1 Samuel 2:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the days {H3117} come {H935}, that I will cut off {H1438} thine arm {H2220}, and the arm {H2220} of thy father's {H1} house {H1004}, that there shall not be an old man {H2205} in thine house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The day is coming when I will break your strength and the strength of your father's family, so that no one in your family will live to old age.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that no older man will be left in your house.

American Standard Version

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 thy house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse delivers a severe divine judgment against Eli, the High Priest, and his priestly lineage, prophesying the complete removal of their strength, authority, and prominence, symbolized by the cutting off of their "arm." It further foretells a curse of premature death, ensuring that no male descendant of Eli's house will reach old age. This pronouncement is a direct consequence of Eli's failure to honor God above his wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who desecrated the priestly office and the Lord's sacrifices, bringing contempt upon the divine covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Samuel 2:31 is an integral part of a powerful prophetic oracle delivered to Eli by an unnamed "man of God" (a prophet) found in [1 Samuel 2:27-36](/1_samuel/2-27-36 "1 Samuel 2:27-36 - Prophecy Against Eli's House"). This divine pronouncement immediately follows the detailed account of the profound wickedness of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who "knew not the Lord" and exploited their priestly duties, treating the Lord's offerings with contempt ([1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12-17 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")). Eli, despite hearing reports of their egregious behavior and even offering a mild rebuke, failed to take decisive action to restrain them, effectively honoring his sons more than God ([1 Samuel 2:22-29](/1_samuel/2-22-29 "1 Samuel 2:22-29 - Eli's Failure to Restrain His Sons")). The preceding verse, [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - God's Principle of Honor"), establishes the theological premise for the judgment: "for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." Thus, verse 31 articulates the specific, devastating consequences of Eli's and his sons' profound disrespect for the Lord and His sacred institutions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this historical juncture, Israel was in a period of significant spiritual decline under the judgeship of Eli, who also served as High Priest at Shiloh, the central sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant resided. The priesthood was a hereditary office, traditionally passing through the line of Aaron. Eli's lineage is generally traced through Ithamar, Aaron's younger son, which might indicate a less prominent branch of the priestly family. The cultural expectation was for priests to be exemplary in their devotion and conduct, mediating between God and Israel. The flagrant abuse of the sacrificial system by Hophni and Phinehas—demanding raw meat before the fat was burned and engaging in sexual immorality at the tabernacle entrance—was a profound affront to God's holiness and the covenant, undermining the very foundation of Israelite worship. The concept of "old age" was highly valued in ancient Israel, symbolizing wisdom, blessing, and God's favor, making the curse of "no old man" a particularly severe and humiliating judgment, signifying a loss of honor, legacy, and divine blessing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, demonstrating God's unwavering righteousness in punishing sin, especially among those entrusted with sacred leadership. The narrative underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience and Spiritual Negligence**, showing how personal and familial failures, particularly in positions of authority, can lead to severe, even generational, repercussions. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **God's Sovereignty in Raising and Removing Leaders**, foreshadowing the transition from a corrupt priestly line to a faithful one (represented by Zadok's lineage) and, ultimately, from a disobedient kingship (Saul) to a righteous one (David). The stark contrast between Eli's declining house and the emerging figure of Samuel, who "grew in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people" ([1 Samuel 2:26](/1_samuel/2-26 "1 Samuel 2:26 - Samuel's Growth")), emphasizes God's commitment to raising up those who truly honor Him and faithfully execute His will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arm (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ_):** This word literally refers to the physical limb, but in the Old Testament, it is frequently used metaphorically to denote strength, power, dominion, or the ability to act decisively. To "cut off the arm" (or arms, as it is pluralized for Eli's house) signifies a complete removal of power, authority, and the capacity to function effectively in their priestly role. It is an image of divine incapacitation, rendering them powerless and without influence.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _gâdaʻ_):** A primitive root meaning "to fell a tree" or, more generally, "to destroy anything." This verb implies a decisive, violent, and permanent severance. While "cutting a covenant" implies establishing it, here, "cutting off" signifies the termination or breaking of a relationship or lineage. It conveys the finality and severity of God's judgment, indicating an irreversible end to their priestly prominence and authority.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith_):** This word primarily means "a house" or dwelling, but it carries a much broader range of applications, especially referring to a family, household, or lineage. In this context, "thine house" refers not merely to Eli's physical dwelling but to his entire family, his descendants, and the continuity of his priestly line. The judgment thus extends beyond Eli himself to encompass the future of his entire ancestral line, particularly concerning their role in the priesthood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the days come":** This phrase serves as a solemn prophetic announcement, emphasizing the certainty and imminence of the coming judgment. It signals a divine decree that will inevitably unfold in history, highlighting God's sovereign control over time and events. It demands attention from the hearer, indicating a significant and unavoidable future event.
* **"that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house":** This constitutes the core of the divine judgment. "Thine arm" refers to Eli's personal strength, authority, and ability to lead and act, while "the arm of thy father's house" extends the judgment to his entire priestly lineage and all his descendants. The repetition and pluralization of "arm" emphasize the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the removal of their power and influence, signifying the end of their prominence and effective functioning in the priesthood.
* **"that there shall not be an old man in thine house":** This declaration foretells a dire curse of premature death and the failure of Eli's male descendants to reach old age. In ancient Israel, old age was a highly esteemed sign of blessing, wisdom, and God's favor, often associated with a long and prosperous life. To be denied old age meant a shortened, often inglorious, life, and the eventual diminishment or extinction of the family line, preventing them from holding positions of respect and authority typically associated with elders and leaders.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey the severity and certainty of the divine judgment. **Metaphor** is central, with "cutting off thine arm" vividly representing the removal of strength, power, and authority from Eli and his lineage. This concrete image makes the abstract concept of divine judgment tangible and impactful, symbolizing incapacitation and the stripping of influence. The phrase "that there shall not be an old man in thine house" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Merism**, emphasizing the extreme and pervasive nature of the curse; it indicates that premature death will be so common that no one will reach a venerable age, effectively ensuring the decline and eventual end of their line's influence and prominence. The entire pronouncement serves as a **Prophecy**, a direct divine utterance foretelling future events, underscoring God's omniscience and sovereign control over history. The **Repetition** of "arm" (singular then plural) further stresses the comprehensive scope of the judgment, affecting both Eli personally and his entire household, reinforcing the totality of their downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This prophecy underscores God's absolute holiness and His unyielding demand for reverence, especially from those who serve Him in sacred capacities. Eli's failure to honor God above his sons, allowing their sacrilege to persist and even benefit from it, constituted a profound violation of divine order and a direct affront to God's character. The judgment demonstrates that God is not mocked and that privilege, even a sacred one, does not exempt one from accountability. It highlights the fundamental principle articulated in [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - God Honors Those Who Honor Him") that true honor belongs to God alone, and those who despise Him, whether through active rebellion or passive neglect, will inevitably be brought low. This passage serves as a stark warning about the serious consequences of spiritual compromise and the imperative for leaders, particularly spiritual ones, to uphold righteousness without fear or favor, for their choices have profound implications for generations.

* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")
* [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5-6 "Romans 2:5-6 - God's Righteous Judgment")
* [Malachi 2:1-9](/malachi/2-1-9 "Malachi 2:1-9 - The Priests' Failure")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 2:31 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, particularly concerning the weighty responsibility of leadership and the absolute imperative of prioritizing God above all else. For those in positions of spiritual authority—whether pastors, elders, parents, or teachers—the passage serves as a sobering reminder of the immense responsibility to uphold God's standards and to actively confront sin, even when it is personally difficult or involves loved ones. Eli's passive approach, driven by a misplaced affection or fear, led to devastating consequences for his entire family and the spiritual health of the nation. This calls us to a deep examination of our own lives: Are we truly honoring God with our actions, our words, and our priorities, or do we allow comfort, fear of man, or familial ties to compromise our unwavering commitment to divine truth and righteousness? The verse also reminds us that God's word is true and His judgments are certain, encouraging us to live in reverent obedience, knowing that our choices have far-reaching implications, not only for ourselves but potentially for future generations, impacting the spiritual legacy we leave behind.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be inadvertently honoring something or someone more than God, perhaps through passive neglect or compromise?**
* **What responsibilities do I hold, whether in my family, church, or community, where I might be tempted to compromise God's standards for personal comfort, approval, or convenience?**
* **How does the certainty of God's righteous judgment motivate me to pursue a life of greater integrity, active obedience, and unwavering devotion to Him?**

