And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What meaneth the noise of this tumult? And the man came in hastily, and told Eli.
1 SAMUEL 4:14KJVWhat does 1 Samuel 4:14 mean?
1 Samuel 4:14 describes how Eli, the elderly priest, hears a loud outcry and asks what the commotion means. A man quickly enters and tells Eli the news, setting the stage for Eli to hear about the disaster that has just happened to Israel.
The verse takes place just after a major battle between Israel and the Philistines. Eli is sitting by the road, anxiously waiting for news. The "noise of the crying" refers to the people’s loud mourning over the defeat and the loss of the Ark of the Covenant. Eli’s question shows his confusion and concern, and the arrival of the messenger signals that something significant has happened.
The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 4:14
- קוֹל (qol, “noise”): This word is used twice in the verse, emphasizing the loud, emotional response from the people. It can mean voice, sound, or noise, and here it highlights the intensity of the situation.
- תְּרוּעָה (teru‘ah, “crying”): This word often means a loud shout or a blast, sometimes used for alarm or celebration. In this context, it points to a public, collective wailing or alarm, not just quiet weeping.
- הָמוֹן (hamon, “tumult”): This word carries the sense of a noisy crowd or uproar, underlining the confusion and chaos Eli is hearing.
Why 1 Samuel 4:14 matters
- The verse shows Eli’s deep concern for Israel and the Ark, setting up the emotional impact of the news he is about to receive.
- The use of strong words for noise and tumult helps the reader sense the seriousness and public scale of the disaster.
- This moment connects to the larger story, where the loss of the Ark marks a turning point for Israel and for Eli’s own family.