Translations
Modern
The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.”
Traditional
And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
Literal
And the messenger answered and said, “Israel has fled before the face of the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people, and your two sons are dead—Hophni and Phinehas—and the ark of God has been captured.”
Latin
Respondens autem ille qui nuntiabat: Fugit, inquit, Israël coram Philisthiim, et ruina magna facta est in populo: insuper et duo filii tui mortui sunt, Ophni et Phinees, et arca Dei capta est.
Original
Hebrew
English
The messenger answered, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has been a great slaughter among the people. Your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are both dead, and the ark of God has been captured.”
Notes
The crisis with the ark of the covenant showed Israel needed Samuel's leadership. It also fulfilled prophecies about Eli and his sons (1 Samuel 3:11–14).
Theme notes and profiles
Events
People
Hophni: A corrupt priest, son of Eli Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Phinehas: Wicked son of Eli the priest
Places
Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan
Glossary
Ark of the Covenant Ashkelon Eli Ephraim (Place) Philistia, Philistines Phinehas Samuel (Person) Samuel, Books of First and Second Saul Shiloh
Topics
Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of God Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Taken to Battle Eli: His Solicitude for the Ark Hophni: Death of Judgments: Eli's House Parents: Involved in Children's Wickedness Patriotism: Eli