Definition: And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eliâs house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 3:14. It's a really important and somewhat sobering passage about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying that Eli, the leader of his people, has been consistently making mistakes – he’s being selfish, dishonest, and causing problems for his community. And God is going to take action against this behavior. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli…” : This means God is directly addressing Eli, making a solemn promise or vow. He’s choosing to intervene in this situation. “…that the iniquity of Eliâs house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.” : This is the core of the verse. “Iniquity” is a fancy word that means "sin" or "evil deeds." It refers to all the bad things he’s done – lying, cheating, being disrespectful, etc. “Purged” means to cleanse something of its evil. "For ever” emphasizes this is a permanent consequence. So, what does it mean ? God is saying that Eli's family has been consistently making terrible choices and causing harm to his community for a very long time. He’s essentially declaring that he will not allow these mistakes to continue indefinitely. It suggests a pattern of behavior that is deeply damaging. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea of accountability and divine justice. God isn't just punishing Eli; it’s holding him responsible for his actions and demonstrating his commitment to protecting his people. It’s a reminder that we are all accountable for our choices, and we need to strive to live righteously. In short, this verse is a warning about the consequences of sin and a declaration of God's judgment on those who repeatedly betray His trust. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of a particular concept within this verse (like accountability)? Talk about how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?