Bible Strands
1 Samuel 2:24
No, my sons; it is not a good report I hear circulating among the LORD’s people.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Eli addresses his two sons directly at the moment he confronts them about the widespread rumors of their misconduct among the Israelites. He speaks immediately after hearing their wicked deeds reported by the congregation in 1 Samuel 2:23.
The words — The Hebrew phrase אַ֖ל (ʾal) and לֽוֹא־ (lōʾ) combine to form a strong negation, literally translating to "may not [it be]... not [is] good." The term הַ/שְּׁמֻעָה֙ (haššəmuʿâ) denotes the circulating report or rumor Eli has received.
The thread — This warning about corrupt rumors and sin echoes Moses’ confrontation with Aaron in Exodus 32:21 and follows the same condemnation of priestly abuse found in 1 Samuel 2:17 and 1 Samuel 2:22. The pattern shows leadership failure being publicly reported before divine judgment.
Why it lands — The text demands that leaders acknowledge the public damage of their actions rather than dismiss or conceal misconduct. It requires readers to recognize that widespread rumors of sin signal a breakdown in spiritual authority that invites judgment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress.
Cross-references
- Exodus 32:21 “What did this people do to you,” Moses asked Aaron, “that you have led them into so great a sin?”
- 1 Samuel 2:17 Thus the sin of these young men was severe in the sight of the LORD, for they were treating the LORD’s offering with contempt.
- 1 Samuel 2:22 Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
- 1 Kings 13:18 Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him,
- 1 Kings 15:30 because of the sins Jeroboam had committed and had caused Israel to commit, and because he had provoked the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger.
- 2 Kings 10:31 Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit.
- Malachi 2:8 But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts.
- Matthew 18:7 Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!
- Acts 6:3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them
- 2 Corinthians 6:8 through glory and dishonor, slander and praise; viewed as imposters, yet genuine;