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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 4:11 The ark of God was captured, and Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/4-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/09_1Sa_04_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 4:11 - The Philistines Capture the Ark" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The ark of God was captured, and Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died." /><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'; 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and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Also the ark of God was captured; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moreover, the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Also the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were killed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The ark of God was captured, and Eli&#8217s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Hophni and Phinehas were killed, and the sacred chest was captured. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The ark of God was captured. Both of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God's Covenant Box was captured, and Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were both killed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The Ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The ark of God was captured, and Eli?s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The ark of God was taken, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phineas, were killed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />God’s ark was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the Ark of God has been taken, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, have died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the ark of God hath been taken, and the two sons of Eli have died, Hophni and Phinehas.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the ark of God was taken, and the two sons of Eli were slain, Hophni and Phinehas.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the ark of God was taken: and the two sons of Heli, Ophni and Phinees, were slain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the ark of God was captured. Also, the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were dead. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The ark of God was captured; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Ark of LORD JEHOVAH was taken and the two sons of Eli, Khaphni and Phinkhas, died<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the ark of God was taken, and both the sons of Heli, Ophni, and Phinees, died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/4-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=1074" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/4.htm">The Philistines Capture the Ark</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and each man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great—thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: wa·’ă·rō·wn (Conj-w:: N-csc) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">The ark</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: nil·qāḥ (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">was captured,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5941.htm" title="5941: ‘ê·lî (N-proper-ms) -- A priest at Shiloh. From alah; lofty; Eli, an Israelite high-priest.">and Eli’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: ū·šə·nê (Conj-w:: Number-mdc) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">two</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2652.htm" title="2652: ḥā·p̄ə·nî (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Eli. From chophen; perhaps pugilist; Chophni, an Israelite.">Hophni</a> <a href="/hebrew/6372.htm" title="6372: ū·p̄î·nə·ḥās (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Three Isr. Apparently from peh and a variation of nachash; mouth of a serpent; Pinechas, the name of three Israelites.">and Phinehas,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mê·ṯū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">died.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-60.htm">Psalm 78:60-64</a></span><br />He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent He had pitched among men. / He delivered His strength to captivity, and His splendor to the hand of the adversary. / He surrendered His people to the sword because He was enraged by His heritage. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-12.htm">Jeremiah 7:12-14</a></span><br />But go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for My Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel. / And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and because I have spoken to you again and again but you would not listen, and I have called to you but you would not answer, / therefore what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears My Name, the house in which you trust, the place that I gave to you and your fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/26-6.htm">Jeremiah 26:6</a></span><br />then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/132-8.htm">Psalm 132:8</a></span><br />Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/2-7.htm">Lamentations 2:7</a></span><br />The Lord has rejected His altar; He has abandoned His sanctuary; He has delivered the walls of her palaces into the hand of the enemy. They have raised a shout in the house of the LORD as on the day of an appointed feast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/10-5.htm">Hosea 10:5-6</a></span><br />The people of Samaria will fear for the calf of Beth-aven. Indeed, its people will mourn over it with its idolatrous priests—those who rejoiced in its glory—for it has been taken from them into exile. / Yes, it will be carried to Assyria as tribute to the great king. Ephraim will be seized with shame; Israel will be ashamed of its wooden idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/18-30.htm">Judges 18:30-31</a></span><br />The Danites set up idols for themselves, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. / So they set up for themselves Micah’s graven image, and it was there the whole time the house of God was in Shiloh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/25-9.htm">2 Kings 25:9</a></span><br />He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-19.htm">2 Chronicles 36:19</a></span><br />Then the Chaldeans set fire to the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned down all the palaces and destroyed every article of value.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-34.htm">1 Samuel 2:34</a></span><br />And this sign shall come to you concerning your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: They will both die on the same day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/3-12.htm">1 Samuel 3:12-14</a></span><br />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. / Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, ‘The iniquity of Eli’s house shall never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-32.htm">1 Samuel 2:32</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-31.htm">1 Samuel 2:31</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-30.htm">1 Samuel 2:30</a></span><br />Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-27.htm">1 Samuel 2:27-29</a></span><br />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.’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.</p><p class="hdg">the ark</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-32.htm">1 Samuel 2:32</a></b></br> And thou shalt see an enemy <i>in my</i> habitation, in all <i>the wealth</i> which <i>God</i> shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-61.htm">Psalm 78:61</a></b></br> And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand.</p><p class="hdg">the two sons</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-34.htm">1 Samuel 2:34</a></b></br> And this <i>shall be</i> a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-64.htm">Psalm 78:64</a></b></br> Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/3-11.htm">Isaiah 3:11</a></b></br> Woe unto the wicked! <i>it shall be</i> ill <i>with him</i>: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.</p><p class="hdg">were slain [heb] died </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-6.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/judges/12-5.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/ruth/1-5.htm">Died</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">Eli</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">Eli's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">Hophni</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">Phinehas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">Phin'ehas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-25.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-2.htm">Sword</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-13.