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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 4:19 Now Eli's daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God's ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/4-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/09_1Sa_04_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 4:19 - The Death of Eli" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now Eli's daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God's ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/4-19.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/4-19.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 19</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/4-18.htm" title="1 Samuel 4:18">◄</a> 1 Samuel 4:19 <a href="/1_samuel/4-20.htm" title="1 Samuel 4:20">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/4.htm">New International Version</a> His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near the time of delivery. When she heard the news that the ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth, but was overcome by her labor pains. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near her time of delivery. When she heard that the Ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, about to give birth. And when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth, for her pains came upon her. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, due to be delivered; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth, for her labor pains came upon her. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was pregnant and about to give birth; and when she heard the news that the ark of God had been taken and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, she kneeled down and gave birth, because her pains came upon her. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas&#8217s wife, was pregnant and about to give birth; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, she kneeled down and gave birth, for her pains came upon her. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was pregnant and about to give birth; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, she kneeled down and gave birth, for her pains came upon her. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’s wife, was with child and about to give birth. And she heard the report that the ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, so she kneeled down and gave birth, for her pains came upon her. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was pregnant, and was about to give birth; so when she heard the news that the ark of God had been taken and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, she kneeled down and gave birth, because her [labor] pains began. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news about the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth because her labor pains came on her. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Eli&#8217s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news about the capture of God&#8217s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth because her labor pains came on her. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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 brought forth; for her pains came upon her. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The wife of Phinehas was about to give birth. And soon after she heard that the sacred chest had been captured and that her husband and his father had died, her baby came. The birth was very hard, <a href="/erv/1_samuel/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 brought forth; for her pains came upon her. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> His daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was pregnant. When she heard the news that the ark of God had been captured and her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she went into labor prematurely and gave birth to a son. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Eli's daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, and it was almost time for her baby to be born. When she heard that God's Covenant Box had been captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she suddenly went into labor and gave birth. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Eli's daughter-in-law, the wife of Phineas, was pregnant and ready to give birth. When she heard the report about the capture of the Ark of God and that her father-in-law and husband were dead, she crouched down and gave birth, because her labor pains suddenly began. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now Eli?s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God?s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her. <a href="/net/1_samuel/4.htm">NET Bible</a> His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phineas, was pregnant and close to giving birth. When she heard that the ark of God was captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she doubled over and gave birth. But her labor pains were too much for her. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> His daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered. When she heard the news that the ark of God was taken, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth; for her pains came on her. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, 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. <a href="/web/1_samuel/4.htm">World English Bible</a> His daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to giving birth. When she heard the news that God’s ark was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth; for her pains came on her. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And his daughter-in-law, wife of Phinehas, [is] pregnant, about to bear, and she hears the report of the taking of the Ark of God, that her father-in-law and her husband have died, and she bows, and bears, for her pains have turned on her. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And his daughter-in-law, wife of Phinehas, is pregnant, about to bear, and she heareth the report of the taking of the ark of God, that her father-in-law and her husband have died, and she boweth, and beareth, for her pains have turned upon her. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, conceived to bring forth: and she will hear the message of the taking of the ark of God, and the death of her father-in-law and her husband, and she will bow and bring forth, for her pains turned upon her.