1 Samuel 4:15
1 Samuel 4:15 in Multiple Translations
Now Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his gaze was fixed because he could not see.
Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see.
Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were set, so that he could not see.
Now Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his eyes were fixed so that he was not able to see.
Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his eyes were fixed because he couldn't see.
(Nowe Eli was fourescore and eighteene yeere olde, and his eyes were dimme that hee could not see)
And Eli is a son of ninety and eight years, and his eyes have stood, and he hath not been able to see.
Now Eli was ninety-eight years old. His eyes were set, so that he could not see.
Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see.
Now Heli was ninety and eight years old, and his eyes were dim, and he could not see.
At that time, Eli was 98 years old, and he was blind.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 4:15
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 4:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עֵלִ֕י
בֶּן
תִּשְׁעִ֥ים
וּ/שְׁמֹנֶ֖ה
שָׁנָ֑ה
וְ/עֵינָ֣י/ו
קָ֔מָה
וְ/לֹ֥א
יָכ֖וֹל
לִ/רְאֽוֹת
וְ/עֵלִ֕י
ʻÊlîy
H5941
Eli
Conj | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
תִּשְׁעִ֥ים
tishʻîym
H8673
ninety
Adj
וּ/שְׁמֹנֶ֖ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
eight
Conj | Adj
שָׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
וְ/עֵינָ֣י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Conj | N-cd | Suff
קָ֔מָה
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָכ֖וֹל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ/רְאֽוֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 4:15
וְ/עֵלִ֕י
ʻÊlîy
H5941
"Eli"
Conj | 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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
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.
תִּשְׁעִ֥ים
tishʻîym
H8673
"ninety"
Adj
This word represents the number ninety in biblical Hebrew, used for counting or describing large quantities of items or people, like ninety years of age.
Definition: ninety
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: ninety. See also: Genesis 5:9; Ezra 2:58; Jeremiah 52:23.
וּ/שְׁמֹנֶ֖ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
"eight"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.
Definition: 1) eight, eighth 1a) eight (as cardinal number) 1b) eighth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: eight(-een, -eenth), eighth. See also: Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 16:38; Jeremiah 32:1.
שָׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וְ/עֵינָ֣י/ו
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Conj | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
קָ֔מָה
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָכ֖וֹל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לִ/רְאֽוֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 4:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 4:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 4:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 4:15
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:15
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 4:15
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 4:15
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:15
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 4:15
Context — The Death of Eli
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.
14Eli heard the outcry and asked, “Why this commotion?” So the man hurried over and reported to Eli.
15Now Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his gaze was fixed because he could not see.
16“I have just come from the battle,” the man said to Eli. “I fled from there today.” “What happened, my son?” Eli asked. 17The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 3:2 | And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room. |
| 2 | Psalms 90:10 | The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty if we are strong— yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 14:4 | Jeroboam’s wife did as instructed; she arose and went to Shiloh and arrived at Ahijah’s house. Now Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim because of his age. |
| 4 | Genesis 27:1 | When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied. |
1 Samuel 4:15 Summary
[This verse tells us that Eli was very old, ninety-eight years old, and that he had lost his sight. This is a reminder that our physical bodies will eventually weaken and fail, as seen in Psalm 90:10 and 2 Corinthians 4:16. But it also highlights the importance of spiritual sight and discernment, as taught in Matthew 5:14-16 and Ephesians 1:18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Eli's age in this verse?
Eli's age, ninety-eight years old, highlights his advanced age and potential frailty, which is further emphasized by his loss of sight, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 4:15, and is reminiscent of the physical limitations that come with aging, as seen in Genesis 27:1.
Why does the verse mention that Eli's gaze was fixed because he could not see?
The mention of Eli's fixed gaze due to his inability to see serves to illustrate the severity of his blindness, and may also foreshadow the spiritual blindness that has afflicted Eli and his household, as hinted at in 1 Samuel 2:29-31 and 1 Samuel 3:13.
How does Eli's physical blindness relate to the spiritual themes of the passage?
