1 Samuel 4:19

The Death of Eli · 1 Samuel 4:12–22
Read 1 Samuel 4

Translations

Modern
Now Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her.
Traditional
And his daughter in law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her.
Literal
And his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant about to give birth, and she heard the news that the ark of God was captured and her father-in-law and her husband were dead; and she bowed herself and gave birth, for her labor pains came upon her.
Latin
Nurus autem ejus, uxor Phinees, prægnans erat, vicinaque partui: et audito nuntio quod capta esset arca Dei, et mortuus esset socer suus et vir suus, incurvavit se et peperit: irruerant enim in eam dolores subiti.

Original

Hebrew
English
Now Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her.

Notes

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

Eli Samuel The Philistines The Collapse of Culture

People

Phinehas: Wicked son of Eli the priest

Glossary

Ark of the Covenant Ashkelon Eli Ephraim (Place) Ichabod Phinehas Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second Saul

Topics

Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Taken to Battle Judgments: Eli's House Parents: Involved in Children's Wickedness Patriotism: Phinehas' Wife