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And his daughter in law the wife of Phinees, was big with child, and near her time: and hearing the news that the ark of God was taken, and her father in law, and her husband, were dead, she bowed herself and fell in labour: for her pains came upon her on a sudden. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, and her delivery was near. And upon hearing the news that the ark of God had been captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, she bent down and went into labor. For her pains rushed upon her suddenly. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Bible</a> His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news about the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she crouched down in labor, and gave birth. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, about to give birth. When she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth; for her labor pains overwhelmed her.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And his daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was with child; and was near to be delivered; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed down and travailed; for her pains came upon her. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And his daughter in law, the wife of Phinkhas, was pregnant and was about to give birth, and when she heard the report that the Ark of God was taken and that her father in law and her husband had died, she bowed and she gave birth, because her labors returned upon her<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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 brought forth; for her pains came suddenly upon her. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And his daughter-in-law the wife of Phinees was with child, about to bring forth; and she heard the tidings, that the ark of God was taken, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead; and she wept and was delivered, for her pains came upon her. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/4-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=1162" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/4.htm">The Death of Eli</a> …18As soon as the ark of God was mentioned, Eli fell backward from his chair by the city gate, and being old and heavy, he broke his neck and died. And Eli had judged Israel forty years. 19<a href="/hebrew/3618.htm" title="3618: wə·ḵal·lā·ṯōw (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Daughter-in-law, bride. From kalal; a bride; hence, a son's wife.">Now Eli’s daughter-in-law,</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’ê·šeṯ- (N-fsc) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">the wife</a> <a href="/hebrew/6372.htm" title="6372: pî·nə·ḥās (N-proper-ms) -- Three Isr. Apparently from peh and a variation of nachash; mouth of a serpent; Pinechas, the name of three Israelites.">of Phinehas,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2030.htm" title="2030: hā·rāh (Adj-fs) -- Pregnant. Or hariy; from harah; pregnant.">was pregnant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: lā·laṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">and about to give birth.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: wat·tiš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">When she heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8052.htm" title="8052: haš·šə·mu·‘āh (Art:: N-fs) -- A report. Feminine passive participle of shamem; something heard, i.e. An announcement.">the news</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: hil·lā·qaḥ (V-Nifal-Inf) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">the capture</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: ’ă·rō·wn (N-csc) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">ark</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: ū·mêṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">and the deaths</a> <a href="/hebrew/2524.htm" title="2524: ḥā·mî·hā (N-msc:: 3fs) -- Husband's father. From the same as chowmah; a father-in-law.">of her father-in-law</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’î·šāh (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3fs) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">and her husband,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3766.htm" title="3766: wat·tiḵ·ra‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To bow down. A primitive root; to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate.">she collapsed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: wat·tê·leḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">and gave birth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/6735.htm" title="6735: ṣi·re·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- A hinge, a throe, a herald, erranddoer. From tsuwr; a hinge; also a throe; also a herald or errand-doer.">her labor pains</a> <a href="/hebrew/2015.htm" title="2015: ne·hep̄·ḵū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To turn, overturn. A primitive root; to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert.">overtook</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·le·hā (Prep:: 3fs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">her.</a> 20As she was dying, the women attending to her said, “Do not be afraid, for you have given birth to a son!” But she did not respond or pay any heed.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/35-16.htm">Genesis 35:16-19</a> Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. / During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.” / And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin. ... <a href="/1_samuel/2-31.htm">1 Samuel 2:31-34</a> Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that no one in it will reach old age. / 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. / And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, I will cause your eyes to fail and your heart to grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. ... <a href="/1_samuel/3-11.htm">1 Samuel 3:11-14</a> Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle. / On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his house, from beginning to end. / I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them. ... <a href="/1_samuel/2-27.htm">1 Samuel 2:27-30</a> Then a man of God came to Eli and told him, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Did I not clearly reveal Myself to your father’s house when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh’s house? / And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites. / Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’ ... <a href="/1_kings/14-12.htm">1 Kings 14:12-13</a> As for you, get up