1 Samuel 2:25

KJV

If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

KJV (with Strong's)

If one man {H376} sin {H2398} against another {H376}, the judge {H430} shall judge {H6419} him: but if a man {H376} sin {H2398} against the LORD {H3068}, who shall intreat {H6419} for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened {H8085} not unto the voice {H6963} of their father {H1}, because the LORD {H3068} would {H2654} slay {H4191} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

If a person commits a sin against another person, the judges can mediate between them. But if a person commits a sin against ADONAI, who can intercede for him?" However, they wouldn't pay attention to what their father said, because ADONAI had decided to kill them.

Berean Standard Bible

If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to put them to death.

American Standard Version

If one man sin against another, God shall judge him; but if a man sin against Jehovah, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding, they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because Jehovah was minded to slay them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 2:25 serves as a profound and somber declaration regarding the distinct gravity of sin committed directly against God, contrasting it with offenses against fellow humans. It tragically highlights the unheeded warning of Eli to his corrupt sons, Hophni and Phinehas, whose persistent rebellion against divine authority had reached a point of no return, leading to God's sovereign decree of their impending judgment and destruction. This verse underscores the ultimate consequences of unrepentant defiance against the Holy One of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical narrative segment (1 Samuel 2:12-36) that exposes the profound moral decay within the priestly house of Eli, contrasting sharply with the faithful service of young Samuel. Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are depicted as "worthless men" who "did not know the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12), despite their sacred office. They shamelessly abused their priestly prerogatives, extorting offerings, treating the Lord's sacrifices with contempt, and engaging in immoral acts at the very entrance of the tabernacle (1 Samuel 2:13-17, 22). Eli, though he rebuked them (1 Samuel 2:23-24), failed to restrain them effectively, leading to a divine pronouncement of judgment against his house by a "man of God" (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Verse 25 captures Eli's final, desperate, and ultimately futile attempt to warn his sons, emphasizing the depth of their hardened hearts and the inevitability of the divine judgment that had been decreed against them. It marks a pivotal moment where their fate is sealed, setting the stage for their demise and the eventual transfer of the priesthood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the period of the Judges, a time characterized by spiritual and moral decline in Israel, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The priesthood played a central role in Israelite life, serving as mediators between God and His people, administering the Law, and overseeing the sacrificial system outlined in the Pentateuch (e.g., [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-7 - The Sacrificial System")). The Tabernacle, or Tent of Meeting, was the sacred dwelling place of God's presence, and its rituals were meticulously prescribed to maintain the holiness of worship. Hophni and Phinehas's actions were not merely personal failings but a profound desecration of God's holy institution, a public affront to His honor, and a direct violation of the covenant established at Sinai. Their behavior undermined the very foundation of Israel's relationship with God, bringing contempt upon the Lord's offerings and the sacred office itself. Such egregious sin, especially from those in spiritual leadership, was considered an abomination and carried severe consequences under the Mosaic Law.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several crucial themes. Firstly, it highlights the **uniqueness and unparalleled gravity of sin committed directly against God** compared to interpersonal offenses. While human judges can mediate disputes between people, no human intercessor or earthly court can atone for or avert the consequences of direct rebellion against the Almighty. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine judgment and the hardening of hearts**. The sons' refusal to heed their father's warning is not merely stubbornness but presented as a consequence of God's active will, indicating that their persistent and egregious sin had led to a state where divine judgment was inevitable. This echoes similar narratives where continued rebellion leads to a divine "giving over" or hardening, as seen with [Pharaoh's heart in Exodus](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - Pharaoh's Hardened Heart") (e.g., [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")). Thirdly, it serves as a stark warning about the **consequences of impenitence and spiritual rebellion**, particularly for those entrusted with sacred responsibilities. Their actions brought dishonor to God and His worship, and their demise was a necessary act of divine justice to uphold God's holiness and covenant integrity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Intreat (Hebrew, _palal'_):** This word (פָּלַל) means "to intervene," "intercede," "mediate," or "pray." In the context of 1 Samuel 2:25, Eli's rhetorical question, "who shall intreat for him?" emphasizes the dire and hopeless situation of his sons. It suggests that for a sin committed directly against the LORD, especially one characterized by such persistent and public defiance of His laws and the sanctity of His tabernacle, no human intercession or offering would be sufficient or accepted to avert the decreed judgment. It highlights the absolute nature of God's justice when His holiness is so flagrantly violated without repentance.
* **Slay (Hebrew, _mut'_):** The verb (מוּת) means "to die" or "to put to death." The phrase "because the LORD would slay them" signifies more than a mere prediction; it conveys a divine decree. It indicates God's active involvement and sovereign will in bringing about their judgment. This is not a passive allowance but an active determination, underscoring God's ultimate authority over life and death, and His unwavering commitment to upholding His righteous standards and executing justice for unrepentant sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him:"** This clause establishes a baseline for human jurisprudence. It acknowledges that within human society, there are mechanisms (judges, courts) to address and mediate conflicts, wrongs, and sins committed between individuals. These systems are designed to bring about a measure of justice, reconciliation, or restitution.
* **"but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?"** This is the pivotal contrast and rhetorical question. It highlights the incomparable gravity of sin directed against God Himself. Unlike human offenses that can be arbitrated by human judges, sin against the infinite, holy God transcends human jurisdiction. The question implies that no human being, no earthly sacrifice, no intercession from a mere mortal, is sufficient to mediate or atone for such a profound spiritual offense, especially when it is characterized by persistent, defiant rebellion and contempt for God's holiness.
* **"Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father,"** This clause reveals the stubborn impenitence of Hophni and Phinehas. Despite Eli's warning—a warning from their father and the High Priest—they remained obstinate and unyielding. Their refusal to listen underscores their hardened hearts and their complete disregard for both paternal authority and divine law. This demonstrates their active choice in rebellion, even in the face of impending doom.
* **"because the LORD would slay them."** This concluding clause provides the divine explanation for their stubbornness and inevitable fate. Their refusal to listen was not simply human stubbornness in isolation; it was ultimately a consequence of God's sovereign will and decree. Due to their persistent and egregious sin, they had reached a point where God had determined their judgment. This signifies that their hearts were hardened by divine will towards their impending destruction, a judicial act of God in response to their profound and unrepentant wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, sharply delineating between the remediable nature of human-to-human sin and the seemingly irremediable nature of sin against the LORD. This contrast elevates the holiness and authority of God, emphasizing that offenses against Him are of a different order entirely. The rhetorical question, "who shall intreat for him?", functions as a form of **Apostrophe** and **Rhetorical Question**, directly addressing the reader or an implied audience, inviting them to ponder the gravity of the situation and the absence of any earthly solution. This question also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the inevitable doom awaiting Eli's sons. Furthermore, the final clause, "because the LORD would slay them," highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** and **Divine Judgment**, portraying God not as a passive observer but as the active agent in bringing about the just consequences of unrepentant sin. The **Irony** is palpable: Eli, as the High Priest and judge, is unable to judge or mediate effectively for his own sons when their sin is against the ultimate Judge, the LORD.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 2:25 profoundly illuminates the nature of sin as ultimately an offense against God, even when it manifests in interpersonal wrongs. While human justice systems can address horizontal transgressions, the vertical dimension of sin—its affront to God's holiness, authority, and covenant—requires a divine solution. The verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty in judgment, demonstrating that persistent and defiant rebellion against Him can lead to a state where divine intervention for judgment becomes inevitable. This highlights the terrifying reality of a hardened heart, where continued rejection of God's warnings results in a judicial "giving over" to the consequences of one's chosen path. It serves as a stark reminder that God's justice is as real as His mercy, and that His holiness demands a response to sin.

