the holy things. Sacrifices were not merely perfunctory rituals; they were divinely ordained means of atonement, thanksgiving, and intimate communion with God, absolutely central to Israel's covenant relationship. The actions of Hophni and Phinehas were therefore not merely personal moral failings but a public desecration of God's holy ordinances, a profound betrayal of their sacred trust, and a direct assault on the spiritual well-being of the entire nation. Their pervasive corruption at the very heart of Israelite worship had far-reaching implications, systematically eroding the people's faith and their reverence for God's institutions.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme powerfully underscored in this verse is the profound **sacrilege and blatant disrespect for God's holiness**. The priests' actions directly defiled the offerings, which were foundational to Israelite worship and atonement, rendering their sin a direct affront to God's immutable character and His meticulously prescribed way of approaching Him. This also vividly highlights the theme of **corrupt leadership and abuse of power**. As sons of the High Priest, their moral decay set a devastating example, leading the people astray and bringing widespread disrepute to the entire priesthood, unequivocally demonstrating how leadership failure can precipitate pervasive spiritual harm. Furthermore, the verse ominously foreshadows the severe **consequences of sin and inevitable divine judgment** that God would soon unleash upon Eli's family and, by extension, the entire nation due to this widespread spiritual decay, as meticulously detailed in [1 Samuel 3:11-14](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11-14 - God's Judgment on Eli's House") and the subsequent calamitous capture of the Ark in [1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Capture of the Ark"). It also emphatically underscores the **paramount importance of proper worship and genuine reverence**, demonstrating that God cares deeply not only about the act of worship itself but also, and critically, about the manner in which it is conducted, demanding unwavering obedience and heartfelt sincerity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** The Hebrew word חַטָּאת (_chaṭṭâʼâh_) denotes an offense, a missing of the mark, or guilt. In this context, it signifies not merely an unintentional error or oversight, but a deliberate, profound, and culpable transgression against God's explicit law and inherent holiness. The employment of this robust term unequivocally indicates the immense gravity of their actions, which transcended simple negligence to embody active contempt and rebellious disregard for divine ordinances.
* **Great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** The Hebrew word גָּדֹול (_gâdôwl_) signifies something large, mighty, or significant in any sense. When applied to sin, as here, it emphasizes the immense magnitude and severity of the transgression from God's perspective. It highlights that their actions were not trivial or minor but carried profound implications for their relationship with God and for the spiritual health of the nation, marking their transgression as particularly heinous and consequential in the divine court.
* **Abhorred (Hebrew, _nâʼats'_):** The verb נָאַץ (_nâʼats_) means to scorn, despise, treat with contempt, or even to blaspheme. It conveys more than mere dislike or disapproval; it implies an active, disdainful rejection and mockery of something sacred and revered. This powerful term underscores the devastating impact of the priests' actions: they caused the people, who were meant to approach God with reverence through these offerings, to instead treat God's holy provisions with utter contempt, disdain, and spiritual revulsion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD:"** This opening clause serves as a divine verdict, establishing God's direct judgment on the actions of Hophni and Phinehas. It emphatically highlights that their sin was not merely a human failing or a societal transgression but a direct, personal offense against the LORD Himself, observed, measured, and judged by His holy standard. The intensifying phrase "very great" underscores the extreme severity and immense magnitude of their transgression, indicating that it was a profound affront to God's inherent holiness and His sacred covenant relationship with Israel. Their privileged and sacred position as priests made their sin all the more grievous, as they were specifically entrusted with maintaining the sanctity and integrity of God's worship.
* **"for men abhorred the offering of the LORD."** This second clause provides the crucial, devastating reason and direct consequence for the "very great" sin. The priests' corrupt, self-serving, and sacrilegious practices directly led the common people to despise, treat with contempt, and ultimately reject the very sacrifices that were divinely instituted to facilitate atonement, worship, and intimate communion with God. By exploiting the sacred system for personal gain and systematically desecrating the holy offerings, Hophni and Phinehas fundamentally undermined the people's faith and their essential reverence for God's institutions, effectively placing a formidable stumbling block in the spiritual path of those sincerely seeking to worship the LORD. Their actions tragically transformed a sacred, life-giving act into something detestable and spiritually repugnant in the eyes of the worshippers.

