1 Samuel 8:3

KJV

And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

KJV (with Strong's)

And his sons {H1121} walked {H1980} not in his ways {H1870}, but turned aside {H5186} after {H310} lucre {H1215}, and took {H3947} bribes {H7810}, and perverted {H5186} judgment {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, his sons did not follow his way of life; they turned off it to pursue riches, so that they would take bribes to distort justice.

Berean Standard Bible

But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice.

American Standard Version

And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted justice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 8:3 serves as a critical turning point in Israel's history, revealing the moral failure of Samuel's sons, Joel and Abiah, whom he had appointed as judges. Unlike their father, they deviated from righteous leadership, driven by personal greed and a disregard for justice. Their actions—specifically, turning aside after dishonest gain, accepting bribes, and corrupting the legal process—directly precipitated the elders' demand for a king, marking the end of the era of judges and the dawn of the monarchy in Israel. This verse underscores the perennial challenge of integrity in leadership and the profound consequences of its absence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of Samuel's faithful and righteous judgeship over Israel, highlighted in [1 Samuel 7:15](/1_samuel/7-15 "1 Samuel 7:15 - Samuel's Faithful Judgeship"). Samuel, now old, attempts to delegate authority by appointing his sons as judges in Beer-sheba. However, [1 Samuel 8:3](/1_samuel/8-3 "1 Samuel 8:3 - Samuel's Sons' Corruption") starkly contrasts their conduct with their father's integrity. Their corruption directly sets the stage for the elders of Israel to approach Samuel in [1 Samuel 8:4-5](/1_samuel/8-4 "1 Samuel 8:4-5 - Israel Demands a King") with the demand for a king, "like all the nations," because Samuel's sons "walked not in his ways." This failure of inherited leadership is the immediate catalyst for the foundational shift in Israel's governance from a theocracy led by judges to a monarchy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, judges served as spiritual, military, and judicial leaders, appointed by God to deliver the people and administer justice. Their role was to uphold God's law and ensure righteous governance, often serving as a direct link between God and His people. The concept of "judgment" (Hebrew: *mishpat*) was central to Israelite society, encompassing both legal rulings and the broader administration of justice and righteousness. Bribes (Hebrew: *shochad*) were explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law, as they perverted justice and oppressed the vulnerable, as seen in [Exodus 23:8](/exodus/23-8 "Exodus 23:8 - Prohibition Against Bribes") and [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Justice and Impartiality"). The corruption of judges was a grave offense, undermining the very foundation of a society built on divine law and justice. The historical period was one of transition, with external pressures from surrounding nations and internal instability, making righteous leadership even more crucial for Israel's survival and spiritual well-being.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes emerging from [1 Samuel 8:3](/1_samuel/8-3 "1 Samuel 8:3 - The Corruption of Samuel's Sons") include the **failure of human leadership** and the **corrupting influence of greed**. Samuel's sons represent a recurring pattern in Israel's history where those in positions of authority deviate from God's ways, leading to societal decay and a crisis of faith. Their pursuit of "lucre" (dishonest gain) highlights the destructive power of avarice, which compromises integrity and perverts justice. This verse also introduces the theme of **the people's desire for a king**, driven by the immediate failure of Samuel's sons, but also reflecting a deeper rejection of God's direct rule, as God Himself notes in [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God's Response to Israel's Demand for a King"). It underscores the importance of **righteous judgment** and the devastating consequences when it is abandoned, echoing the warnings found in the Mosaic Law about upholding justice for all, regardless of status, as reiterated in [Leviticus 19:15](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15 - Impartial Justice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lucre (Hebrew, _betsa'_):** This term signifies dishonest gain, unjust profit, or covetousness. It points to wealth acquired through illicit means, often through exploitation or corruption. In this context, it highlights the avaricious motivation of Samuel's sons, indicating that their primary aim was personal enrichment rather than faithful service or the administration of justice. The pursuit of *betsa'* stands in direct opposition to the righteous conduct expected of God's appointed leaders.
* **Perverted (Hebrew, _natah'_):** The verb *natah'* literally means "to stretch out," "to incline," "to turn aside," or "to bend." When combined with "judgment" (*mishpat*), it powerfully conveys the idea of twisting, distorting, or bending justice away from its straight, righteous course. It implies a deliberate act of corruption, where legal decisions are no longer based on truth and law but on personal gain or bias, thus undermining the very foundation of equitable governance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his sons walked not in his ways":** This opening clause immediately establishes a stark contrast between Samuel's integrity and the conduct of Joel and Abiah. "His ways" refers to Samuel's righteous and faithful adherence to God's commands in his role as judge, characterized by impartiality and devotion. The phrase "walked not" indicates a deliberate and persistent deviation from this path, signifying a fundamental moral and spiritual departure from the standards set by their father and, implicitly, by God.
* **"but turned aside after lucre":** This clause reveals the specific motivation behind their unrighteous conduct. "Turned aside" (Hebrew: *natah*) here denotes a deviation or deflection from the proper course. The object of their deviation is "lucre," emphasizing that their actions were driven by a desire for dishonest gain. This pursuit of illicit wealth became their guiding principle, supplanting their duty to God and the people.
* **"and took bribes":** This action is a direct manifestation of their turning aside after lucre. Taking bribes (Hebrew: *laqach shochad*) was a prohibited practice under Mosaic Law, as it inherently corrupted the judicial process. It implies that their decisions were no longer based on the merits of the case or the principles of justice, but on financial inducements, making them susceptible to manipulation by the wealthy or influential.
* **"and perverted judgment":** This final clause describes the devastating consequence of their greed and bribe-taking. "Perverted judgment" means they twisted or distorted the legal and moral principles of justice. Instead of administering fair and impartial rulings in accordance with God's law, they rendered verdicts that were biased, unjust, and contrary to truth, causing harm to the innocent and allowing the guilty to go unpunished, thereby undermining the very fabric of society.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** and **Irony**. The **contrast** is starkly drawn between the righteous "ways" of Samuel, who faithfully judged Israel, and the corrupt path taken by his sons. This immediate juxtaposition highlights the moral decay and failure of inherited leadership. There is also a strong sense of **irony** in that Samuel, a prophet and judge dedicated to upholding God's law, has sons who fundamentally undermine that very law through their actions. Their perversion of judgment, a direct violation of divine commands, serves as a tragic **foreshadowing** of the future struggles Israel will face under flawed human kings, despite the people's initial hope that a king would solve their problems. The language is direct and condemnatory, emphasizing the severity of their transgressions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The moral failure of Samuel's sons in 1 Samuel 8:3 resonates deeply with broader biblical themes concerning the nature of sin, the importance of righteous leadership, and the consequences of human rebellion against divine standards. Their actions—greed, bribe-taking, and perversion of justice—are not merely personal failings but a systemic corruption that undermines God's covenant with Israel and the principles of His law. This verse illustrates that even within a divinely ordained system, human sin can lead to profound societal and spiritual decay, necessitating a change that, while seemingly a solution, also carries its own set of challenges. It highlights God's unwavering demand for justice and integrity from those who represent Him, and the severe repercussions when such standards are abandoned.

