King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 4:21 Mean?

1 Samuel 4:21 in the King James Version says “And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and becaus...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. Ichabod: that is, Where is the glory? or, There is no glory”

1 Samuel 4:21 · King James Version

Context

19

And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her. be delivered: or, cry out came: Heb. were turned

20

And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it. neither: Heb. set not her heart

21

And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. Ichabod: that is, Where is the glory? or, There is no glory

22

And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.

Read 1 Samuel 4 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The dying woman names her son Ichabod (I-kabod), meaning 'no glory' or 'where is the glory?' Her interpretive statement explains: 'The glory is departed from Israel.' The Hebrew kabod (glory) refers to God's weighty, manifest presence. Her declaration - naming that redefines the disaster - shows remarkable theological insight. She understands that the Ark's capture means more than military defeat or personal loss; it signals the departure of divine presence. Her dying words become prophetic pronouncement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Names in ancient Israel often commemorated circumstances of birth or carried prophetic significance. Ichabod's name would perpetually remind Israel of this dark day. The naming function belonged typically to mothers, making this woman's action culturally appropriate.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does naming her son 'Ichabod' accomplish theologically?
  2. How does this dying woman's theological insight compare to the elders who brought the Ark to battle?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַתִּקְרָ֣א1 of 15

“And she named”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לַנַּ֗עַר2 of 15

“the child”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

אִֽי3 of 15
H0
כָבוֹד֙4 of 15

“Ichabod”

H350

ikabod, a son of phineas

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 15

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

גָּלָ֥ה6 of 15

“is departed”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

כָב֖וֹד7 of 15

“The glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל8 of 15

“from Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאֶל9 of 15

“because”

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִלָּקַח֙10 of 15

“was taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֲר֣וֹן11 of 15

“the ark”

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים12 of 15

“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

וְאֶל13 of 15

“because”

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חָמִ֖יהָ14 of 15

“and because of her father in law”

H2524

a father-in-law (as in affinity)

וְאִישָֽׁהּ׃15 of 15

“and her husband”

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)

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 4:21 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 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 26:8Jeremiah 2:11Psalms 78:61Psalms 78:64Hosea 9:121 Samuel 4:11

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