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 4:14KJV
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1 Samuel 4:14 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“crying” Hebrew H6818 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
  • Exodus 12:30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.
  • Psalms 9:12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

“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 3:14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

“hastily” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • Esther 5:5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

“tumult” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
  • Ezekiel 7:14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.