Eli's physical blindness can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual blindness that has led to the corruption and disobedience in his household, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and 1 Samuel 3:13, and serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment and obedience, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 28:15 and Proverbs 29:18.
What can we learn from Eli's situation about the importance of spiritual leadership?
Eli's situation serves as a warning about the importance of spiritual leadership and the consequences of failing to lead with integrity, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:27-36 and 1 Samuel 3:11-14, and highlights the need for leaders to prioritize their spiritual health and the well-being of those under their care, as taught in 1 Timothy 4:16 and 2 Timothy 4:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my own life where I may be experiencing spiritual blindness, and how can I seek God's guidance and correction?
- How can I prioritize my own spiritual health and the well-being of those under my care, just as a leader should?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper sense of discernment and obedience in my own life, and how can I apply these principles in my relationships and decision-making?
- How can I learn from Eli's mistakes and avoid similar pitfalls in my own life, and what role can accountability and community play in helping me stay on track?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 4:15
Now Eli was ninety eight years old,.... Which is very properly observed, he being now come to the end of his days, and which also accounts for his blindness after mentioned: and his eyes were dim,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 4:15
And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What meaneth the noise of this tumult? And the man came in hastily, and told Eli. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:15
1 Samuel 4:15 Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see.Ver. 15. And his eyes were dim.] Heb., Stood. They were shrunk in his head by the contraction of the sinews.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:15
(15) Ninety and eight years old.—The LXX. here reads “ninety” years, the Syriac Version “seventy eight.” In the sacred text, where numbers are concerned we usually find these varieties of translation and interpretation. The present system of numerals was invented by the Arabs. The Hebrews use the letters of the alphabet to express numbers. Such a system was naturally fruitful in errors of transcription, and thus numbers, and dates especially, in the earlier books of the Old Testament are frequently confused and uncertain. Many of the difficulties which have given so much trouble to commentators have arisen out of the confusion of copyists substituting, through inadvertence, in Hebrew one letter for another. Instead of “his eyes were dim,” the more accurate rendering would be his eyes were set—were stiff, so that he could no longer see. This, as Keil observes, is a description of the so-called black cataract (amaurosis), which not unfrequently occurs at a very great age from paralysis of the optic nerves.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 4:15
15. his eyes were dim] Were set, a different word from that of ch. 1 Samuel 3:2, found again in this sense only in 1 Kings 14:4. Eli was now totally blind.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 4:15
Dim - Rather, “set.” The word is quite different from that so rendered in 1 Samuel 3:2. The phrase seems to express the “fixed” state of the blind eye, which is not affected by the light.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:15
15. Eyes were dim — Literally: And Eli (was) a son of ninety and eight years, and his eyes stood, that is, became fixed; “spoken of a person afflicted with a disease of the eye, in which the pupil
Sermons on 1 Samuel 4:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Samuel - His Early Life Ii by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God. He uses the story of Samuel in the Bible to illustrate how God can speak to indiv |
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George Whitefield - His Life and Ministry by J.C. Ryle | I apologize, but I am unable to watch videos or access specific content. However, if you provide me with a transcript or any written information from the video, I would be more tha |
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Why Are We Alive? by Ernest O'Neill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Son of God. He encourages the audience to intellectually conclude that Jesus is God's son and to t |
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Spirit,soul and Body 01 1 thes.5:23 by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of our bodies and how they change over time. He refers to the biblical passage in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, which reminds us that |
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Sickness by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle's sermon 'Sickness' emphasizes the profound message sent by Martha and Mary to Jesus, 'The one You love is sick,' illustrating the importance of turning to Christ in time |
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Priority by Stephen Kaung | Stephen Kaung preaches about the importance of setting God as the first priority in our lives, emphasizing the need to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. He highl |
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Our Days, Alas! Our Mortal Days by Isaac Watts | Isaac Watts reflects on the brevity and challenges of mortal life, acknowledging the presence of pain and sin throughout our limited days on earth. He urges for a quick passage thr |