1 Samuel 2:33

KJV

And the man of thine, [whom] I shall not cut off from mine altar, [shall be] to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the man {H376} of thine, whom I shall not cut off {H3772} from mine altar {H4196}, shall be to consume {H3615} thine eyes {H5869}, and to grieve {H109} thine heart {H5315}: and all the increase {H4768} of thine house {H1004} shall die {H4191} in the flower of their age {H582}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Still, I won't cut off every one of your men from my altar; because that would make your eyes grow dim, and you would waste away. Nevertheless, all your descendants will die young.

Berean Standard Bible

And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, your eyes will fail and your heart will grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men.

American Standard Version

And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thy heart; and all the increase of thy house shall die in the flower of their age.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 2:33 pronounces a severe and enduring judgment upon the priestly house of Eli, delivered through an unnamed prophet. This verse details the devastating consequences for Eli's failure to honor God above his own sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who had profoundly profaned the sacred service of the tabernacle. The judgment includes prolonged sorrow for Eli, the premature death of his male descendants, and the eventual termination of his family's priestly line, serving as a stark testament to God's unwavering holiness and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of a divine oracle delivered to Eli, the high priest, found in [1 Samuel 2:27-36](/1_samuel/2-27 "1 Samuel 2:27-36 - Prophecy Against Eli's House"). The preceding verses describe the egregious wickedness of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were abusing their priestly office by treating the Lord's sacrifices with contempt and engaging in immorality at the tabernacle entrance ([1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons") and [1 Samuel 2:22-25](/1_samuel/2-22 "1 Samuel 2:22-25 - Eli Rebukes His Sons")). Despite being informed of their vile behavior, Eli's rebuke was weak and ineffective, leading God to declare that Eli had honored his sons more than God Himself ([1 Samuel 2:29](/1_samuel/2-29 "1 Samuel 2:29 - Eli's Failure to Honor God")). The judgment in verse 33, therefore, is a direct consequence of this profound spiritual failure, contrasting sharply with the earlier promise of an enduring priesthood to Eli's lineage ([Exodus 29:9](/exodus/29-9 "Exodus 29:9 - Aaron's Enduring Priesthood")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this time, Israel was in a period of spiritual decline, marked by a lack of strong central leadership and widespread moral decay, as described in the book of [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges"). The tabernacle at Shiloh was the central place of worship, and the priesthood held immense spiritual authority and responsibility. Priests were mediators between God and His people, responsible for maintaining the sanctity of worship and teaching the Law. Eli, as High Priest, was the spiritual head of the nation. The cultural expectation was that a father would discipline his children, especially those in positions of sacred trust. Eli's failure to restrain his sons from profaning the sacrifices and committing sexual immorality was not merely a personal failing but a public scandal that brought dishonor upon God's name and undermined the very foundation of Israelite worship. The judgment of cutting off a family line, particularly a priestly one, was a severe form of divine punishment, signifying the complete removal of their authority and privilege.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") that converge in this verse include divine sovereignty and justice, the sanctity of God's holiness, and the consequences of disobedience, particularly for those in spiritual leadership. God's judgment on Eli's house underscores His unwavering commitment to righteousness and His intolerance for profanity in His service. This narrative also highlights the profound responsibility of parents to raise their children in the fear of the Lord, as Eli's passive approach to his sons' sins led to a curse on his entire lineage. Furthermore, the theme of God raising up faithful leaders in contrast to unfaithful ones is introduced, foreshadowing the eventual rise of Samuel and later, David, as God seeks those who will truly honor Him, as seen in [1 Samuel 2:35](/1_samuel/2-35 "1 Samuel 2:35 - God's Promise of a Faithful Priest").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consume (Hebrew, _kālâ'_):** This verb means to "pine away," "fail," "waste away," or "come to an end." When applied to the eyes, as here, it vividly portrays a prolonged, agonizing sorrow that causes one's vision to dim or fail, symbolizing deep emotional and physical distress. It's not a quick, sharp pain, but a lingering, debilitating grief that slowly wears one down.