### FAQ
**What does "cut off thine arm" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: "Cutting off thine arm" is a powerful and vivid metaphor signifying the complete removal of strength, power, and authority. In the context of Eli and his priestly house, it means they would lose their prominent position, their influence, and their ability to effectively function as priests and leaders within Israel. It foreshadows the end of their high priestly line and their diminished role in Israel's spiritual leadership. This was dramatically fulfilled when King Solomon removed Abiathar, Eli's descendant, from the priesthood, thereby "cutting off" their arm of authority and fulfilling the prophecy ([1 Kings 2:27](/1_kings/2-27 "1 Kings 2:27 - Abiathar's Deposition")).

**How was the prophecy "there shall not be an old man in thine house" fulfilled?**

Answer: This part of the prophecy was fulfilled through a series of tragic events that led to the premature deaths of many of Eli's male descendants. Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died on the same day in battle, as prophesied ([1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - Death of Hophni and Phinehas")). Later, during Saul's reign, the majority of Eli's priestly descendants at Nob, including Ahimelech, were brutally slaughtered by Doeg the Edomite at Saul's command ([1 Samuel 22:18-19](/1_samuel/22-18-19 "1 Samuel 22:18-19 - Slaughter of the Priests of Nob")). While Abiathar, a descendant of Eli, escaped this massacre, he was later deposed by King Solomon, effectively ending the high priestly line of Eli and ensuring that no male descendant from his house would reach old age in a position of power, prominence, or sacred service ([1 Kings 2:27](/1_kings/2-27 "1 Kings 2:27 - Abiathar's Deposition")).

**Why was Eli's punishment so severe?**

Answer: Eli's punishment was severe because he, as the High Priest, failed to honor God above his own sons and allowed them to profoundly profane the sacred office and the offerings of the Lord. [1 Samuel 2:29](/1_samuel/2-29 "1 Samuel 2:29 - Eli's Failure to Honor God") explicitly states God's indictment: "Why kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering... and honourest thy sons above me?" This was not merely a parental failing but a profound spiritual dereliction of duty that directly undermined the very worship of God in Israel, bringing contempt upon His name and His covenant. God's judgment emphasizes His absolute holiness, His demand for reverence, and the serious accountability of those entrusted with spiritual leadership, particularly when their actions or inactions bring dishonor upon His name and sacred institutions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 2:31 details a severe judgment against a corrupt priestly line, it ultimately points to the profound and enduring need for a perfect High Priest who would truly honor God without blemish or failure. The inherent limitations and eventual failure of Eli's house, and indeed the entire Levitical priesthood, to maintain holiness and faithfully mediate between God and humanity highlights the temporary and insufficient nature of the Old Covenant system. This pervasive brokenness foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate and eternal High Priest, who is "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our Perfect High Priest")). Unlike Eli's sons who offered defiled sacrifices and profaned God's name, Jesus offered himself as the spotless and blameless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), a "single sacrifice for sins forever" ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). His priesthood is "not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life" ([Hebrews 7:16](/hebrews/7-16 "Hebrews 7:16 - Christ's Indestructible Priesthood")), ensuring that His "arm" of power and authority will never be cut off or diminished. Through Christ, believers are brought into a new and superior covenant, where access to God is not dependent on a fallible human priesthood but on the perfect, eternal intercession of Jesus, who always lives to make intercession for them ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")), securing their salvation and standing before God forever.

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

1 Samuel 22:17

And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also [is] with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.

1 Samuel 22:20

¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.

1 Samuel 4:2

And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.

1 Samuel 14:3

And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.

Ezekiel 30:21

Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.

Ezekiel 30:24

And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh's arms, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded [man].

Psalms 37:17

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.