#### Literary Devices
1 Samuel 2:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and sobering message. **Cause and Effect** is central to the verse's structure, as it explicitly states that the "very great" sin of the young men was a direct consequence of their actions, *for* it led people to "abhor" the LORD's offering. This directly links the priests' moral corruption to the spiritual decay and disillusionment of the populace. **Irony** is also powerfully present: those divinely appointed to facilitate worship and meticulously uphold God's law are precisely the ones causing the people to despise sacred things. Their sacred role as mediators is tragically perverted into a severe stumbling block. Furthermore, the phrase "very great" functions as a form of **intensification** or **hyperbole**, emphasizing the profound and immeasurable degree of their transgression from God's holy perspective, unequivocally underscoring that this was no minor offense but a severe, covenant-breaking breach of trust and holiness. The broader narrative also employs **juxtaposition** throughout [1 Samuel 2](/1_samuel/2 "1 Samuel 2 - Hannah's Prayer and Eli's Sons"), starkly contrasting the depravity and spiritual bankruptcy of Eli's sons with the exemplary piety of Hannah and the rising integrity and faithfulness of young Samuel, thereby making the darkness and gravity of their sin even more pronounced and horrifying.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration in 1 Samuel 2:17 echoes throughout the entire tapestry of biblical theology, underscoring the immutable sanctity of worship, the absolute accountability of leadership, and the unwavering justice of God. It unequivocally reveals that God takes with utmost seriousness any defilement of His sacred name or His divinely established institutions, especially when such desecration is perpetrated by those explicitly entrusted with their care. The priests' actions not only violated specific Mosaic laws but also struck directly at the very heart of Israel's covenant relationship with God, a relationship profoundly mediated through the sacrificial system. Their self-serving greed and spiritual negligence transformed a divinely ordained means of grace into an object of widespread contempt, powerfully demonstrating how human corruption can tragically obstruct divine revelation and lead countless others astray. This foundational principle extends far beyond the ancient sacrificial system, serving as a timeless reminder that genuine reverence, unwavering integrity, and purity of heart are absolutely paramount in all forms of worship and devoted service to God in every era.

* [Malachi 1:6-8](/malachi/1-6 "Malachi 1:6-8 - Despising the Lord's Table")
* [Romans 2:24](/romans/2-24 "Romans 2:24 - God's Name Blasphemed Among the Gentiles")
* [Hebrews 10:29](/hebrews/10-29 "Hebrews 10:29 - Treating Christ's Blood with Contempt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 2:17 serves as a timeless and profoundly sobering warning about the immense gravity of spiritual corruption, particularly when it emanates from those occupying positions of religious leadership. For believers today, this verse emphatically underscores the critical importance of approaching God with genuine reverence, heartfelt sincerity, and unblemished purity of heart in all aspects of our worship and devoted service. Our "offerings," whether they manifest as expressions of praise, the giving of our resources, the dedication of our time, or the performance of our service, must be presented with a heart that truly honors God, never with contempt, self-interest, or a casual disregard for His inherent holiness. This passage also profoundly highlights the immense, solemn responsibility incumbent upon spiritual leaders to live lives of unimpeachable integrity, faithfully uphold God's unchanging standards, and diligently shepherd His precious flock. When leaders exploit their sacred positions, compromise divine principles, or allow personal gain to overshadow eternal truth, they not only incur God's righteous wrath but also cause countless others to stumble, lose faith, and potentially "abhor" the very spiritual truths and practices they are meant to uphold. We are unequivocally called to be radiant examples of Christ, not stumbling blocks, diligently ensuring that our lives and ministries consistently point others to God's glorious presence and not away from it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might our actions, particularly for those in leadership roles, inadvertently cause others to lose respect for spiritual things or for God Himself?**
* **How can we personally cultivate a deeper, more profound sense of reverence and holiness in our individual worship and in our collective corporate gatherings today?**
* **What concrete, actionable steps can spiritual leaders take to safeguard their integrity and proactively prevent the insidious kind of corruption witnessed in Eli's sons?**
* **How does the timeless principle of "abhorring the offering of the LORD" manifest itself in contemporary society or within the church when God's truth is compromised or His people are exploited for personal gain?**

### FAQ
**What exactly did Eli's sons do wrong, according to the preceding verses?**

Answer: Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, committed multiple egregious offenses meticulously detailed in [1 Samuel 2:12-16](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-16 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons"). Firstly, they brazenly demanded the best portions of the sacrificial meat for themselves *before* it was properly offered to God, even resorting to taking it by force with a three-pronged fork directly from the boiling pot. The Mosaic Law explicitly stipulated that the fat was to be burned to the LORD first, and the priest's designated portion was specific and was to be received *after* God had received His due. Secondly, they defiantly insisted on raw meat for roasting, thereby violating the prescribed method of boiling the meat. This deviation was likely driven by a desire for immediate gratification or a personal preference for roasted meat over boiled. Their actions demonstrated a profound and contemptuous disregard for God's explicit commands regarding sacrifices, revealing deep-seated greed, arrogance, and a complete lack of reverence for the sacred.

