Translations
Modern
Now Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his gaze was fixed because he could not see.
Traditional
Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see.
Literal
And Eli was a son of ninety-eight years, and his eyes stood, and he could not see.
Latin
Heli autem erat nonaginta et octo annorum, et oculi ejus caligaverant, et videre non poterat.
Original
Hebrew
English
Now Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his gaze was fixed because he could not see.
Notes
could not see: See 1 Samuel 3:2 and study note on 1 Samuel 3:2.
The crisis with the ark of the covenant showed Israel needed Samuel's leadership. It also fulfilled prophecies about Eli and his sons (1 Samuel 3:11–14).
Theme notes and profiles
Events
People
Eli: High priest and judge of Israel at Shiloh
Glossary
Ark of the Covenant Ashkelon Blindness Eli Ephraim (Place) Phinehas Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second Saul Shiloh
Topics
Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Taken to Battle Blindness: Eli Eli: His Solicitude for the Ark Judgments: Eli's House Longevity: Eli, Ninety-Eight Years Parents: Involved in Children's Wickedness