1 Samuel 2 35

1 Samuel 2:35 kjv

And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

1 Samuel 2:35 nkjv

Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. I will build him a sure house, and he shall walk before My anointed forever.

1 Samuel 2:35 niv

I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his priestly house, and they will minister before my anointed one always.

1 Samuel 2:35 esv

And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever.

1 Samuel 2:35 nlt

"Then I will raise up a faithful priest who will serve me and do what I desire. I will establish his family, and they will be priests to my anointed kings forever.

1 Samuel 2 verses

1 Samuel 2 35 Meaning

This verse prophesies the divine raising of a righteous and faithful priest, who will serve in perfect alignment with God's will and desires. God promises to establish a secure and enduring lineage or dynasty for this priest, who will consistently minister in the presence of and on behalf of God's anointed leader, enduring through all time. This contrasts sharply with the corrupt priesthood of Eli and his sons, whom God is in the process of judging.

1 Samuel 2 35 Context

1 Samuel chapter 2 details the prayer of Hannah, praising God's sovereignty and righteousness, followed by a stark prophecy delivered by an unnamed "man of God" against the corrupt priestly house of Eli. Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, grossly misused their priestly office, dishonoring the sacrifices and committing immorality. They treated the offerings of God with contempt, effectively despising God Himself (1 Sam 2:17, 2:29). Consequently, God declared that He would cut off Eli's strength and his house, ensuring none of his descendants would live to old age, and that both of his sons would die on the same day as a sign. Amidst this severe judgment, 1 Samuel 2:35 stands as a profound promise of divine provision: God's initiative to raise up a true and faithful replacement for the fallen priesthood, demonstrating His enduring commitment to a righteous system of worship and His people, regardless of human failure. This verse points forward to a time when both priesthood and kingship (represented by "mine anointed") would operate in harmony according to God's will.

1 Samuel 2 35 Word analysis

• And I will raise me up: The Hebrew word is "הֲקִימוֹתִי" (heqimoti), derived from the root "קוּם" (qum), meaning to arise, establish, confirm, or raise up. It signifies a divine, active, and sovereign act of installation, rather than a natural succession. This highlights God's initiative in correcting the corrupt order and establishing a new, righteous one.
• a faithful priest: Hebrew "כֹּהֵן נֶאֱמָן" (kohen ne'eman).
  • Kohen (כֹּהֵן): Priest, one who serves in religious rituals and mediation.
  • Ne'eman (נֶאֱמָן): From the root "אָמַן" (aman), meaning firm, trustworthy, reliable, enduring, steadfast. This quality is paramount, directly contrasting the unreliability and disloyalty of Eli's sons (1 Sam 2:29). This priest will embody trustworthiness and constancy in his service to God.
• that shall do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind: Hebrew "אֲשֶׁר כִּלְבָבִי וְכַנַּפְשִׁי יַעֲשֶׂה" (asher kilvavi v'khanapshi ya'aseh).
  • Kilvavi (כִּלְבָבִי): "Like My heart," representing God's desires, purposes, affections, and deep intentions.
  • V'khanapshi (וְכַנַּפְשִׁי): "And like My soul/mind/desire," indicating the inner being, the very essence of God's will and perfect design. The combination emphasizes profound, holistic alignment and obedience, not just outward ritual, but true internal devotion mirroring God's own character.
  • Ya'aseh (יַעֲשֶׂה): He will do/act. The action reflects the inner disposition of God.
• and I will build him a sure house: Hebrew "וּבָנִיתִי לוֹ בַּיִת נֶאֱמָן" (u'vaniti lo bayit ne'eman).
  • U'vaniti (וּבָנִיתִי): "And I will build." God is the architect of this lasting lineage.
  • Bayit (בַּיִת): "House," here referring not to a physical dwelling, but a dynasty, family line, or established lineage.
  • Ne'eman (נֶאֱמָן): "Sure" or "faithful/enduring," reinforcing the idea of permanence and reliability, echoing the quality of the priest himself. This is a promise of a secure and legitimate succession, unlike the line being cut off from Eli's house.
• and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever: Hebrew "וְהִתְהַלֵּךְ לִפְנֵי מְשִׁיחִי כָּל־הַיָּמִים" (v'hithallekh lifnei M'shiḥi kol-hayyamim).
  • V'hithallekh (וְהִתְהַלֵּךְ): "And he shall walk," meaning to conduct oneself, serve, minister, or live in the presence of. It signifies faithful and continuous service.
  • Lifnei (לִפְנֵי): "Before," in the presence of.
  • M'shiḥi (מְשִׁיחִי): "Mine Anointed" or "My Messiah." In this historical context, this would refer to the future King of Israel whom God would choose (initially Saul, then supremely David and his line). Ultimately, this term profoundly anticipates Jesus Christ, the Messiah, God's ultimate Anointed King and Priest.
  • Kol-hayyamim (כָּל־הַיָּמִים): "All the days" or "for all time," denoting perpetuity and everlasting service. This emphasizes the lasting nature of this new order under God's chosen King.

1 Samuel 2 35 Bonus section

The concept of a "sure house" promised to the faithful priest mirrors the "sure house" promised to David (2 Sam 7:16), indicating a divine parallel between enduring priesthood and enduring kingship, both founded on faithfulness to God. This connection hints at the unified ultimate work of Christ as both King and High Priest. The immediate fulfillment in Zadok (who served under David and Solomon, establishing a consistent line until the exile and beyond) points to a functional priesthood serving a divinely established monarchy. However, the eternal scope implied by "for ever" and "My Anointed" far surpasses any earthly kingdom or Levitical priesthood, setting the stage for the messianic King-Priest of whom the New Testament speaks extensively. This prophecy is not merely about a change of priestly families but about God's eternal commitment to righteous leadership for His people, anticipating the ultimate leader, Christ.

1 Samuel 2 35 Commentary

This prophecy from God through an unnamed prophet is a divine indictment and promise. It unequivocally states God's judgment on Eli's desecrated priesthood due to unfaithfulness, contrasted with His unfailing purpose to raise a new, faithful priestly line. This priest will embody perfect obedience, not just in outward ritual, but from an inner alignment with God's desires. The "sure house" signifies a divinely established and enduring priestly lineage, ultimately fulfilled historically in Zadok and his descendants, who supplanted Abiathar (Eli's descendant) during Solomon's reign. Most profoundly, this verse foreshadows the ultimate faithful Priest and Anointed One: Jesus Christ. He is the Priest "after the order of Melchizedek," perfectly fulfilling God's heart and mind, and establishing an eternal spiritual "house" through His church. He serves before God as the King of Kings for all time, perfectly integrating both kingly and priestly roles in His person. It exemplifies God's covenant faithfulness even when His chosen servants falter, ensuring His purposes for worship and leadership will be fulfilled.