1 Samuel 4:11
1 Samuel 4:11 in Multiple Translations
The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.
And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
And the ark of God was taken; and Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, were put to the sword.
The Ark of God was captured, and Hophni and Phinehas, Eli's two sons, died.
And the Arke of God was taken, and the two sonnes of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas died.
and the ark of God hath been taken, and the two sons of Eli have died, Hophni and Phinehas.
God’s ark was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
And the ark of God was taken: and the two sons of Heli, Ophni and Phinees, were slain.
The Philistines captured the sacred chest, and they killed Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 4:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 4:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/אֲר֥וֹן
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
נִלְקָ֑ח
וּ/שְׁנֵ֤י
בְנֵֽי
עֵלִי֙
מֵ֔תוּ
חָפְנִ֖י
וּ/פִֽינְחָֽס
וַ/אֲר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
Conj | N-cs
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
נִלְקָ֑ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
וּ/שְׁנֵ֤י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
עֵלִי֙
ʻÊlîy
H5941
Eli
N-proper
מֵ֔תוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
חָפְנִ֖י
Chophnîy
H2652
Hophni
N-proper
וּ/פִֽינְחָֽס
Pîynᵉchâç
H6372
Phinehas
Conj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 4:11
וַ/אֲר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
Conj | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
נִלְקָ֑ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
וּ/שְׁנֵ֤י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֵלִי֙
ʻÊlîy
H5941
"Eli"
N-proper
Eli was a high priest in the Bible, mentioned in 1 Samuel. He was the father of Hophni and Phinehas, and played a significant role in the story of Samuel. The name Eli means 'ascension'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.3; father of: Hophni (H2652), Phinehas (H6372H) § Eli = "ascension" descendant of Aaron through Ithamar and high priest and judge of Israel when Samuel entered service as a child
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Eli. See also: 1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 3:6; 1 Kings 2:27.
מֵ֔תוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
חָפְנִ֖י
Chophnîy
H2652
"Hophni"
N-proper
Hophni was a priest in the Bible, son of Eli, known for his brutality and corruption. He and his brother Phinehas were judged by God for their sins. Hophni's story is told in 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.3; son of: Eli (H5941); brother of: Phinehas (H6372H) § Hophni = "pugilist" one of the two sons of Eli who were priests at Shiloh and were noted for their brutality and lust; their sinfulness provoked a curse against their father's house and were judged by the Lord when they took the ark into battle; the ark was lost and both brothers were killed and Eli died when he heard the news
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Hophni. See also: 1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 4:4; 1 Samuel 4:17.
וּ/פִֽינְחָֽס
Pîynᵉchâç
H6372
"Phinehas"
Conj | N-proper
Phinehas was a priest in the Bible who was known for his zeal and dedication to God. He was the son of Eleazar and the grandson of Aaron, and his actions helped to stop a plague in Israel. Phinehas is also mentioned in the book of Ezra as a helper.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.33; father of: Eleazar (H0499K) § Phinehas = "mouth of brass" 1) son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron; his zealousness for the Lord averted a plague on Israel and gained him the promise of the Lord of an everlasting priesthood in his family 2) a priest and the son of the priest Eli 3) the father of a helper of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Phinehas. See also: Exodus 6:25; 1 Samuel 4:4; Psalms 106:30.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 4:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 4:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 4:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 4:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:11
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:11
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 4:11
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 4:11
Context — The Philistines Capture the Ark
9Take courage and be men, O Philistines! Otherwise, you will serve the Hebrews just as they served you. Now be men and fight!”
10So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great—thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell.
11The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.
12That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line all the way to Shiloh, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. 13When he arrived, there was Eli, sitting on his chair beside the road and watching, because his heart trembled for the ark of God. When the man entered the city to give a report, the whole city cried out.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 2:34 | And this sign shall come to you concerning your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: They will both die on the same day. |
| 2 | Psalms 78:64 | His priests fell by the sword, but their widows could not lament. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 2:32 | You will see distress in My dwelling place. Despite all that is good in Israel, no one in your house will ever again reach old age. |
| 4 | Isaiah 3:11 | Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. |
| 5 | Psalms 78:60–61 | He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent He had pitched among men. He delivered His strength to captivity, and His splendor to the hand of the adversary. |
1 Samuel 4:11 Summary
[This verse tells us that the Philistines captured the ark of God, which was a special symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, and that Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were killed in the battle. This event shows us that when we disobey God and fail to follow His ways, we can lose His presence and protection in our lives, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:25. It also reminds us that God is a holy and just God, who will not tolerate sin and disobedience, as written in Leviticus 10:3 and Hebrews 10:31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the ark of God captured by the Philistines?
The ark of God was captured because the Israelites had become complacent in their faith and the Philistines were able to defeat them in battle, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:10, and also because God had allowed it to happen as a form of judgment, similar to what is written in Deuteronomy 28:25 and Jeremiah 2:15
Who were Hophni and Phinehas and why is their death significant?