* **Grieve (Hebrew, _da'av'_):** This word signifies "to languish," "to mourn," or "to be faint." Coupled with "heart" (often representing the inner person, emotions, and will), it paints a picture of profound, internal anguish and despair. Eli would not only witness the suffering of his descendants but would experience deep, personal sorrow over their fate and the downfall of his house.
* **Flower of their age (Hebrew, _bachurey anashim'_):** This idiomatic expression refers to young men in the prime of their life, their youth, or their vigor. The phrase "die in the flower of their age" thus means to die prematurely, before reaching old age or fulfilling their potential. It signifies a tragic and complete cut-off of the family's prosperity, strength, and future, a direct and devastating consequence of their unfaithfulness and God's righteous judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man of thine, [whom] I shall not cut off from mine altar":** This clause refers to a male descendant of Eli who would be spared from the immediate, widespread death afflicting the rest of his lineage. However, this sparing is not a blessing but a prolonged curse. This individual would remain alive, ostensibly serving at the altar, but his continued existence would be for the purpose of witnessing and experiencing the ongoing judgment on his family. This foreshadows Abiathar, a descendant of Eli, who escaped the massacre at Nob ([1 Samuel 22:20](/1_samuel/22-20 "1 Samuel 22:20 - Abiathar Escapes Nob")) and served as priest for a time, though he too would eventually be deposed ([1 Kings 2:27](/1_kings/2-27 "1 Kings 2:27 - Abiathar's Deposition")).
* **"[shall be] to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart":** This phrase directly addresses Eli, describing the personal, emotional torment he would endure. The "man of thine" who remains alive would be a constant, living reminder of the judgment. Eli would witness the slow, painful demise of his house, causing his eyes to fail from weeping and his heart to be perpetually burdened with sorrow. This is a powerful depiction of the psychological and emotional toll of unaddressed sin and divine judgment.
* **"and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age":** This final clause broadens the scope of the judgment from Eli's personal suffering to the fate of his entire lineage. "Increase of thine house" refers to all future male descendants. The phrase "die in the flower of their age" means they would not live to a full, ripe old age but would be cut off prematurely, in their youth or prime. This signifies the complete and tragic end of Eli's family line as a prominent, flourishing entity, particularly in the priesthood.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the severity of God's judgment. **Hyperbole** is evident in "consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart," which, while literally possible through intense sorrow, also serves as an exaggerated expression to emphasize the profound and debilitating emotional anguish Eli would experience. The "man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar" functions as a form of **irony**, as being "not cut off" here is not a sign of favor but rather a condition for prolonged suffering and witnessing the family's demise. The phrase "die in the flower of their age" is a poignant **metaphor** or **idiom**, comparing human life to a flourishing plant, emphasizing the tragedy of a life cut short before its natural bloom. The entire passage is a **prophecy**, a divine declaration of future events, serving as a warning and demonstrating God's sovereign control over human destiny and His unwavering commitment to justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's uncompromising holiness and His righteous judgment against sin, especially when committed by those in positions of spiritual authority. It underscores the principle that privilege and proximity to God's service come with greater responsibility, and failure to uphold that responsibility brings severe consequences. The judgment on Eli's house is not arbitrary but a direct response to Eli's failure to honor God above his own sons, thereby despising God's sacrifices and His covenant. This serves as a timeless reminder that God cannot be mocked and that true reverence for Him must manifest in obedience and disciplined living, particularly within the sacred sphere of worship. The tragic fate of Eli's descendants highlights the intergenerational impact of sin and the importance of faithful leadership in preserving the integrity of God's people.

