1 Samuel 4:17
1 Samuel 4:17 in Multiple Translations
The 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.”
And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
And he that brought the tidings answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
And the man said, Israel went in flight from the Philistines, and there has been great destruction among the people, and your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been taken.
“Israel ran away from the Philistines—we were badly defeated,” the messenger replied. “Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were killed, and the Ark of God has been captured.”
Then the messenger answered and sayd, Israel is fled before the Philistims, and there hath bene also a great slaughter among the people: and moreouer thy two sonnes, Hophni and Phinehas are dead, and the Arke of God is taken.
And he who is bearing tidings answereth and saith, 'Israel hath fled before the Philistines, and also a great slaughter hath been among the people, and also thy two sons have died — Hophni and Phinehas — and the ark of God hath been captured.'
He who brought the news answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been also a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and God’s ark has been captured.”
And the messenger answered and said, Israel hath fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
And he that brought the news answered, and said: Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter of the people: moreover thy two sons, Ophni and Phinees, are dead: and the ark of God is taken.
The man replied, “The Philistines defeated our Israeli army. They killed thousands of our soldiers, and the others ran away. The Philistines killed your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. They also captured God’s sacred chest.”
He answered, “We Israel mob ran away from the Philistia mob. They killed dead lots of our soldiers, and your 2 sons are dead too. And they even stole God’s special box from us.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 4:17
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 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֨עַן
הַֽ/מְבַשֵּׂ֜ר
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
נָ֤ס
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
וְ/גַ֛ם
מַגֵּפָ֥ה
גְדוֹלָ֖ה
הָיְתָ֣ה
בָ/עָ֑ם
וְ/גַם
שְׁנֵ֨י
בָנֶ֜י/ךָ
מֵ֗תוּ
חָפְנִי֙
וּ/פִ֣ינְחָ֔ס
וַ/אֲר֥וֹן
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
נִלְקָֽחָה
וַ/יַּ֨עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַֽ/מְבַשֵּׂ֜ר
bâsar
H1319
to bear tidings
Art | V-Piel
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
נָ֤ס
nûwç
H5127
to flee
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
וְ/גַ֛ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
מַגֵּפָ֥ה
maggêphâh
H4046
plague
N-fs
גְדוֹלָ֖ה
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
הָיְתָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
בָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-ms
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
שְׁנֵ֨י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
בָנֶ֜י/ךָ
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
מֵ֗תוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
חָפְנִי֙
Chophnîy
H2652
Hophni
N-proper
וּ/פִ֣ינְחָ֔ס
Pîynᵉchâç
H6372
Phinehas
Conj | N-proper
וַ/אֲר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
Conj | N-cs
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
נִלְקָֽחָה
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 4:17
וַ/יַּ֨עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
הַֽ/מְבַשֵּׂ֜ר
bâsar
H1319
"to bear tidings"
Art | V-Piel
Basar means to bear tidings or announce good news, often used to describe preaching or publishing glad news. It is used in the Bible to describe the spread of salvation or joyful messages.
Definition: 1) to bear news, bear tidings, publish, preach, show forth 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to gladden with good news 1a2) to bear news 1a3) to announce (salvation) as good news, preach 1b) (Hithpael) to receive good news
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: messenger, preach, publish, shew forth, (bear, bring, carry, preach, good, tell good) tidings. See also: 1 Samuel 4:17; 1 Chronicles 16:23; Psalms 40:10.
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נָ֤ס
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
וְ/גַ֛ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
מַגֵּפָ֥ה
maggêphâh
H4046
"plague"
N-fs
A plague or pestilence in the Bible often refers to a divine judgment, like the plagues God sent upon Egypt in Exodus 7-12. It can also mean a defeat or slaughter, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:10.
Definition: 1) blow, slaughter, plague, pestilence, strike, smite 1a) blow (fatal stroke) 1b) slaughter (of battle) 1c) plague, pestilence (divine judgment)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] be) plague(-d), slaughter, stroke. See also: Exodus 9:14; 2 Samuel 17:9; Psalms 106:29.