* [Psalm 51:4](/psalms/51-4 "Psalm 51:4 - Against You, You Only, Have I Sinned")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - No More Sacrifice for Deliberate Sin")
* [Romans 1:24-28](/romans/1-24 "Romans 1:24-28 - God Gives Them Over to Their Desires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient narrative offers timeless and sobering lessons for contemporary believers. The stark contrast between sin against man and sin against God should deepen our understanding that all sin, regardless of its immediate target, ultimately offends a holy and righteous God. This realization should cultivate a profound sense of awe and reverence for God's character and a greater urgency for genuine repentance. The tragic fate of Hophni and Phinehas serves as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and the danger of a hardened heart. Persistent disregard for God's Word, His warnings, and the promptings of His Spirit can lead to a spiritual insensitivity where one is no longer able to hear or respond to truth, ultimately inviting divine judgment. It is crucial for us to respond to God's voice today, while it is called "today," to avoid such a tragic state of impenitence. Furthermore, for those in positions of spiritual leadership, the narrative of Eli's sons stands as a solemn reminder of the immense accountability that comes with influence. Leaders are called to live with integrity, uphold God's standards, and shepherd His flock faithfully, recognizing that their actions profoundly impact others and bring either honor or dishonor to God's name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be trivializing sin, perhaps focusing more on its impact on others than on its offense against God?**
* **Am I cultivating a soft heart, quick to respond to God's warnings and promptings, or am I allowing subtle forms of disobedience to harden my spiritual sensitivity?**
* **If I am in a position of leadership, how does the accountability of Eli's sons challenge me to live with greater integrity and faithfulness?**
* **How does the concept of God "slaying them" (bringing judgment) deepen my understanding of His holiness and justice, and how should this shape my walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Did God force Eli's sons to sin, or did He merely decree their judgment?**

