And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

1 SAMUEL 3:2KJV
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1 Samuel 3:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 3:2 mean?

1 Samuel 3:2 describes a time when Eli, the elderly priest, was lying down in his usual place, and his eyesight had become so poor that he could no longer see. The verse sets the scene for what is about to happen by highlighting Eli’s physical weakness and declining vision.

This verse is part of the story where God is about to call Samuel for the first time. Eli is not speaking here; the verse is simply narrating the situation. The mention of Eli’s failing eyesight not only describes his physical state but also hints at a spiritual decline, as he is less able to perceive what God is about to do. The setting is quiet and still, preparing the reader for the significant event that follows.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 3:2

  • "Eyes" (עֵינָיִם, ʿenayim): This word refers to Eli’s physical eyes, but in the Hebrew Bible, “eyes” can also symbolize understanding or perception. Here, it emphasizes both his literal blindness and possibly a lack of spiritual insight.
  • "Began" (הֵחֵל, hechel): This verb means “to begin” or “to start.” The verse uses it to show that Eli’s eyesight was not suddenly lost but was gradually fading, underlining his aging and vulnerability.
  • "Dim" (כָּהָה, kahah): This word means “to grow dim” or “to become weak.” It describes the process of Eli’s eyesight failing, which sets a somber tone and prepares for the contrast with Samuel’s new spiritual awakening.

Why 1 Samuel 3:2 matters

  • The verse highlights Eli’s physical decline, which mirrors his waning influence as a spiritual leader in Israel at this time.
  • By describing Eli’s blindness, the verse prepares the reader for the contrast with Samuel, who is about to receive a clear vision and calling from God.
  • The detail about Eli lying down in his place sets a quiet, expectant mood, making the coming encounter between God and Samuel more dramatic and meaningful.

Where else these words appear

“dim” Hebrew H3544 · used in 9 verses

  • Leviticus 13:6 And the priest shall look on him again the seventh day: and, behold, if the plague be somewhat dark, and the plague spread not in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean: it is but a scab: and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.
  • Leviticus 13:26 But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hair in the bright spot, and it be no lower than the other skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:
  • Leviticus 13:56 And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague be somewhat dark after the washing of it; then he shall rend it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:

“Eli” Hebrew H5941 · used in 30 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.
  • 1 Samuel 2:20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.
  • 1 Samuel 3:15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

“began” Hebrew H2490 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 4:26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 20:31 And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, and kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.
  • Jeremiah 16:18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.