1 Samuel 2:13
New International Version
Now it was the practice of the priests that, whenever any of the people offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand while the meat was being boiled

New Living Translation
or for their duties as priests. Whenever anyone offered a sacrifice, Eli’s sons would send over a servant with a three-pronged fork. While the meat of the sacrificed animal was still boiling,

English Standard Version
The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come, while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand,

Berean Standard Bible
or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling

Berean Literal Bible
And the custom of the priests with the people was when any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come at the boiling of the flesh, and with the fork of three teeth in his hand.

King James Bible
And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

New King James Version
And the priests’ custom with the people was that when any man offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged fleshhook in his hand while the meat was boiling.

New American Standard Bible
And this was the custom of the priests with the people: when anyone was offering a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come while the meat was cooking, with a three-pronged fork in his hand.

NASB 1995
and the custom of the priests with the people. When any man was offering a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand.

NASB 1977
and the custom of the priests with the people. When any man was offering a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand.

Legacy Standard Bible
And this was the legal judgment for the priests with the people: when any man was offering a sacrifice, the priest’s young man would come while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand.

Amplified Bible
and the custom of the priests with [the sacrifices of] the people. When any man was offering a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged [meat] fork in his hand;

Berean Annotated Bible
or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling

Christian Standard Bible
or the priests’ share of the sacrifices from the people. When anyone offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling

Holman Christian Standard Bible
or for the priests’ share of the sacrifices from the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling

American Standard Version
And the custom of the priests with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was boiling, with a flesh-hook of three teeth in his hand;

English Revised Version
And the custom of the priests with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Now, this was how the priests dealt with the people who were offering sacrifices: While the meat was boiling, the priest's servant would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand.

Good News Translation
or to the regulations concerning what the priests could demand from the people. Instead, when someone was offering a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come with a three-pronged fork. While the meat was still cooking,

International Standard Version
The custom of the priests with the people was that whenever a person offered a sacrifice, a servant of the priest would come with a three pronged fork in his hand while the meat was boiling, and

NET Bible
Now the priests would always treat the people in the following way: Whenever anyone was making a sacrifice, while the meat was boiling, the priest's attendant would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand.

New Heart English Bible
The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was boiling, with a fork of three teeth in his hand;

Webster's Bible Translation
And the priest's custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a flesh-hook of three teeth in his hand;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling

World English Bible
The custom of the priests with the people was that when anyone offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant came while the meat was boiling, with a fork of three teeth in his hand;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the custom of the priests with the people [is that when] any man is sacrificing a sacrifice, then the servant of the priest has come in when the flesh is boiling, and [with] the hook of three teeth in his hand,

Berean Literal Bible
And the custom of the priests with the people was when any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come at the boiling of the flesh, and with the fork of three teeth in his hand.

Young's Literal Translation
And the custom of the priests with the people is: any man sacrificing a sacrifice -- then hath the servant of the priest come in when the flesh is boiling, and the hook of three teeth in his hand,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the priests judging the people, every man sacrificing a sacrifice; and the boy of the priest came as the flesh boiled, and the fork of three teeth in his hand;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Nor the office of the priests to the people: but whosoever had offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest came, while the flesh was in boiling, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand,

Catholic Public Domain Version
nor the priestly office for the people. And so, no matter who had immolated a victim, the servant of the priest would arrive, while the flesh was still cooking, and he would take a three-pronged hook in his hand,

New American Bible
nor for the priests’ duties toward the people. When someone offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged fork, while the meat was still boiling,

New Revised Standard Version
or for the duties of the priests to the people. When anyone offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come, while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
They took the dues of the priests from the people, of every man who offered a sacrifice; and they made for themselves meat-forks with three prongs, and the priest's servant came, while the meat was boiling, with the three-pronged fork in his hand,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they made for themselves a fork of three prongs, and they were receiving the right of Priests from the people, from every man who offered a sacrifice, and the boy of the Priest was coming whenever there was cooked meat and the fork of three prongs in his hand
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the custom of the priests with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a flesh-hook of three teeth in his band;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the priest's claim from every one of the people that sacrificed was this: the servant of the priest came when the flesh was in seething, and a flesh-hook of three teeth was in his hand.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Eli's Wicked Sons
12Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD 13or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling 14and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh.…

Cross References
for the custom of the priests with the people.