Answer: The phrase "because the LORD would slay them" indicates God's sovereign determination concerning their fate, not that He compelled them to sin. Eli's sons were already engaged in persistent, defiant, and egregious sin (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22). Their refusal to heed Eli's warnings (1 Samuel 2:23-24) was a manifestation of their own hardened hearts and deliberate rebellion. God's decision to "slay them" was a righteous judgment in response to their unrepentant wickedness and their contempt for His holiness and covenant. It signifies that they had reached a point of no return, where divine justice was the inevitable outcome of their choices, much like [Pharaoh's heart was hardened by God](/exodus/9-12 "Exodus 9:12 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart") after his repeated defiance. God's sovereignty often works in conjunction with human responsibility, bringing about just consequences for persistent sin.

**How does this verse relate to God's mercy and grace?**

Answer: While this verse highlights God's justice and the severity of unrepentant sin, it implicitly underscores the necessity and preciousness of God's mercy and grace. The rhetorical question, "who shall intreat for him?" points to humanity's utter inability to atone for sin against God. This dire situation is precisely why God, in His boundless mercy, provided a perfect solution in Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, though temporary, pointed to this need for divine provision. The very fact that God *did* provide a way for reconciliation (e.g., through the Day of Atonement, [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")) demonstrates His desire for relationship, even with a sinful people. The judgment on Eli's sons serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting that mercy and grace.

**What is the "unforgivable sin" in light of this verse?**

Answer: This verse does not directly define the "unforgivable sin" as understood in the New Testament (e.g., [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")). However, it illustrates a principle that contributes to such a state: persistent, defiant, and unrepentant rebellion against God's known will and truth, particularly when it involves contempt for His holiness. Eli's sons had repeatedly and publicly desecrated sacred things, ignoring warnings, and showing no remorse. This kind of hardened heart, which ultimately rejects all opportunities for repentance and despises the very means of grace, leads to a state where divine judgment is the only remaining outcome. The "unforgivable sin" in the New Testament context is typically understood as the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which is a final, deliberate, and unrepentant rejection of God's saving work, attributing it to evil. This aligns with the idea of a heart so hardened that it can no longer receive God's grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 2:25, with its poignant question "who shall intreat for him?" when a man sins against the LORD, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect Mediator, a role that only Jesus Christ could fulfill. The tragic inability of Eli, the High Priest, to intercede effectively for his own sons highlights the limitations of the Old Covenant priesthood and the sacrificial system. These were temporary provisions, pointing to a greater reality. In the New Covenant, Jesus is revealed as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. More profoundly, He is our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who, unlike Eli's sons, was "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" (Hebrews 7:26). He does not need to offer sacrifices for His own sins, but "He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:12). Therefore, when we sin against the LORD, we are not left without an advocate, for [Christ Jesus is the one mediator between God and men](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - The One Mediator"), who [always lives to make intercession for us](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor") (Hebrews 7:25). His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection provide the only sufficient "entreaty" for sin against God, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe, a stark contrast to the hopeless fate of Eli's unrepentant sons.

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

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

1 Samuel 3:14

And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

Joshua 11:20

For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Numbers 15:30

¶ But the soul that doeth [ought] presumptuously, [whether he be] born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Proverbs 15:10

¶ Correction [is] grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: [and] he that hateth reproof shall die.

1 Timothy 2:5

For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.