1 Samuel 2:25 net — If a man sins against a man, one may appeal to God on his behalf. But if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede…

NET Bible

"If a man sins against a man, one may appeal to God on his behalf. But if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him then?” But Eli’s sons would not listen to their father. Indeed the LORD had decided to kill them."

— 1 Samuel 2:25, NET Bible

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1 Samuel 2:25 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations
  • KJV

    “If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them.”

  • ASV

    “If one man sin against another, God shall judge him; but if a man sin against Jehovah, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding, they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because Jehovah was minded to slay them. ”

  • WEB

    “If one man sin against another, God shall judge him; but if a man sin against Yahweh, who shall entreat for him?" Notwithstanding, they didn't listen to the voice of their father, because Yahweh was minded to kill them.”

  • DRB

    “If one man shall sin against another, God may be appeased in his behalf: but if a man shall sin against the Lord, who shall pray for him? And they hearkened not to the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them.”

  • BBE

    “If one man does wrong to another, God will be his judge: but if a man's sin is against the Lord, who will take up his cause? But they gave no attention to the voice of their father, for it was the Lord's purpose to send destruction on them.”

  • KJVA

    “If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them.”

1 Samuel 2 — Context

22

Eli was very old. And he would hear about everything that his sons used to do to all the people of Israel and how they used to go to bed with the women who were stationed at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

23

So he said to them,“Why do you do these things, these evil things which I hear about from all these people?

24

No, my sons! For the report that I hear circulating among the LORD’s people is not good.

25

If a man sins against a man, one may appeal to God on his behalf. But if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him then?” But Eli’s sons would not listen to their father. Indeed the LORD had decided to kill them.

26

However, the boy Samuel was growing up and finding favor both with the LORD and with people.

27

The Lord Judges the House of Eli Then a man of God came to Eli and said to him,“This is what the LORD has said:‘I plainly revealed myself to your ancestor’s house when they were slaves to the house of Pharaoh in Egypt.

28

I chose your ancestor from all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer sacrifice on my altar, to burn incense, and to bear the ephod before me. I gave to your ancestor’s house all the fire offerings made by the Israelites.

1 Samuel 2:25 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does 1 Samuel 2:25 say?
1 Samuel 2:25 in the NET Bible reads: “If a man sins against a man, one may appeal to God on his behalf. But if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him then?” But Eli’s sons would not listen to their father. Indeed the LORD had decided to kill them.”
Where is 1 Samuel 2:25 in the Bible?
1 Samuel 2:25 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 2, verse 25.
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 2:25.
What translation should I read 1 Samuel 2:25 in?
1 Samuel 2:25 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 2:25?
1 Samuel 2:25 reads (NET): “If a man sins against a man, one may appeal to God on his behalf. But if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him then?” But Eli’s sons would not listen to their father. Indeed the LORD had decided to kill them.” 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.
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