1 Samuel 2:12 akjv — Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

American King James Version

"Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. "

— 1 Samuel 2:12, American King James Version

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

1 Samuel 2:12 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

1 Samuel 2 — Context

9

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

10

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder on them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength to his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

11

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister to the LORD before Eli the priest. ¶

12

Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

13

And the priest’s custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a meat hook of three teeth in his hand;

14

And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the meat hook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites that came thither.

15

Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of you, but raw.

1 Samuel 2:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 2:12 say?
1 Samuel 2:12 in the American King James Version reads: “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. ”
Where is 1 Samuel 2:12 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 2:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 2, verse 12.
Who wrote 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Samuel, Nathan, and Gad). It was written c. 930–722 BC.
What is the book of 1 Samuel about?
1 Samuel marks Israel's transition from judges to kings. It traces the births and ministries of the prophet Samuel, the rise and tragic fall of Saul as Israel's first king, and the anointing of the shepherd boy David, whose faith makes him a man after God's own heart.
What are the major themes of 1 Samuel?
1 Samuel explores themes including Kingship, Prophet, Faith vs. Fear, God's Sovereign Choice, Anointing. These themes shape the meaning and context of 1 Samuel 2:12.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 2:12 in?
1 Samuel 2:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize 1 Samuel 2:12?
1 Samuel 2:12 reads (AKJV): “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2