Old Testament
1 Samuel 2:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"'The time is coming when I will cut short your strength and the strength of your father's family, so that no one in your line will grow old.
Compare translations
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.
What 1 Samuel 2:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is delivering a serious message about the future of Eli's family. He warns that a time will come when their strength will be diminished, and no one from Eli's lineage will live to an old age. This signifies a complete break from the past, where Eli's family had enjoyed a position of honor and influence. The loss of strength represents not just physical power but also spiritual authority. God is making it clear that their actions have consequences, and the failure to uphold His commands has led to this judgment. This moment serves as a reminder that our choices can have lasting effects on future generations. It emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with divine principles to ensure a legacy of strength and honor. Ultimately, this message is about accountability and the serious nature of our commitments to what is right and just in life. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and the impact we have on those who come after us, urging us to choose wisely.
How to apply 1 Samuel 2:31 to your life
Consider the legacy you are creating through your actions and choices. Reflect on how your decisions today can impact future generations. Strive to live in a way that honors your values and principles, ensuring a positive influence on those who follow you. Remember, every choice matters in shaping the future you desire for others. Make each decision count for good, and inspire others to do the same.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 2:31
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Samuel 2:31
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 2:31 mean?
1 Samuel 2:31 conveys God's warning to Eli about the impending decline of his family's strength and influence. It signifies that due to their failure to follow God's commands, no one from Eli's lineage will live to an old age, highlighting the consequences of their actions.
What is the significance of 'cut off thine arm' in 1 Samuel 2:31?
The phrase 'cut off thine arm' in 1 Samuel 2:31 symbolizes the loss of strength and power for Eli's family. It indicates a complete removal of their authority and influence, both physically and spiritually, as a result of their disobedience to God.
How does 1 Samuel 2:31 relate to accountability?
1 Samuel 2:31 emphasizes accountability by showing that Eli's family's choices have serious consequences. Their failure to follow God's will results in a judgment that affects not only them but also future generations.
What themes are present in 1 Samuel 2:31?
The themes in 1 Samuel 2:31 include judgment, legacy, accountability, consequences, and spiritual authority. These themes highlight the importance of living according to divine principles and the impact of our choices on future generations.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.