Old Testament
1 Samuel 2:33
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Any of your descendants whom I do not cut off from my altar will cause your eyes to fail and your heart to grieve. All the offspring of your house will die in the prime of their life.
Compare translations
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.
What 1 Samuel 2:33 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 while some of Eli's descendants may survive, they will bring great sorrow to him. Their lives will be filled with grief, as they will die young, cutting short their potential. This reflects the consequences of Eli's failure to guide his sons properly and uphold God's standards. The message emphasizes the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership and the impact of one's actions on future generations. It serves as a reminder that our choices can have lasting effects, not just for ourselves but for those who come after us. The fate of Eli's family illustrates the importance of living in alignment with one's values and the serious repercussions of neglecting them. Ultimately, this verse highlights the need for accountability and the importance of nurturing a legacy that honors what is right and just, rather than allowing it to slip away into sorrow and loss. It’s a call to reflect on how our actions shape the lives of others.
How to apply 1 Samuel 2:33 to your life
Consider how your actions today might affect those around you, especially future generations. Reflect on the values you want to pass on and ensure your choices align with those values. Take responsibility for your influence and strive to create a positive legacy that inspires others to live well. Remember, your life can impact many others in profound ways. Be mindful of your decisions and their potential outcomes for those you care about.
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 2:33
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 2:33
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 2:33 mean?
1 Samuel 2:33 conveys God's warning to Eli about the future of his family. It indicates that while some descendants may survive, they will bring him sorrow and will die young, highlighting the consequences of Eli's failure to discipline his sons.
What is the significance of Eli's descendants in 1 Samuel 2:33?
The verse signifies that Eli's descendants will face tragic outcomes due to his neglect in guiding them properly. Their early deaths symbolize the impact of poor leadership and the importance of upholding moral standards.
What themes are present in 1 Samuel 2:33?
Key themes in 1 Samuel 2:33 include consequences of one's actions, the importance of legacy, and the weight of responsibility in leadership. It emphasizes how personal choices can affect future generations.
How does 1 Samuel 2:33 relate to leadership?
1 Samuel 2:33 illustrates the heavy burden of leadership, showing that leaders must guide their followers wisely. Eli's failure to correct his sons leads to dire consequences for his family, underscoring the need for accountability.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.