1 Samuel 2 3

1 Samuel 2:3 kjv

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

1 Samuel 2:3 nkjv

"Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the LORD is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed.

1 Samuel 2:3 niv

"Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.

1 Samuel 2:3 esv

Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

1 Samuel 2:3 nlt

"Stop acting so proud and haughty!
Don't speak with such arrogance!
For the LORD is a God who knows what you have done;
he will judge your actions.

1 Samuel 2 verses

1 Samuel 2 3 Meaning

This verse, part of Hannah's prayer and prophecy, declares a profound theological truth: arrogant speech, stemming from a prideful heart, is futile because God is all-knowing and righteous in His judgment. It warns against boasting or speaking with haughtiness, asserting that the LORD, the God of knowledge, sees into the deepest parts of human hearts and weighs every action and intention with perfect discernment and justice, leaving nothing hidden from His view.

1 Samuel 2 3 Context

This verse is a pivotal part of Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving, often referred to as her "Song" (1 Sam 2:1-10), uttered after the birth of Samuel and his dedication to the LORD. It's a spontaneous outpouring of praise, celebrating God's sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness, particularly in contrasting her humble position with the arrogance of her rival, Peninnah, and prophetically alluding to broader divine principles. Historically, this song provides a theological backdrop for the subsequent narrative concerning Eli's corrupt sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who exemplify the pride and wickedness Hannah warns against, serving as a direct contrast to her own humble devotion and setting the stage for their downfall. The song transcends Hannah's personal triumph to declare universal truths about God's character and His righteous rule.

1 Samuel 2 3 Word analysis

• Talk no more: `al-tarbu` (אַל-תַּרְבּוּ) from `rabah` (רָבָה), meaning "to multiply," combined with a negative particle. It signifies "do not abound," or "do not continue to increase" in such speech. This isn't just a command to stop, but to stop escalating or proliferating haughty words. It conveys a strong prohibition against persistence in boastful rhetoric.
• so very proudly: `gavohah` (גָבֹהָה) - from `gavah` (גבהּ), "to be high," "exalted," or "lofty." Here, it signifies pride, arrogance, haughtiness, or self-exaltation. It describes the internal disposition that manifests as outwardly boastful speech. This pride sets oneself above God or others, implying self-sufficiency and disregard for divine authority.
• let not arrogance come from your mouth: `yetze`-`ataq` (יֵצֵא עָתָק) - `yetze` means "let it go forth/come out." `Ataq` (עָתָק) can mean "something that removes/departs," or in a moral sense, "hard," "presumptuous," "arrogant," "insolent," "impudent." This vividly depicts arrogant, presumptuous, or defiant speech literally "coming out" from the mouth, highlighting its offensive and blasphemous nature. It emphasizes that speech is a direct outflow of the heart's disposition.
• for the LORD is a God of knowledge: `Ki YHWH El De'ot` (כִּי יְהוָה אֵל דֵּעוֹת) - `YHWH` is the covenant name for God, emphasizing His personal, immutable nature. `El De'ot` means "God of knowledges," or "God of discerning understanding." This plural form (knowledges) underscores His comprehensive, absolute, and perfect omniscience. He doesn't just know facts, but understands the depths of the human heart, motives, and hidden intentions. This profound attribute renders human arrogance futile, as nothing can be hidden from Him. This term "El De'ot" is unique to this verse in the Hebrew Bible.
• and by Him actions are weighed: `venithk'nu `alilot` (וְנִתְכְּנוּ עֲלִלוֹת) - `venithk'nu` from `takan` (תָּכַן), meaning "to weigh," "measure," or "examine carefully." The passive voice "are weighed" emphasizes God as the impartial agent of measurement. `alilot` (עֲלִלוֹת) refers to "deeds," "doings," "actions," or "dealings." This phrase speaks of a meticulous, righteous divine assessment of every human act and its underlying motives. It assures that God renders justice perfectly and precisely, unlike imperfect human judgments. This concept is a polemic against the arbitrary power wielded by human kings or judges.

• Talk no more so very proudly; let not arrogance come from your mouth: This linked phrase exposes the outward manifestation (haughty speech) and its inner source (pride/arrogance). It's a call for immediate and complete cessation of such discourse, recognizing that words reflect the true state of the heart. The emphasis is on restraining not just overt boasts but also underlying attitudes of self-exaltation.
• for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed: This clause provides the divine rationale for the preceding command. God's absolute omniscience (`El De'ot`) guarantees that no secret motive or hidden pride can escape His notice. His precise judgment (actions "are weighed") means that true character and deeds, not outward appearances or boasts, will ultimately determine one's standing. This serves as both a warning to the proud and a comfort to the humble who feel overlooked or oppressed. It implies that true strength and wisdom come from recognizing God's omniscient justice, not from self-exaltation.

1 Samuel 2 3 Bonus section

This verse contains one of the earliest explicit declarations of God's omniscience in the Bible, establishing a foundational theological truth that echoes throughout Scripture. The rare Hebrew term El De'ot emphasizes that God's knowledge is not merely cognitive but deep and discerning, extending to moral character and hidden motivations. This stands in stark contrast to the fallible and often corrupt judgments of human authorities. Hannah's prophecy here serves as a template for divine reversals: those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. It introduces the theme of God bringing low the high and lifting up the low, which becomes a recurring motif in the Deuteronomistic history and later in the New Testament (e.g., Mary's Magnificat). The "weighing of actions" implies not just a future judgment but also an ongoing divine assessment, where current conduct is continually under God's scrutiny.

1 Samuel 2 3 Commentary

Hannah's profound statement in 1 Samuel 2:3 functions as a divine warning against human pride and an affirmation of God's character. She asserts that boasting and arrogant speech are utterly vain because they contradict the very nature of the God who rules the universe. The LORD is "El De'ot," the God of perfect and comprehensive knowledge; He sees into the very heart and intent behind every word and deed. Furthermore, He impartially "weighs actions," meaning all human conduct is meticulously evaluated according to His righteous standards. This highlights God's justice, ensuring that outward displays of power or perceived invincibility, often based on self-aggrandizement, are nothing before His unerring discernment and just judgment. The verse teaches that humility is the only proper response to such an all-knowing and just God, as attempts to deceive or self-exalt are both futile and offensive in His sight. For instance, those who brag about their achievements without acknowledging God's hand or speak condescendingly to others are speaking against this principle. Similarly, a person who might outwardly appear devout but secretly harbors bitterness or pride in their heart is fully known by this God who weighs actions.