1 Samuel 4
KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 4 of 31
Chapter Summary
The Israelites are overcome by the Philistines at Ebenezer. They bring the ark to the battlefield. The ark is taken, Hophni and Phinehas are slain. Eli, falling backward, breaks his neck.
Key Hebrew Words
People & Context
Aged priest and judge at Shiloh; falls backward and breaks his neck on hearing the ark is taken
Son of Eli; killed in the Philistine battle as the ark is captured
Son of Eli; slain in battle, leaving his pregnant wife to name their son Ichabod
Prophet whose word came to all Israel as the chapter opens
Son born to Phinehas's dying wife, named 'the glory has departed from Israel'
Timeline
Israel goes to battle against the Philistines at Ebenezer and Aphek, and is stricken, losing about four thousand men.
1 Samuel 4:1-2The elders of Israel send to Shiloh for the Ark of the Covenant, hoping it will save them. Hophni and Phinehas accompany it.
1 Samuel 4:3-4Israel's great shout upon the Ark's arrival terrifies the Philistines, who recognize the gods that struck Egypt, yet they encourage each other to fight like men.
1 Samuel 4:5-9Read 1 Samuel 4 in the KJ3 Reader
Word-for-word literal translation with Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and audio.
Open in Bible Reader