Keraia
1 Samuel 4

1 Samuel 4:20

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

Translations

Modern
As she was dying, the women attending to her said, “Do not be afraid, for you have given birth to a son!” But she did not respond or pay any heed.
Traditional
And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it.
Literal
And at the time of her death, the women who stood by her said to her, “Fear not, for you have borne a son.” And she did not answer nor set her heart to it.
Latin
In ipso autem momento mortis ejus, dixerunt ei quæ stabant circa eam: Ne timeas, quia filium peperisti. Quæ non respondit eis, neque animadvertit.

Original

Hebrew
English
As she was dying, the women attending to her said, “Do not be afraid, for you have given birth to a son!” But she did not respond or pay any heed.

Notes

1 Samuel 4:20–21

The name Ichabod includes the Hebrew word kabod, meaning glory (see Exodus 24:15–17). A similar word describes Eli in 1 Samuel 4:18 (Hebrew kabed, meaning heavy). The ark's disappearance mirrors the fall of Eli’s family. The Israelites lost divine glory and protection (compare Ezekiel 8–10; Luke 19:41–44; 21:20–24), but God's glorious presence would later return to them (1 Samuel 6:1–21; compare Ezekiel 43:1–8).

1 Samuel 4:1–7:2

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

Eli Samuel The Philistines The Collapse of Culture

Glossary

Ark of the Covenant Ashkelon Eli Ephraim (Place) Ichabod 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