King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 4:13 Mean?

1 Samuel 4:13 in the King James Version says “And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when t... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out.

1 Samuel 4:13 · KJV


Context

11

And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain. were slain: Heb. died

12

And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.

13

And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out.

14

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.

15

Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see. were dim: Heb. stood


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eli sits 'by the wayside watching,' heart trembling for the Ark. Despite his failures, Eli's concern for the Ark shows genuine devotion to God's honor. The narrator emphasizes this: 'his heart trembled for the ark of God.' When the messenger arrives and the city cries out, Eli hears but cannot see - his physical blindness now fully symbolic. The aged priest awaits news that will confirm both his worst fears and God's certain judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Eli's position 'by the wayside' suggests he stationed himself where he could intercept news from the battle. His trembling heart indicates awareness that the Ark's removal from Shiloh violated proper procedure and risked divine displeasure.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Eli's concern for the Ark reveal about his heart despite his failures?
  2. How does physical blindness symbolize spiritual condition in this narrative?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
בָּ֚א1 of 23

And when he came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְהִנֵּ֣ה2 of 23
H2009

lo!

עֵ֠לִי3 of 23

lo Eli

H5941

eli, an israelite highpriest

יֹשֵׁ֨ב4 of 23

sat

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַֽל5 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַכִּסֵּ֜א6 of 23

upon a seat

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

יַ֥ד7 of 23
H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

דֶּ֙רֶךְ֙8 of 23

by the wayside

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

מְצַפֶּ֔ה9 of 23

watching

H6822

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

כִּֽי10 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָיָ֤ה11 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִבּוֹ֙12 of 23

for his heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

חָרֵ֔ד13 of 23

trembled

H2730

fearful; also reverential

עַ֖ל14 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲר֣וֹן15 of 23

for the ark

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים16 of 23

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְהָאִ֗ישׁ17 of 23

And when the man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בָּ֚א18 of 23

And when he came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְהַגִּ֣יד19 of 23

and told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

הָעִֽיר׃20 of 23

into the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַתִּזְעַ֖ק21 of 23

cried out

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

כָּל22 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעִֽיר׃23 of 23

into the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 4:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 4:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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