Hophni and Phinehas were the two sons of Eli, the high priest of Israel, and their death is significant because it fulfilled a prophecy spoken by God in 1 Samuel 2:34, which said that the death of Eli's sons would be a sign to him that God was about to judge his household
What does the capture of the ark of God represent in this verse?
The capture of the ark of God represents the defeat of God's people and the loss of God's presence among them, similar to what is described in Ezekiel 10:18 and Psalm 78:61
How does this event relate to the rest of the book of 1 Samuel?
This event sets the stage for the rest of the book of 1 Samuel, which tells the story of how God raises up new leaders, including Samuel and David, to guide His people and restore His presence among them, as seen in 1 Samuel 7:1-17 and 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the consequences of disobedience and complacency in our walk with God?
- How does the death of Hophni and Phinehas serve as a warning to us about the importance of honoring God and following His ways?
- What can we learn from the Israelites' mistake of relying on the ark of God as a magical symbol of God's presence, rather than truly seeking His presence in their lives?
- How can we apply the lesson of this verse to our own lives, by seeking to honor God and follow His ways, rather than relying on external symbols or rituals?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 4:11
And the ark of God was taken,.... By the Philistines; which was suffered partly as a punishment to the Israelites, for fetching it from the tabernacle without the will of God, and for their vain
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 4:11
And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:11
The ark of God was taken; which God justly and wisely permitted; partly, to punish the Israelites for their profanation of it; partly, that by taking away the pretences of their foolish and impious confidence, he might more deeply humble them, and bring them to true repentance; partly, that the Philistines might by this means be more effectually convinced of God’ s almighty power, and of their own and their gods’ impotency, and so a stop might be put to their triumphs and insultations, and to their rage against the poor Israelites, whom otherwise in human appearance they might easily have rooted out. Thus as God was no loser by this event, so the Philistines were no gainers by it; and Israel, all things considered, received more good than hurt by it, as we shall see.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:11
1 Samuel 4:11 And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.Ver. 11. And the ark of God was taken.] By the wicked Philistines, who had as little joy of it - for it plagued them - as the Israelites before had benefit by it: Ut videas quid, ant quantum res sanctae sine sancto earum usu prosint, that men may see how little good is gotten by holy things if not used in a holy manner. And the two sons of Eli … were slain.] As had been forethreatened in 1 Samuel 2:34. God’ s menaces will be accomplished in their time; and yet most men hear and read them as they do the predictions of an almanac, which they think may come to pass, and it may be not: they put off all, as those in the gospel did, with a "God forbid!" Bucholoc.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:11
(11) And the ark of God was taken.—The bare fact, without comment or note, is given of this, the greatest calamity that had yet happened to Israel. All the people would know by this terrible sign that their invisible King had withdrawn His countenance from them; but the loss of the Ark to the heathen taught another lesson, not merely for the Israel of the days of Eli and Samuel—the eternal truth that “the living God does not bind His presence to a dead thing” (Erdmann). But though it was a dead thing, it was inexpressibly precious to the patriot Israelite. Was it not the ark “which Moses had made by God’s command at Sinai, and on which the Divine presence was enshrined in the Holy of Holies; and which had accompanied Israel in their marches through the wilderness, and before which the waters of Jordan had fled backward, and the walls of Jericho had fallen down?—that ark was taken by idolaters.”—Bishop Wordsworth.The two sons of Eli . . . were slain.—This was in strict accordance with the saying of the man of God. (See 1 Samuel 2:34.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:11
Verse 11. Hophni and Phinehas were slain.] They probably attempted to defend the ark, and lost their lives in the attempt.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 4:11
11. Hophni and Phinehas were slain] The “sign” given by the man of God that the whole doom pronounced against Eli’s house would be executed (ch. 1 Samuel 2:34). The Psalmist’s account of the catastrophe should be compared, Psalms 78:56-64.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 4:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Shout Unto God With the Voice of Triumph by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for obedience to God in order to win spiritual battles. He uses the story of David and Goliath as an example of someone who had fai |
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The Presence of God - Part 1 by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, David Ravenhill discusses the story of the Ark of the Covenant being captured by the Philistines and the consequences it had on the Israelites. He emphasizes the im |
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The Fear of God (01) Introduction by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing a man struggling to walk and falling down. Instead of laughing, the speaker realizes that this is an opportun |
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A New Priesthood Arises by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes the transition from the corrupt priesthood of Eli to the rise of Samuel, a faithful servant of God, who was born from Hannah's deep cries for a son. This |
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There Is a Song in Every Barren Womb by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the four hundred years of silence from God and how He never leaves Himself without a testimony. The speaker emphasizes that God determined to |
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This Is the Portion of a Wicked Man From God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the inevitable connection between wrongdoing and its consequences, as illustrated in the Book of Job. He reflects on the beliefs of Eastern peoples regarding |
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The True Christian by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the characteristics and lifestyle of a true Christian who is born from above, partakes of the divine nature, and is taught by the Holy Spirit. This indiv |