1 Samuel 3:2
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;
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And it came to pass at that time
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And it came to pass at that time
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֔וּא
H1931
הַה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
שֹׁכֵ֣ב
was laid down
H7901
שֹׁכֵ֣ב
was laid down
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
5 of 12
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
בִּמְקוֹמ֑וֹ
in his place
H4725
בִּמְקוֹמ֑וֹ
in his place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
וְעֵינָו֙
and his eyes
H5869
וְעֵינָו֙
and his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
הֵחֵ֣לּוּ
began
H2490
הֵחֵ֣לּוּ
began
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
1 Samuel 4:15Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see.Psalms 90:10The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.Genesis 27:1And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I.Genesis 48:10Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
Historical Context
The Hebrew construction emphasizes the progressive nature of Eli's blindness ('began to wax dim') - it was getting worse over time. Physical decline often parallels spiritual decline in the narrative. Samuel's youth and vitality contrast with Eli's aged infirmity.
Questions for Reflection
- What forms of spiritual blindness might be creeping into your life or leadership?
- How do static positions differ from responsive availability in spiritual life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The physical setting carries symbolic weight. Eli lies in his place with dimming eyes - both literal and spiritual blindness. His inability to see represents his inability to perceive God's activity. The aging priest who cannot see contrasts with the young boy who will soon receive divine vision. Eli's 'place' (maqom) suggests fixed, static position, while Samuel's movement throughout the narrative shows responsiveness. Leadership calcified into immobility; new vision comes through youthful availability.