* [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Prohibition Against Perverting Justice")
* [Proverbs 17:23](/proverbs/17-23 "Proverbs 17:23 - The Danger of Bribes")
* [Isaiah 1:23](/isaiah/1-23 "Isaiah 1:23 - Corruption of Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Samuel's sons serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the corrupting power of greed and the critical importance of integrity in all forms of leadership. Whether in public office, religious institutions, business, or even within families, the temptation to prioritize personal gain over principle and justice remains a constant threat. This verse challenges us to examine our own motivations and actions, asking whether we are "walking in God's ways" or "turning aside after lucre." It underscores that true leadership is characterized by selfless service, impartiality, and an unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness, even when it comes at a personal cost. The perversion of judgment, whether in a courtroom or in our daily interactions, erodes trust and undermines the fabric of community. We are called to be agents of justice, advocating for fairness and upholding truth, especially for the vulnerable and marginalized, resisting any temptation to compromise our principles for personal advantage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "turn aside after lucre" or compromise my integrity for personal gain?**
* **How can I actively contribute to upholding justice and fairness in my sphere of influence, resisting the temptation to "pervert judgment" through bias or self-interest?**
* **What measures can individuals and communities take to ensure accountability and integrity in leadership, preventing the kind of corruption seen in Samuel's sons?**

### FAQ

**Why were Samuel's sons so corrupt, especially given their father's righteousness?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state the reasons for their corruption, but it strongly implies a moral and spiritual failure on their part, driven by greed ("turned aside after lucre"). While Samuel was a righteous judge, personal righteousness is not automatically inherited. Each individual is responsible for their own walk with God and adherence to His ways. The Bible often shows that even children of godly parents can stray, as seen with Eli's sons in [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons"), highlighting the reality of individual moral choice and accountability. Their positions of power likely amplified their susceptibility to temptation, leading them to abuse their authority for personal gain.

**What was the significance of "perverting judgment" in ancient Israel?**

Answer: "Perverting judgment" (Hebrew: *natah mishpat*) was a grave offense in ancient Israel, directly violating God's commands for justice and impartiality. God's law explicitly forbade judges from taking bribes or showing partiality, as seen in [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Impartial Justice"). Justice was considered a reflection of God's own character, and its perversion undermined the covenant relationship between God and His people, leading to social instability, oppression of the poor, and a breakdown of trust in the legal system. It was an act of injustice against both God and humanity, severely impacting the most vulnerable members of society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The failure of Samuel's sons, leading to Israel's demand for a king, profoundly highlights humanity's desperate need for a perfect, incorruptible leader—a need ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The flawed judges and kings of Israel, including Samuel's sons who "perverted judgment," underscore the inadequacy of human leadership to deliver true justice and uphold God's righteous standards. This narrative foreshadows the coming of a King who would not "walk not in his ways" but would perfectly embody God's ways. Jesus, the [Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), stands in stark contrast to all human leaders. He never turned aside after "lucre" but instead [emptied himself](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility"), taking on the form of a servant. He never took bribes but gave His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Most importantly, Jesus never "perverted judgment"; rather, He is the [righteous Judge](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son") who will administer perfect justice, judging the living and the dead with truth and equity ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "Acts 17:31 - God Will Judge the World Through Jesus")). The corruption of Samuel's sons ultimately points to the necessity of the [King of kings](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose reign is marked by perfect righteousness, justice, and an eternal, unwavering commitment to His people, a stark contrast to the fleeting and flawed leadership of fallen humanity.

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

Deuteronomy 16:19

Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Psalms 15:5

[He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.

Exodus 23:8

And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

Exodus 18:21

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place [such] over them, [to be] rulers of thousands, [and] rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

Isaiah 33:15

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;

1 Timothy 3:3

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;