Old Testament
1 Samuel 2:22
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Eli was now very old, and he kept hearing about everything his sons were doing to the people of Israel — including how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
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Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
What 1 Samuel 2:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Eli was an elderly priest who had dedicated his life to serving God and leading the people of Israel. However, he faced a troubling situation with his sons, who were behaving inappropriately. They were exploiting their positions by taking advantage of the women who served at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. This was not just a personal failure; it reflected poorly on Eli's leadership and the spiritual health of the community. Despite hearing about their actions, Eli did not take strong enough measures to correct them. His inaction allowed the corruption to continue, which ultimately harmed the people and dishonored God. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the consequences of neglecting moral responsibilities. Eli's age did not excuse his failure to act, highlighting that leadership requires vigilance and courage, regardless of one's stage in life. The choices we make can have lasting impacts on those around us, especially when we hold positions of authority.
How to apply 1 Samuel 2:22 to your life
Reflect on your own responsibilities and the influence you have on others. Are there areas where you need to take a stand or correct behavior? Remember that inaction can lead to greater problems. Be proactive in addressing issues, especially when they affect those you care about. Your actions matter more than you think, so lead with integrity and courage.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
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Illustrated scene from Samuel's story: The Boy at Shiloh (1 Samuel 2:11–26)
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Samuel
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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Keep studying 1 Samuel 2:22
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 2:22 mean?
1 Samuel 2:22 describes Eli, an elderly priest, who learns about the immoral actions of his sons. They were exploiting their positions by taking advantage of women serving at the Tent of Meeting, highlighting a failure in leadership and moral accountability.
What is the significance of Eli's inaction in 1 Samuel 2:22?
Eli's inaction in 1 Samuel 2:22 signifies a serious lapse in leadership. Despite being aware of his sons' misconduct, he did not take adequate steps to correct their behavior, which allowed corruption to persist and negatively impacted the community.
What does the phrase 'lay with the women' in 1 Samuel 2:22 refer to?
The phrase 'lay with the women' in 1 Samuel 2:22 refers to the inappropriate sexual conduct of Eli's sons with women who served at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, indicating a serious moral failure.
What lessons can we learn from 1 Samuel 2:22?
1 Samuel 2:22 teaches the importance of accountability and the need for leaders to address misconduct. It serves as a reminder that neglecting moral responsibilities can lead to greater issues within a community.
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