and go home. When your feet enter the city, the child will die. / All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. For this is the only one belonging to Jeroboam who will receive a proper burial, because only in him has the LORD, the God of Israel, found any good in the house of Jeroboam. <a href="/1_kings/4-20.htm">1 Kings 4:20-21</a> The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. / And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. <a href="/2_kings/19-3.htm">2 Kings 19:3</a> to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them. <a href="/isaiah/13-8.htm">Isaiah 13:8</a> Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear. <a href="/jeremiah/6-24.htm">Jeremiah 6:24</a> We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor. <a href="/hosea/13-13.htm">Hosea 13:13</a> Labor pains come upon him, but he is an unwise son. When the time arrives, he fails to present himself at the opening of the womb. <a href="/matthew/24-8.htm">Matthew 24:8</a> All these are the beginning of birth pains. <a href="/mark/13-8.htm">Mark 13:8</a> Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. <a href="/luke/21-23.htm">Luke 21:23</a> How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people. <a href="/john/16-21.htm">John 16:21</a> A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. <a href="/acts/2-24.htm">Acts 2:24</a> But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep Him in its grip.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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 on her.be delivered.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-18.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/ruth/2-10.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-8.htm">Child</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/ruth/4-15.htm">Daughter-In-Law</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-17.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/judges/16-24.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-14.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-7.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-19.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/ruth/3-17.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-17.htm">News</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-61.htm">Pains</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-17.htm">Phinehas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-17.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Travailed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-20.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-21.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-30.htm">Bowed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-21.htm">Child</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-49.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-4.htm">Daughter-In-Law</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-18.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-14.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-7.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-23.htm">Herself</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-21.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-21.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-7.htm">News</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-14.htm">Pains</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-3.htm">Phinehas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/isaiah/23-4.htm">Travailed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-50.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 4</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm">The Israelites are overcome by the Philistines at Ebenezer</a> 3. <a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">They fetch the ark unto the terror of the Philistines</a> 10. <a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm">They are smitten again, the ark taken, and Hophni and Phinehas are slain</a> 12. <a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Eli at the news, falling backward, breaks his neck</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/4-19.htm">Phinehas's wife, discouraged in her travail with Ichabod, dies</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. Eli's daughter-in-law is introduced in the context of a significant family within Israel's priesthood. Phinehas, her husband, was one of Eli's sons, both of whom were priests serving at the tabernacle in Shiloh. The mention of her pregnancy and imminent childbirth sets the stage for a dramatic and tragic event. In ancient Israel, childbirth was a critical and often dangerous time for women, and the anticipation of a new life is juxtaposed with the impending news of death and loss. The family of Eli was under divine judgment due to the sins of Eli's sons, as prophesied in <a href="/1_samuel/2-31.htm">1 Samuel 2:31-34</a>.When she heard the news of the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, The capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines was a catastrophic event for Israel, symbolizing the loss of God's presence and favor. The Ark was central to Israelite worship and represented God's covenant with His people. The deaths of Eli and Phinehas fulfilled the prophecy given to Eli regarding the downfall of his house (<a href="/1_samuel/2-34.htm">1 Samuel 2:34</a>). The news would have been devastating, as it signified not only personal loss but also national calamity. The Ark's capture indicated a severe spiritual crisis, as the Israelites believed it was the dwelling place of God's glory (<a href="/exodus/25-22.htm">Exodus 25:22</a>).she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her. The physical and emotional shock of the news triggered premature labor. In the cultural context, the birth of a child, especially a son, was typically a time of joy and hope. However, in this instance, the birth occurs amidst tragedy and despair. The collapse signifies the overwhelming nature of the events and the fulfillment of divine judgment. The labor pains overtaking her can be seen as a metaphor for the sudden and unavoidable consequences of sin and disobedience, as well as the birth of a new era marked by the absence of the Ark. This moment foreshadows the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, as God raises up Samuel to lead His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/phinehas'_wife.htm">Phinehas' Wife</a> The unnamed wife of Phinehas, who is pregnant and about to give birth. Her reaction to the news of the ark's capture and the deaths of her husband and father-in-law is central to this verse. 