* [1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - Death of Hophni and Phinehas")
* [1 Samuel 4:18](/1_samuel/4-18 "1 Samuel 4:18 - Eli's Death")
* [1 Kings 2:27](/1_kings/2-27 "1 Kings 2:27 - Abiathar's Deposition")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 2:33 serves as a sobering mirror for believers today, particularly those in leadership roles within the church or family. It compels us to examine our priorities: do we truly honor God above all else, or do we subtly, perhaps even unconsciously, prioritize personal comfort, family reputation, or worldly approval over His divine commands and holiness? Eli's passive neglect of his sons' egregious sins, which profaned God's sanctuary, resulted in devastating consequences not only for himself but for generations of his descendants. This challenges us to confront sin decisively, both in our own lives and in our spheres of influence, rather than tolerating or excusing it. It reminds us that our faithfulness, or lack thereof, has far-reaching implications, impacting not only our immediate circumstances but also the spiritual legacy we pass on. Ultimately, this verse calls for a profound reverence for God's holiness and an unwavering commitment to integrity in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that true blessing comes from honoring Him above all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be honoring something or someone (even family) more than God?**
* **How effectively do I confront sin, both in myself and in those under my influence, with biblical truth and love?**
* **What kind of spiritual legacy am I building for future generations through my commitment to God's holiness and justice?**
* **How does the severity of God's judgment on Eli's house deepen my appreciation for His grace and mercy in Christ?**

### FAQ
**What does "the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar" refer to?**

Answer: This phrase refers to a specific male descendant of Eli who would be spared from the widespread premature death afflicting the rest of Eli's priestly line. However, this sparing was not a blessing but a prolonged curse. This individual would remain alive to witness and experience the ongoing judgment on his family, serving as a living testament to their downfall. Historically, this is understood to refer to Abiathar, a descendant of Eli who escaped the massacre at Nob ([1 Samuel 22:20](/1_samuel/22-20 "1 Samuel 22:20 - Abiathar Escapes")), served as a priest alongside David, and initially supported Solomon. However, even Abiathar was eventually deposed by King Solomon, fulfilling the prophecy of the end of Eli's priestly line and confirming that no one from Eli's house would truly flourish in the priesthood ([1 Kings 2:27](/1_kings/2-27 "1 Kings 2:27 - Abiathar's Deposition")).

**Why was God's judgment on Eli's house so severe?**

Answer: God's judgment was severe because Eli, as the High Priest, failed in his sacred duty to honor God and uphold the sanctity of His worship. His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were committing egregious sins—treating the Lord's sacrifices with contempt and engaging in immorality at the tabernacle ([1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons") and [1 Samuel 2:22-25](/1_samuel/2-22 "1 Samuel 2:22-25 - Eli's Sons' Immorality")). Eli, despite knowing of their wickedness, offered only a weak rebuke and failed to restrain them effectively, thereby honoring his sons more than God ([1 Samuel 2:29](/1_samuel/2-29 "1 Samuel 2:29 - Eli's Failure to Honor God")). This profanation of holy things by those entrusted with their care was a direct affront to God's holiness and His covenant with Israel, necessitating a severe demonstration of divine justice to reassert His authority and the sacredness of His name.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The judgment against Eli's unfaithful priesthood in [1 Samuel 2:33](/1_samuel/2-33 "1 Samuel 2:33 - Judgment on Eli's House") foreshadows the ultimate need for a new, perfect, and enduring High Priest. The failure of Eli's line, marked by corruption and premature death, highlights the inherent limitations and temporary nature of the Old Covenant priesthood, which was dependent on fallible human beings. This broken system points forward to Jesus Christ, who is not merely a priest from the line of Aaron but a High Priest "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 5:6](/hebrews/5-6 "Hebrews 5:6 - Christ, A Priest Forever")), whose priesthood is eternal and unchangeable ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")). Unlike Eli's sons who profaned the sacrifices, Christ offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, taking away sin forever ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). The sorrow and premature death prophesied for Eli's house are stark reminders of the wages of sin ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")), but in Christ, believers find eternal life and deliverance from the curse of death ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death")). His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice ensure a priesthood that truly honors God, providing access to grace and mercy that no flawed human priest could ever offer ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

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 Kings 2:26

¶ And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou [art] worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord GOD before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.

1 Kings 2:27

So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

1 Kings 1:19

And he hath slain oxen and fat cattle and sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant hath he not called.

1 Kings 1:7

And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped [him].

1 Samuel 22:21

And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests.

1 Samuel 22:23

Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou [shalt be] in safeguard.

Matthew 2:16

¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.