גְדוֹלָ֖ה
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
הָיְתָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
שְׁנֵ֨י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
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.
בָנֶ֜י/ךָ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | Suff
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.
מֵ֗תוּ
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.
חָפְנִי֙
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/פִ֣ינְחָ֔ס
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.
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.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | 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.
נִלְקָֽחָה
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 4:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 4:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 4:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 4:17
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:17
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 4:17
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:17
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 4:17
Context — The Death of 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.”
18As soon as the ark of God was mentioned, Eli fell backward from his chair by the city gate, and being old and heavy, he broke his neck and died. And Eli had judged Israel forty years. 19Now 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 3:11 | Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 4:10–11 | So 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. The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died. |
1 Samuel 4:17 Summary
This verse, 1 Samuel 4:17, tells us about a very sad and difficult time for the Israelites. They were defeated by their enemies, the Philistines, and many people died, including the sons of Eli, the priest. The ark of God, which represented God's presence among them, was also taken by the Philistines. This event shows us that when we disobey God and do not follow His ways, we can face serious consequences, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Joshua 1:7-8. It also reminds us of the importance of respecting and revering God's presence in our lives, as seen in Exodus 33:14 and Psalm 95:6-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of the ark of God being captured by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4:17?
The capture of the ark signified a significant defeat for the Israelites and a loss of God's presence among them, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:22, which highlights the severity of the situation and the impact on the Israelites' relationship with God, much like the loss of the divine presence in Ezekiel 10:18-19.
Why did Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, die in battle according to 1 Samuel 4:17?
Hophni and Phinehas died as a result of God's judgment on their wicked ways, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and 1 Samuel 3:13-14, which explains their corrupt behavior and God's warning to Eli about their actions.
How did the messenger's news affect Eli in 1 Samuel 4:17?
The news of his sons' death and the capture of the ark was devastating to Eli, leading to his physical and emotional collapse, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:18, where his grief and shock result in his death, illustrating the profound impact of the events on him personally and on the nation spiritually, similar to the emotional response of King David in 2 Samuel 18:33.
What can we learn from the Israelites' defeat in 1 Samuel 4:17?
The defeat serves as a reminder that God's people must not take His presence or power for granted, and that disobedience and sin can lead to severe consequences, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:25 and Joshua 7:12, which emphasize the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to news of defeat or failure in my own life, and what can I learn from Eli's reaction in 1 Samuel 4:17-18?
- In what ways can I ensure that I am not taking God's presence or power for granted in my daily life, and how can I apply the lessons from 1 Samuel 4:17 to my own walk with God?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be inviting God's judgment, and how can I repent and turn back to Him, as seen in the example of the Israelites in 1 Samuel 4 and the call to repentance in 2 Chronicles 7:14?
- How can I balance the reality of God's judgment with the truth of His love and mercy, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:17 and other passages like Psalm 103:8-10 and Romans 11:22?
- What does the capture of the ark of God in 1 Samuel 4:17 teach me about the importance of reverence and respect for God's presence in my life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 4:17
And the messenger answered and said,.... He delivered his account gradually, beginning with generals, and then proceeding to particulars, and with what he thought Eli could better bear the news of,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 4:17
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 4:17
1 Samuel 4:17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.Ver. 17. Israel is fled, &c.] Themselves had by their sins abandoned the victory, and sent it to the enemy. They should have said as Jerome did after the overthrow of the Roman army by the barbarians, Infelices nos qui tantum displicemus Deo, ut per rabiem barbarorum illius in nos ira desaeviat. Epist. iii. Ad Heliodor.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:17
Verse 17. And the messenger answered] Never was a more afflictive message, containing such a variety of woes, each rising above the preceding, delivered in so few words. 1. Israel is fled before the Philistines. This was a sore evil: that Israel should turn their backs upon their enemies, was bad; and that they should turn their backs on such enemies as the Philistines, was yet worse; for now they might expect the chains of their slavery to be strengthened and riveted more closely. 2. There hath also been a great slaughter among the people. A rout might have taken place without any great previous slaughter; but in this case the field was warmly contested, thirty thousand were laid dead on the spot. This was a deeper cause of distress than the preceding; as if he had said, "The flower of our armies is destroyed; scarcely a veteran now to take the field." 3. Thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead. This was still more afflictive to him as a father, to lose both his sons, the only hope of the family; and to have them taken away by a violent death when there was so little prospect of their having died in the peace of God, was more grievous than all. 4. The ark of God is taken.