2. <a href="/topical/p/phinehas.htm">Phinehas</a> A priest and son of Eli, who dies in the battle against the Philistines. His death is part of the tragic news that triggers his wife's labor. 3. <a href="/topical/e/eli.htm">Eli</a> The high priest and judge of Israel, father of Phinehas, who also dies upon hearing the news of the ark's capture and his sons' deaths. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_ark_of_god.htm">The Ark of God</a> A sacred chest representing God's presence with Israel, captured by the Philistines, symbolizing a significant spiritual and national crisis for Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/l/labor_and_birth.htm">Labor and Birth</a> The physical and symbolic event of Phinehas' wife giving birth amidst tragedy, highlighting themes of loss and continuity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> The capture of the ark and the deaths of Eli's sons serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and corruption in leadership. <a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a> Despite the apparent defeat, God's sovereignty is evident. The capture of the ark does not diminish His power or presence, reminding us that God is not confined to physical symbols. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_tragedy.htm">The Impact of Tragedy</a> Phinehas' wife's response to the tragic news highlights the profound impact of national and personal crises. It invites reflection on how we respond to devastating news and where we find hope. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_scripture.htm">The Role of Women in Scripture</a> This passage underscores the significant, though often understated, role of women in biblical accounts, as bearers of life and witnesses to God's unfolding plan. <a href="/topical/h/hope_amidst_despair.htm">Hope Amidst Despair</a> The birth of a child in the midst of tragedy points to the possibility of new beginnings and hope, even when circumstances seem dire.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 4</a> <a href="/q/contradictions_in_1_samuel_4_on_eli's_sons.htm">Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'ichabod'_mean_biblically.htm">What is the biblical meaning of "Ichabod"?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_key_events_in_1_samuel.htm">What are the key events in 1 Samuel?</a> <a href="/q/why_allow_enemies_to_take_the_ark.htm">Why would an omnipotent God allow His sacred Ark to be taken by enemies (1 Samuel 4:11)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 19-21. - His daughter-in-law. The death of Eli's daughter-in-law is equally tragic with his own. The news of the terrible calamity that had befallen the ark of God brought on a premature delivery; but when she had given birth to a son, the attendant women naturally hoped that the good tidings would cheer the mother's heart. They haste, therefore, to tell her; but she answered not, neither did she regard it. This does not mean that she was already dead; if so, the women would not have told her. It means that no private joy could compensate her for the loss of the outward sign and proof that the covenant of Jehovah was with her and her people. The loss of the ark seemed to her to signify the overthrow of her national religion. But she heard, for immediately There is she named the child I-chabod. There is some doubt as to the exact meaning of the word. It may mean Alas! the glory; but more probably it signifies No glory - the glory of Israel is no more. In the reason given by the narrator for her sorrow, as summed up in the name given to her child, the deaths of Eli and of Phinehas are included, but her own words refer only to the ark. Literally they are, "The glory is gone into captivity from Israel." There is possibly a reference to this in <a href="/psalms/78-64.htm">Psalm 78:64</a>, where, speaking of the fall of Shiloh, the Psalmist says, "Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows made no lamentation." Others, it may be, like the wife of Phinehas, felt that there was no room for private grief at a time of so great national distress and humiliation. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/4-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now Eli’s daughter-in-law, וְכַלָּת֣וֹ (wə·ḵal·lā·ṯōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3618.htm">Strong's 3618: </a> Daughter-in-law, bride the wife אֵֽשֶׁת־ (’ê·šeṯ-) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female of Phinehas, פִּינְחָס֮ (pî·nə·ḥās) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6372.htm">Strong's 6372: </a> Phinehas -- three Israelites was pregnant הָרָ֣ה (hā·rāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2030.htm">Strong's 2030: </a> Pregnant and about to give birth. לָלַת֒ (lā·laṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage When she heard וַתִּשְׁמַ֣ע (wat·tiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently the news הַשְּׁמֻעָ֔ה (haš·šə·mu·‘āh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8052.htm">Strong's 8052: </a> Something heard, an announcement of אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the capture הִלָּקַח֙ (hil·lā·qaḥ) Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take of God’s הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative ark אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> A chest, ark and the deaths וּמֵ֥ת (ū·mêṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill of her father-in-law חָמִ֖יהָ (ḥā·mî·hā) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2524.htm">Strong's 2524: </a> Husband's father and her husband, וְאִישָׁ֑הּ (wə·’î·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person she collapsed וַתִּכְרַ֣ע (wat·tiḵ·ra‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3766.htm">Strong's 3766: </a> To bend the knee, to sink, to prostrate and gave birth, וַתֵּ֔לֶד (wat·tê·leḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction her labor pains צִרֶֽיהָ׃ (ṣi·re·hā) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6735.htm">Strong's 6735: </a> A hinge, a throe, a herald, erranddoer came נֶהֶפְכ֥וּ (ne·hep̄·ḵū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2015.htm">Strong's 2015: </a> To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervert upon her. עָלֶ֖יהָ (‘ā·le·hā) Preposition | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/4-19.htm">1 Samuel 4:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-19.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 4:19 His daughter-in-law Phinehas' wife was with child (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/4-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/4-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>