Deuteronomy 18:3
This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether a bull or a sheep: the priests are to be given the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach.

Leviticus 7:34
I have taken from the sons of Israel the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.’”

Numbers 18:11
And this is yours as well: the offering of their gifts, along with all the wave offerings of the Israelites. I have given this to you and your sons and daughters as a permanent statute. Every ceremonially clean person in your household may eat it.
When any man offered a sacrifice,

Leviticus 7:29
“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Anyone who presents a peace offering to the LORD must bring it as his sacrifice to the LORD.

Leviticus 1:2
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When any of you brings an offering to the LORD, you may bring as your offering an animal from the herd or the flock.

Deuteronomy 12:27
Present the meat and blood of your burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD your God. The blood of your other sacrifices must be poured out beside the altar of the LORD your God, but you may eat the meat.
the servant of the priest would come

Numbers 3:6
“Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.

1 Chronicles 23:28
but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God,

Numbers 8:19
And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to perform the service for the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement on their behalf, so that no plague will come against the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary.”
with a three-pronged meat fork

Exodus 27:3
Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans.

Exodus 38:3
He made all the altar’s utensils of bronze—its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans.

2 Chronicles 4:16
and the pots, shovels, meat forks, and all the other articles. All these objects that Huram-abi made for King Solomon for the house of the LORD were of polished bronze.
while the meat was boiling

Ezekiel 46:24
And he said to me, “These are the kitchens where those who minister at the temple will cook the sacrifices offered by the people.”

Exodus 29:31
You are to take the ram of ordination and boil its flesh in a holy place.

2 Chronicles 35:13
They roasted the Passover animals on the fire according to the regulation, and they boiled the other holy offerings in pots, kettles, and bowls and quickly brought them to all the people.
Leviticus 3:3-5
From the peace offering he is to bring a food offering to the LORD: the fat that covers the entrails, all the fat that is on them, / both kidneys with the fat on them near the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he is to remove with the kidneys. / Then Aaron’s sons are to burn it on the altar atop the burnt offering that is on the burning wood, as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.


Treasury of Scripture

And the priest's custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a meat hook of three teeth in his hand;

Jump to Previous
Band Boiled Boiling Cooked Custom Hand Meat Offered Offering Practice Priests Priest's Sacrifice Sacrificed Seething Servant Teeth Three Three-Pronged Way Whenever
Jump to Next
Band Boiled Boiling Cooked Custom Hand Meat Offered Offering Practice Priests Priest's Sacrifice Sacrificed Seething Servant Teeth Three Three-Pronged Way Whenever
1 Samuel 2
1. Hannah's song in thankfulness
12. The sin of Eli's sons
18. Samuel's ministry
20. by Eli's blessing Hannah is more fruitful
22. Eli reproves his sons
27. A prophecy against Eli's house












or for the custom of the priests with the people
The phrase refers to the established practices of the priests in their interactions with the Israelites. In the context of 1 Samuel, the priests were expected to follow the Levitical laws regarding sacrifices, as outlined in Leviticus 7:28-36. However, the sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt and abused these customs for personal gain. This highlights the importance of adhering to God's commandments and the consequences of deviating from them.

