Bible Strands
1 Samuel 4:11
The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator reports this event immediately after the Israelite defeat in 1 Samuel 4:10 and before the messenger arrives in 1 Samuel 4:12. The account addresses the nation of Israel regarding the simultaneous loss of their military strength and religious leadership.
The words — נִלְקָ֑ח (nil.Kach) literally means "it was taken," describing the capture of the ark. מֵ֔תוּ (Me.tu) means "they died," recording the simultaneous death of Eli’s sons.
The thread — The death of Eli’s sons fulfills the specific prophecy in 1 Samuel 2:34 that they would die on the same day. The loss of sacred objects and priests echoes the pattern of judgment and consequence found in Psalms 78:64 and Isaiah 3:11.
Why it lands — The text states that the ark was captured and two named priests died following a military rout. It requires the reader to acknowledge that national defeat and the loss of religious symbols are recorded as historical facts without offering theological justification or comfort.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
Cross-references
- 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.
- Psalms 78:64 His priests fell by the sword, but their widows could not lament.
- Isaiah 3:11 Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.
- 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.
- Psalms 78:60 He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent He had pitched among men.