1 Samuel 2:36

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left in thine house shall come [and] crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left {H3498} in thine house {H1004} shall come {H935} and crouch {H7812} to him for a piece {H95} of silver {H3701} and a morsel {H3603} of bread {H3899}, and shall say {H559}, Put {H5596} me, I pray thee, into one {H259} of the priests' offices {H3550}, that I may eat {H398} a piece {H6595} of bread {H3899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone left in your family will come, prostrate himself before him for a silver coin or a loaf of bread, and say, "Please, won't you give me some work as a cohen, so I can have a scrap of bread to eat?"'"

Berean Standard Bible

And everyone left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver or a morsel of bread, pleading, “Please appoint me to some priestly office so that I can eat a piece of bread.”’”

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thy house shall come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a morsel of bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 2:36 delivers the devastating culmination of divine judgment against the house of Eli, the high priest, prophesying a future of abject destitution and profound humiliation for his surviving descendants. Due to the egregious unfaithfulness and corruption of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, the once-privileged and divinely appointed priestly lineage will be reduced to desperate begging for the most meager sustenance, seeking even the lowest and most menial priestly tasks not out of devotion or calling, but purely out of a desperate need for food. This verse powerfully illustrates the profound and irreversible reversal of fortune for a family that once held a position of immense honor, spiritual authority, and material provision, serving as a stark and enduring warning about the severe consequences of despising the Lord's name and neglecting sacred spiritual duties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the climactic and most poignant detail of the divine judgment pronounced against Eli's house by an unnamed "man of God" in [1 Samuel 2:27-36](/1-samuel/2-27-36 "1 Samuel 2:27-36 - Prophecy Against Eli's House"). The prophecy begins by recounting God's steadfast covenant faithfulness to Eli's ancestors (Aaron) and the unparalleled privilege bestowed upon his family, sharply contrasting it with Eli's profound failure to honor God above his own sons ([1 Samuel 2:29](/1-samuel/2-29 "1 Samuel 2:29 - Eli's Failure to Honor God")). The preceding verses meticulously detail the specific consequences of this spiritual negligence: the cutting off of Eli's strength, the simultaneous death of his two wicked sons on the same day ([1 Samuel 2:34](/1-samuel/2-34 "1 Samuel 2:34 - Death of Hophni and Phinehas")), and the promise of God raising up a "faithful priest" who will execute His will ([1 Samuel 2:35](/1-samuel/2-35 "1 Samuel 2:35 - Promise of a Faithful Priest")). Verse 36 then vividly paints the picture of the lingering shame, poverty, and utter degradation that will afflict the remaining members of Eli's line, providing a concrete and heart-wrenching image of their fallen state and the complete reversal of their former glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the priesthood was a divinely ordained, hereditary office, specifically assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi. Priests were indispensable mediators between God and the people, responsible for offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, maintaining the tabernacle (and later the temple), and discerning God's will. Their livelihood was guaranteed by divine decree through tithes and specific portions of the sacrifices, ensuring they could dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without worldly distraction (e.g., [Numbers 18:8-20](/numbers/18-8-20 "Numbers 18:8-20 - Priestly Portions and Responsibilities")). Eli's family, as the high priestly line serving at Shiloh, enjoyed immense prestige, spiritual authority, and substantial material provision. The prophecy in [1 Samuel 2:36](/1-samuel/2-36 "1 Samuel 2:36 - Eli's Descendants Reduced to Begging") directly contradicts and shatters this established norm, depicting a future where their descendants, once entitled to a comfortable and honorable living from sacred offerings, would be reduced to the lowest form of destitution, begging for basic necessities and any menial priestly task, highlighting a complete and humiliating reversal of their once-privileged and esteemed status.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to the overarching theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution** in 1 Samuel, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to holding His covenant people, especially their leaders, accountable for their actions and spiritual integrity. It underscores the profound severity of **Despising God's Name and Sacred Things**, as Eli's sons did by treating the Lord's offerings with utter contempt and engaging in immoral behavior ([1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1-samuel/2-12-17 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - Wickedness of Eli's Sons")). The theme of **Reversal of Fortune** is prominently displayed, as a family once guaranteed a perpetual priesthood and ample provision is prophesied to experience extreme poverty, humiliation, and the loss of their sacred calling. Furthermore, this passage subtly introduces the theme of **God's Sovereignty in Raising Up and Pulling Down Leaders**, as the catastrophic downfall of Eli's house paves the way for the rise of a "faithful priest" ([1 Samuel 2:35](/1-samuel/2-35 "1 Samuel 2:35 - Promise of a Faithful Priest")), foreshadowing the shift in priestly authority and ultimately pointing towards Samuel's righteous leadership and the future Davidic monarchy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Crouch (Hebrew, _shâchâh'_):** This verb (שָׁחָה, H7812) typically means "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to do obeisance." It is frequently employed in contexts of worship, profound respect, and humble submission (e.g., [Genesis 24:48](/genesis/24-48 "Genesis 24:48 - Abraham's Servant Bows Down in Worship")). In 1 Samuel 2:36, its application is deeply ironic and tragic. Instead of bowing in worship to God or receiving honor and reverence from the people, Eli's descendants will be compelled to humble themselves in a demeaning posture of begging, symbolizing their utter loss of dignity, authority, and self-sufficiency. It signifies a complete and humiliating reversal of their former esteemed position, reduced to a state of abject subservience.