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-21.htm">Captured</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-18.htm">Died</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-13.htm">Eli</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">Eli's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-17.htm">Hophni</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-17.htm">Phinehas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-3.htm">Phin'ehas</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-2.htm">Slain</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-19.htm">Sword</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-1.htm">The Israelites are overcome by the Philistines at Ebenezer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">They fetch the ark unto the terror of the Philistines</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm">They are smitten again, the ark taken, and Hophni and Phinehas are slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Eli at the news, falling backward, breaks his neck</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/4-19.htm">Phinehas's wife, discouraged in her travail with Ichabod, dies</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>The ark of God was captured</b><br>The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, represented God's presence with Israel. Its capture by the Philistines was a significant event, symbolizing a spiritual and national crisis for Israel. This event fulfilled the prophecy given to Eli regarding the judgment on his house (<a href="/1_samuel/2-27.htm">1 Samuel 2:27-36</a>). The loss of the Ark indicated God's departure from Israel due to their disobedience and reliance on the Ark as a talisman rather than a symbol of His covenant. The capture also foreshadowed the eventual destruction of Shiloh, where the Ark had been kept (<a href="/jeremiah/7-12.htm">Jeremiah 7:12-14</a>).<p><b>and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died</b><br>Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli, were priests who had been corrupt and disobedient to God's laws (<a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12-17</a>). Their deaths were a direct fulfillment of the prophecy against Eli's house, as God had declared that both sons would die on the same day as a sign of His judgment (<a href="/1_samuel/2-34.htm">1 Samuel 2:34</a>). This event underscores the seriousness of sin and the consequences of failing to honor God, especially for those in spiritual leadership. Their deaths also serve as a typological warning of the ultimate judgment that comes upon those who reject God's ways, contrasting with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the role of the faithful High Priest (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ark_of_god.htm">The Ark of God</a></b><br>A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. Its capture signified a severe spiritual and national crisis for Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/hophni_and_phinehas.htm">Hophni and Phinehas</a></b><br>The two sons of Eli, the high priest. They were known for their corrupt and sinful behavior, which ultimately led to their downfall and death as prophesied.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/eli.htm">Eli</a></b><br>The high priest and judge of Israel at the time. His failure to restrain his sons contributed to the spiritual decline of Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A neighboring people and frequent adversaries of Israel. Their capture of the Ark was a significant military and spiritual victory for them.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/shiloh.htm">Shiloh</a></b><br>The religious center of Israel where the Ark was kept before its capture. It was a place of worship and pilgrimage for the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>The capture of the Ark and the death of Hophni and Phinehas illustrate the severe consequences of persistent sin and disobedience to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_leadership.htm">The Importance of Godly Leadership</a></b><br>Eli’s failure to discipline his sons highlights the critical role of spiritual leaders in guiding and correcting their communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_judgment.htm">God’s Sovereignty and Judgment</a></b><br>Despite Israel’s defeat, God’s sovereignty is evident. He uses even the Philistines to fulfill His purposes and bring about judgment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_presence_of_god.htm">The Presence of God</a></b><br>The Ark’s capture signifies that God’s presence cannot be manipulated or taken for granted. True worship requires obedience and reverence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_restoration.htm">Hope in Restoration</a></b><br>While this event marks a low point for Israel, it sets the stage for God’s eventual restoration and the rise of new leadership under Samuel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'ichabod'_mean_biblically.htm">What is the biblical meaning of 'Ichabod'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_tabernacle_at_shiloh.htm">Is there any archaeological or historical evidence supporting the existence of a functioning Tabernacle at Shiloh during the events of 1 Samuel 1:3? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_non-levites_handle_the_ark.htm">In 1 Chronicles 15:2, where David insists only the Levites may carry the Ark, how do we reconcile this claim with any instances where non-Levites handled it or transported it in other texts? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">And the ark of God was taken.</span>--The bare fact, without comment or note, is given of this, the greatest calamity that had yet happened to Israel. All the people would know by this terrible sign that their invisible King had withdrawn His countenance from them; but the loss of the Ark to the heathen taught another lesson, not merely for the Israel of the days of Eli and Samuel--the eternal truth that "the living God does not bind His presence to a dead thing" (Erdmann). But though it was a dead thing, it was inexpressibly precious to the patriot Israelite. Was it not the ark "which Moses had made by God's command at Sinai, and on which the Divine presence was enshrined in the Holy of Holies; and which had accompanied Israel in their marches through the wilderness, and before which the waters of Jordan had fled backward, and the walls of Jericho had fallen down?--<span class= "ital">that </span>ark was taken by idolaters."--<span class= "ital">Bishop Wordsworth.</span><p><span class= "bld">The two sons of Eli . . . were slain.</span>--This was in strict accordance with the saying of the man of God. (See <a href="/1_samuel/2-34.htm" title="And this shall be a sign to you, that shall come on your two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.">1Samuel 2:34</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - Moreover, <span class="cmt_word">the ark of God was taken, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain,</span> according to the prediction of the man of God. Probably the last resistance was made round the ark, and the sons of Eli at least died "as men" (<a href="/1_samuel/2-33.htm">1 Samuel 2:33</a>). THE OVERTHROW OF ELI'S HOUSE (vers. 12-22). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/4-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The ark</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲר֥וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> </span><span class="str2">A chest, ark</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was captured,</span><br /><span class="heb">נִלְקָ֑ח</span> <span class="translit">(nil·qāḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Eli’s</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵלִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5941.htm">Strong's 5941: </a> </span><span class="str2">Eli -- a priest at Shiloh</span><br /><br /><span class="word">two</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׁנֵ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Number - mdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sons,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנֵֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Hophni</span><br /><span class="heb">חָפְנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·p̄ə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2652.htm">Strong's 2652: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hophni -- a son of Eli</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Phinehas,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפִֽינְחָֽס׃</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄î·nə·ḥās)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6372.htm">Strong's 6372: </a> </span><span class="str2">Phinehas -- three Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">died.</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֔תוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ṯū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/4-11.htm">1 Samuel 4:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/4-11.htm">1 Samuel 4:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/4-11.htm">1 Samuel 4:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/4-11.htm">1 Samuel 4:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/4-11.htm">1 Samuel 4:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/4-11.htm">1 Samuel 4:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/4-11.htm">1 Samuel 4:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/4-11.htm">1 Samuel 4:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/4-11.htm">1 Samuel 4:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/4-11.htm">1 Samuel 4:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/4-11.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 4:11 The ark of God was taken (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/4-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 4:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 4:12" /></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>