When any man offered a sacrifice
Sacrifices were central to Israelite worship, serving as a means of atonement and fellowship with God. The sacrificial system was detailed in the Mosaic Law, with specific instructions for different types of offerings (Leviticus 1-7). This phrase underscores the communal aspect of worship, where individuals brought offerings to the tabernacle, symbolizing their devotion and obedience to God.

the servant of the priest would come
The presence of the priest's servant indicates a delegation of duties, which was common in the priestly system. However, in this context, it also suggests a misuse of authority, as the servants acted on behalf of the corrupt priests. This reflects the broader theme of leadership accountability found throughout Scripture, such as in Ezekiel 34, where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for their failure to care for the flock.

with a three-pronged meat fork
The three-pronged fork was a tool used to extract portions of the sacrificial meat. While the Levitical law allowed priests to receive a portion of the offerings (Leviticus 7:31-34), the use of the fork here symbolizes the excessive and unlawful taking by Eli's sons. This act of greed contrasts with the sacrificial system's intent, which was to honor God and provide for the priests in a manner that respected the offerings' sanctity.

while the meat was boiling
Boiling the meat was part of the preparation process for certain sacrifices, such as the peace offering. The timing of the servant's arrival, while the meat was still boiling, indicates a premeditated act to seize the best portions before the offering was properly completed. This disregard for the sacrificial process highlights the corruption and disrespect for God's laws, serving as a warning against prioritizing personal desires over divine commands.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priests
The religious leaders of Israel, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple. In this context, they are represented by Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were corrupt.

2. People of Israel
The community of Israelites who brought sacrifices to the Lord as part of their worship and obedience to the Mosaic Law.

3. Sacrifices
Offerings made by the Israelites to God, which were an essential part of their worship and covenant relationship with Him.

4. Priest’s Servant
An assistant to the priests, tasked with collecting portions of the sacrifices, often in a manner that was corrupt and self-serving.

5. Three-pronged Fork
A tool used by the priest’s servant to take meat from the pot, symbolizing the greed and corruption of the priests during this period.
Teaching Points
Integrity in Leadership
Spiritual leaders are called to a higher standard of integrity and must avoid corrupt practices that exploit their position.

Respect for God's Commands
The Israelites were given specific instructions for sacrifices, and deviation from these commands shows a lack of reverence for God.

Consequences of Corruption
The actions of Eli's sons eventually led to severe consequences, reminding us that God holds leaders accountable.

Role of Accountability
The community and leaders must hold each other accountable to maintain purity and righteousness in worship.

Heart of Worship
True worship involves obedience and respect for God's instructions, not just external rituals.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 2:13?

2. How does 1 Samuel 2:13 highlight the priests' disregard for God's sacrificial laws?

3. What consequences arise from ignoring God's commands as seen in 1 Samuel 2:13?

4. How can we ensure our worship aligns with God's instructions from 1 Samuel 2:13?

5. Compare the priests' actions in 1 Samuel 2:13 with Levitical laws on offerings.

6. How does 1 Samuel 2:13 challenge us to respect God's ordained practices today?

7. What does 1 Samuel 2:13 reveal about the corruption of Eli's sons?

8. How does 1 Samuel 2:13 reflect the misuse of religious authority?

9. What historical context explains the priestly practices in 1 Samuel 2:13?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 2?

11. Exodus 40:6–7 – Were there archaeological traces of the altar and utensils left behind that confirm this momentous event?

12. 1 Samuel 2:12–17 describes corrupt priests at Shiloh—do archaeological records confirm such a worship center and priesthood as depicted?

13. What are the key events in 1 Samuel?

14. Who was high priest when David ate the showbread? (Mark 2:26 vs. 1 Samuel 21:1)
What Does 1 Samuel 2:13 Mean
Now the custom of the priests with the people was

“Now the custom of the priests with the people was …” (1 Samuel 2:13)

• God had established clear, limited portions for priests (Leviticus 7:29-34; Deuteronomy 18:3).

• By introducing their own “custom,” Eli’s sons (called “worthless men,” 1 Samuel 2:12) replaced God-given order with self-made practice, revealing hearts already drifting from the Lord (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:8-9).

• The verse signals a clash between divine prescription and human invention—a warning echoed later when Jesus confronts man-made traditions (Mark 7:6-13).