This was the most dreadful of the whole; now Israel is dishonoured in the sight of the heathen, and the name of the Lord will be blasphemed by them. Besides, the capture of the ark shows that God is departed from Israel; and now there is no farther hope of restoration for the people, but every prospect of the destruction of the nation, and the final ruin of all religion! How high does each wo rise on the back of the preceding! And with what apparent art is this very laconic message constructed! And yet, probably, no art at all was used, and the messenger delivered the tidings just as the facts rose up in his own mind. How vapid, diffused, and alliterated, is the report of the messenger in the Persae of AEschylus, who comes to the queen with the tremendous account of the destruction of the whole naval power of the Persians, at the battle of Salamis? I shall give his first speech, and leave the reader to compare the two accounts. ΩγηςἁπασηςΑσιδοςπολισματα, ΩΠερσιςαια, καιπολυςπλουτουλιμην, Ὡςενμιᾳπληγῃκατεφθαρταιπολυς Ολβος, τοΠερσωνδ' ανθοςοιχταιπεσον. Ωμοι, κακονμενπρωτοναγγελλεινκακα· Περσαις, στρατοςγαρπαςαλωλεβαρβαρων. Of which I subjoin the following translation by Mr. Potter: - Wo to the towns through Asia's peopled realms! Wo to the land of Persia, once the port Of boundless wealth! how is thy glorious state Vanish'd at once, and all thy spreading honours Fallen, lost!
Ah me! unhappy is his task That bears unhappy tidings; but constraint Compels me to relate this tale of wo: Persians! the whole barbaric host is fallen. This is the sum of his account, which he afterwards details in about a dozen of speeches.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 4:17
17. Observe the climax. Each blow is heavier than the preceding one. The rout of the army, the slaughter of the people, Eli’s personal bereavement, the loss of the most precious treasure of Israel. The last blow is more than the aged High-priest can bear.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 4:17
17. The messenger answered and said — The simple, direct, and yet climacteric way in which the messenger tells his tale of sorrow has attracted the notice of all critics.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 4:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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Every House Divided Against Itself Shall Not Stand! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of being worn out and upset due to the constant fighting and turmoil happening in the church. He witnesses a group of peop |
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Why Revival Leaves by Dean Taylor | Dean Taylor delves into the topic of revival, exploring the reasons why revival tarries and why it eventually leaves. Drawing from historical accounts like the Lancaster revivals, |
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God Is Training a Holy Remnant by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the scarcity of true men of God who walk with God, seek His face, and speak His word without manipulation or greed. He highlights the need fo |
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A Holy Remnant (Clip) by David Wilkerson | God is quietly preparing a powerful army of dedicated Christians, more devoted than any before, to do exploits and shake hell. This remnant will be made up of ordinary believers wh |
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Knowing the Voice of the Lord! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the voice of the Lord amidst spiritual barrenness, as illustrated by the young Samuel who initially did not know God’s voic |
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Letter 108 by James Bourne | James Bourne, in a letter to Mrs. Clark, reflects on the afflictions of Joseph and the fear of being forsaken in times of trouble. He shares his deep ponderings on sinfulness and t |
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God’s Powerful Army by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is assembling a powerful army of dedicated Christians in these last days, a remnant that will stand against immorality and compromise. This new |