Eli
Eli in the Bible — priest of Israel in Shiloh (1SA 1:3). Eli belonged to the tribe of Levi. Referenced in 3 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “the offering or lifting up”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Levi
- Scripture References
- 3 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 2 connections
Biography
Eli was a male priest of Israel from the tribe of Levi who served in Shiloh. His role as a priest placed him at the center of Israel's religious life during his time. There are no additional notes provided about his life or character beyond his priestly service.
Names & Titles
The name Eli means 'YHWH is exalted' or 'God [El] is exalted,' reflecting a theologically significant meaning that honors the supremacy of God. This proper name is recorded in 1 Samuel 1:3 and was not given directly by God.
Family
Scripture records Eli as the father of Hophni and Phinehas, as inferred from 1 Samuel 1:3. No other family relationships are noted beyond these.
Significance
Eli's importance in the biblical narrative comes from his role as the priest of Israel at Shiloh, a central location for Israelite worship. His priesthood represents the continuation of Levitical service to God during a formative period in Israel's history. Through his familial connection to Hophni and Phinehas, Eli is linked to the priestly lineage that influenced Israel's spiritual leadership.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- עֵלִי
- Transliteration
- eliy
- Meaning
- y-h-v-h is exalted; G-d [El] is exalted
- Greek
- Ηλι
- Reference
- 1SA 1:3
- Strong's
- H5941
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eli in the Bible?
Eli was a male priest of Israel from the tribe of Levi who served in Shiloh. His role as a priest placed him at the center of Israel's religious life during his time. There are no additional notes provided about his life or character beyond his priestly service.
What does the name Eli mean?
The name Eli means “the offering or lifting up” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.