**Why was their sin considered "very great before the LORD"?**

Answer: Their sin was unequivocally deemed "very great before the LORD" for several critical and interconnected reasons. Firstly, it constituted a direct and blatant affront to God's inherent holiness and His explicit, divinely ordained instructions for worship. Sacrifices were the divinely appointed means for Israel to approach God, seek atonement, and meticulously maintain their covenant relationship. By corrupting and defiling this sacred system, Eli's sons were directly dishonoring God Himself. Secondly, as priests, they held a sacred trust and were divinely commissioned to represent God to the people and the people to God. Their blatant abuse of this privileged position represented a profound betrayal of that trust, rendering their sin far more culpable. Thirdly, and most devastatingly, their actions directly caused others to stumble and fall away. As [1 Samuel 2:17](/1_samuel/2-17 "1 Samuel 2:17 - The Sin of Eli's Sons") explicitly states, "men abhorred the offering of the LORD" because of their scandalous behavior. Their conduct systematically undermined the people's faith, led them to despise sacred rituals, and thus created an insurmountable barrier to genuine worship and communion with God. This pervasive spiritual corruption, originating from the very heart of the religious establishment, was an absolute abomination in God's holy sight.

**What were the ultimate consequences of the actions of Eli's sons?**

Answer: The consequences of their actions were severe, swift, and far-reaching, powerfully demonstrating God's unwavering and righteous justice. God pronounced a devastating judgment upon Eli's entire house, declaring that there would be no old man in his family and that his priestly line would be cut off ([1 Samuel 2:31-33](/1_samuel/2-31 "1 Samuel 2:31-33 - Prophecy Against Eli's House")). Both Hophni and Phinehas were tragically killed on the same day in a decisive battle against the Philistines ([1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - Death of Eli's Sons")). Furthermore, the Ark of the Covenant, which they had presumptuously brought into battle, was captured by the Philistines, a devastating blow to Israel's national and spiritual identity ([1 Samuel 4:1-11](/1_samuel/4-1 "1 Samuel 4 - The Capture of the Ark")). Eli himself died upon hearing the news of the Ark's capture and his sons' deaths, collapsing and breaking his neck ([1 Samuel 4:18](/1_samuel/4-18 "1 Samuel 4:18 - Death of Eli")). This entire tragic narrative serves as a powerful and enduring testament to God's absolute intolerance for sacrilege and His unwavering demand for holiness, especially from those entrusted with leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound corruption of Eli's sons, which tragically led the people to "abhor the offering of the LORD," stands in stark and absolute contrast to the perfect, once-for-all offering of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, though divinely instituted, was always a mere shadow of the ultimate spiritual reality that was to come ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law is a Shadow")). Its temporary efficacy was dependent on the integrity of the human priests and the reverent heart of the offerer, yet it was inherently prone to human corruption, as tragically exemplified by Hophni and Phinehas. Their self-serving actions and spiritual negligence defiled the very means by which people sought to draw near to God, causing widespread spiritual stumbling and disillusionment. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, our great and perfect High Priest, offered Himself as the spotless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His unparalleled sacrifice was not motivated by greed, self-interest, or compulsion, but by perfect love, unwavering obedience to the Father, and a boundless desire to redeem humanity ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Unlike the repeated, imperfect sacrifices offered by fallible human priests, Christ's single, definitive offering on the cross perfectly and eternally atoned for sin, making a new and living way for all who believe to draw near to God with unwavering confidence and a clear conscience ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). He did not cause people to "abhor" the offering but rather drew them powerfully to God through His incomparable love and the absolute purity of His self-giving, thereby establishing a new covenant where all believers become a [royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood"), divinely empowered to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds through Him ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifices of Praise")).

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

Malachi 2:7

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 2:9

Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

Malachi 2:13

And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand.

Genesis 13:13

But the men of Sodom [were] wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

Genesis 6:11

¶ The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

Genesis 10:9

He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.

Psalms 51:4

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.