* **Piece (of) silver (Hebrew, _ʼăgôwrâh'_):** This term (אֲגוֹרָה, H95) refers to a very small, minimal amount of currency, akin to a single coin or a tiny fragment of silver. Its inclusion here emphasizes the extreme poverty and desperation of Eli's descendants. They will not be seeking a comfortable living or substantial payment for their services, but literally the smallest possible monetary unit, highlighting their dire need and the complete collapse of their family's once-guaranteed material provision. This detail underscores their reduction to begging for mere survival, far from the abundance they once enjoyed.
* **Bread (Hebrew, _lechem'_):** This noun (לֶחֶם, H3899) signifies food in general, but most commonly refers to bread, the staple of the ancient Israelite diet. The phrase "a morsel of bread" (with H3603 _kikkâr_ for "morsel") further highlights the abject hunger and the basic, fundamental nature of their need. Their plea for priestly office is not for spiritual devotion or fulfilling their sacred calling, but purely for the most basic physical sustenance. This reveals the depth of their degradation and the complete collapse of their family's former status and sacred purpose, reducing the once-honored priesthood to a mere means of warding off starvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left in thine house shall come [and] crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread,"**: This opening clause establishes the absolute certainty and inevitability of the prophecy ("it shall come to pass") and details the future state of Eli's surviving descendants. "Every one that is left" implies a remnant, suggesting that many will have already perished as part of the initial judgment. Their action of "crouching" to "him" (referring to the faithful priest mentioned in [1 Samuel 2:35](/1-samuel/2-35 "1 Samuel 2:35 - Promise of a Faithful Priest")) signifies deep humiliation, subservience, and a loss of all former dignity. The motivation for this abject posture is the desperate need for "a piece of silver and a morsel of bread," emphasizing their extreme poverty and complete dependence on others for basic sustenance, a stark and ironic contrast to the ample priestly provision they once enjoyed.
* **"and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices,"**: This clause reveals the specific plea of Eli's impoverished descendants. Their request to be "put... into one of the priests' offices" is not born of a desire to serve God, fulfill their ancestral calling, or uphold the sanctity of the priesthood, but rather out of a pragmatic and desperate need for livelihood. The phrase "I pray thee" underscores their position of supplication, powerlessness, and utter lack of leverage. They are reduced to begging for any available position, no matter how menial or undignified, within the very institution their family once led with great honor and authority.
* **"that I may eat a piece of bread."**: This concluding phrase lays bare the singular and stark motivation behind their plea for priestly service. Their desire is not for spiritual fulfillment, divine honor, or the performance of sacred duties, but simply to "eat a piece of bread." This highlights the ultimate degradation of their once-sacred office, which has been reduced in their eyes to a mere means of survival. It powerfully encapsulates the profound consequences of their family's spiritual decay and the divine judgment that stripped them not only of their dignity and provision but also of the very purpose and meaning of their inherited calling.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 1 Samuel 2:36 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment, reversal, and profound degradation. **Irony** is central to the verse, as the descendants of a high priestly family, once guaranteed ample provision and honor through their sacred office, are reduced to begging for scraps and seeking the lowest priestly positions solely for physical sustenance. Their "crouching" is an ironic inversion of the reverence and worship typically associated with the priestly office, now a posture of desperate supplication. **Symbolism** is powerfully evident in the "piece of silver and a morsel of bread," which symbolize not just extreme poverty, but the complete loss of their sacred inheritance, the stripping away of their divine provision, and the reduction of their spiritual calling to mere physical survival. The act of "crouching" itself symbolizes their utter humiliation, subservience, and the complete collapse of their former status. Furthermore, the passage uses **Foreshadowing**, as the prophecy of Eli's house being brought low sets the stage for the rise of a new, faithful priesthood, ultimately fulfilled in Zadok's line and pointing towards a greater, perfect priest. The vivid imagery also creates a strong sense of **Pathos**, evoking pity for the tragic fate of a once-noble lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 2:36 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and His intolerance for spiritual corruption, particularly among those entrusted with sacred leadership and high office. It underscores the profound biblical principle that privilege does not exempt one from accountability; rather, greater privilege often entails greater responsibility and a higher standard of faithfulness. The severe judgment on Eli's house demonstrates that God honors those who honor Him, but those who despise Him will be lightly esteemed ([1 Samuel 2:30](/1-samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - God Honors Those Who Honor Him")). This verse highlights the devastating, long-term consequences of neglecting one's spiritual duties, failing to discipline sin within one's sphere of influence, and treating sacred things with contempt. It also reveals God's absolute sovereignty in orchestrating the rise and fall of leaders and dynasties, ensuring that His divine purposes are ultimately fulfilled through faithful servants, even if it necessitates the removal of unfaithful ones. The abject state of Eli's descendants emphasizes that true spiritual authority, lasting blessing, and genuine provision come solely from God's favor and faithfulness, not from inherited status, human privilege, or mere lineage.

* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Consequences of Concealing Sin")
* [Malachi 2:8-9](/malachi/2-8-9 "Malachi 2:8-9 - God's Judgment on Corrupt Priests")
* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark and haunting image of Eli's descendants begging for a piece of bread and a menial priestly office offers a sobering and profound reflection for all believers, particularly those who hold positions of spiritual leadership or influence within the church or their communities. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is not mocked, and while His patience is vast, His justice is certain and unwavering. Our service to God must always be motivated by genuine devotion, reverence, and a pure heart, never by personal gain, comfort, status, or worldly ambition. The integrity of our lives, both public and private, and our unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness and holiness within our families, churches, and broader communities, are paramount. Eli's tragic failure to restrain his sons and honor God above them resulted in a devastating and enduring legacy for his entire lineage. This narrative calls us to a deep examination of our own lives: are we truly honoring God above all else? Are we diligent and courageous in addressing sin and upholding truth, even when it is difficult, uncomfortable, or unpopular? The pursuit of spiritual office, influence, or ministry should always be for the glory of God, the advancement of His kingdom, and the genuine benefit and spiritual nourishment of His people, never for self-preservation, material sustenance, or personal aggrandizement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "crouch" or compromise my integrity and spiritual convictions for material gain, personal comfort, or social acceptance, especially in my service to God?**
* **How does Eli's failure to discipline his sons challenge me to exercise spiritual authority and responsibility with wisdom, courage, and faithfulness within my own sphere of influence (family, church, workplace, community)?**
* **Am I pursuing spiritual growth, ministry, and service out of genuine, selfless devotion to God, or are there subtle underlying motivations of self-interest, a desire for recognition, or a need for affirmation?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the long-term, generational consequences of unfaithfulness and spiritual compromise, both for individuals and for their descendants?**

### FAQ
**What does "crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread" truly signify about their condition?**

Answer: This phrase vividly portrays the extreme destitution and profound humiliation of Eli's surviving descendants. "Crouching" (Hebrew: _shâchâh_) implies a posture of deep submission, begging, or even prostration, far removed from the dignity and authority once associated with their high priestly lineage. It signifies they are reduced to a state of utter powerlessness and dependency, stripped of all former honor. The "piece of silver" (H95, _ʼăgôwrâh'_) and "morsel of bread" (H3603, _kikkâr_, and H3899, _lechem_) represent the absolute minimum needed for survival, emphasizing their abject poverty and desperate hunger. They are not seeking a comfortable living or a return to their former status, but merely enough to ward off starvation. This detail underscores the complete and humiliating reversal of fortune and the severity of divine judgment, where those once sustained by the Lord's offerings are now begging for scraps from those who have replaced them. It highlights that their once-sacred office has become nothing more than a desperate means to secure basic physical sustenance, completely devoid of its spiritual purpose and sacred calling. This is a powerful illustration of the consequences of despising the Lord, as clearly stated in [1 Samuel 2:30](/1-samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - God Honors Those Who Honor Him").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The judgment against Eli's house in [1 Samuel 2:36](/1-samuel/2-36 "1 Samuel 2:36 - Eli's Descendants Begging"), culminating in the promise of a "faithful priest" in [1 Samuel 2:35](/1-samuel/2-35 "1 Samuel 2:35 - Promise of a Faithful Priest"), finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate historical fulfillment was likely Zadok, who replaced Abiathar (a descendant of Eli) as high priest, the complete and eternal priesthood belongs to Christ alone. Unlike the Levitical priests, who were fallible, sinful, and subject to death and judgment, Jesus is our perfect, sinless, and eternal High Priest, described as "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Jesus, Our Perfect High Priest")). He did not serve for a "piece of bread" or a "morsel of bread" but offered Himself as the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice, providing eternal sustenance, forgiveness, and abundant life for all who believe. The destitution and humiliation prophesied for Eli's line stand in stark contrast to the immeasurable spiritual riches and abundant provision found in Christ, who is the source of all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Through His one perfect sacrifice and His unchangeable priesthood, Jesus has established a new covenant, ensuring that those who come to God through Him will never "crouch" in spiritual hunger, humiliation, or desperation, but will find full, eternal satisfaction and glorious access to God's presence ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Jesus' Unchangeable Priesthood")).

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 2:27

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.

Malachi 1:13

Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought [that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 44:10

¶ And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.

Ezekiel 44:12

Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity.

1 Samuel 2:29

Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded [in my] habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?

1 Samuel 2:30

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.