When any man offered a sacrifice

“… when any man offered a sacrifice …” (1 Samuel 2:13)

• Every Israelite who came to Shiloh intended to honor the LORD (1 Samuel 1:21; Deuteronomy 12:5-6).

• Worship involved costly obedience; animals represented personal livelihood (2 Samuel 24:24; Hebrews 13:15-16).

• The priests were meant to facilitate, not frustrate, that worship (Malachi 2:7). Their abuse therefore struck at the very center of Israel’s relationship with God.


The priest’s servant would come

“… the priest’s servant would come …” (1 Samuel 2:13)

• Eli’s sons did not seize the meat personally; they sent attendants, adding intimidation and systematizing corruption (1 Samuel 2:15-16).

• Delegated wrongdoing does not diminish guilt (2 Samuel 11:14-17 compared with v.27; Romans 1:32).

• This misuse of authority previews later prophetic condemnations of shepherds who feed themselves instead of the flock (Ezekiel 34:2-3).


With a three-pronged meat fork

“… with a three-pronged meat fork …” (1 Samuel 2:13)

• The vivid image paints greed: a large fork maximized whatever it could hook.

• God had already allotted specific pieces (breast, right thigh; Leviticus 7:31-34). Grabbing at random showed contempt for the LORD’s portion and for the worshiper’s fellowship meal (1 Samuel 2:17).

• Tools meant for service became instruments of exploitation—a reversal of God’s design (Isaiah 5:20).


While the meat was boiling

“… while the meat was boiling.” (1 Samuel 2:13)

• Priests were entitled only after the fat was burned to the LORD (Leviticus 3:3-5, 16). By plunging in early, they took what belonged first to God (1 Samuel 2:29).

• The boiling pot pictured communal enjoyment with God; invading it spoiled worship’s fellowship aspect (1 Corinthians 11:20-22 warns against similar selfishness at the Lord’s Table).

• Such irreverence provoked divine judgment that soon fell on Eli’s house (1 Samuel 2:34; 4:11).


summary

1 Samuel 2:13 exposes how Eli’s sons replaced God’s ordained order with a self-serving “custom.” By seizing meat before it was offered to God, they robbed both the LORD and His people. The verse warns that when spiritual leaders treat worship as a means for personal gain, they dishonor God and invite judgment. True ministry protects God’s portion, respects the worshiper, and points all glory back to the One to whom every sacrifice belongs.

(13) The priest's custom.--That is to say, the custom or practice introduced under these robber-priests, who were not content with the modest share of the offerings assigned to them by the Law of Moses. (See Leviticus 7:31; Leviticus 7:35; Deuteronomy 18:3.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
or for the custom
וּמִשְׁפַּ֥ט (ū·miš·paṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

of the priests
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

with
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

the people.
הָעָ֑ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

When any
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

man
אִ֞ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

offered
זֹבֵ֣חַ (zō·ḇê·aḥ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2076: To slaughter for sacrifice

a sacrifice,
זֶ֗בַח (ze·ḇaḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2077: A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice

the servant
נַ֤עַר (na·‘ar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

of the priest
הַכֹּהֵן֙ (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

would come
וּבָ֨א (ū·ḇā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

with a three-pronged
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ־ (šə·lōš-)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

meat fork
וְהַמַּזְלֵ֛ג (wə·ham·maz·lêḡ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4207: A utensil used in offering sacrifices

while the meat
הַבָּשָׂ֔ר (hab·bā·śār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1320: Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man

was boiling
כְּבַשֵּׁ֣ל (kə·ḇaš·šêl)
Preposition-k | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1310: To boil up, cooking, to ripen


Links
1 Samuel 2:13 NIV
1 Samuel 2:13 NLT
1 Samuel 2:13 ESV
1 Samuel 2:13 NASB
1 Samuel 2:13 KJV

1 Samuel 2:13 BibleApps.com
1 Samuel 2:13 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 2:13 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 2:13 French Bible
1 Samuel 2:13 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 2:13 The custom of the priests (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 2:12
Top of Page
Top of Page