1 Samuel Chapter 4 · Verse 15
Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
old
H1121
בֶּן
old
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּשְׁמֹנֶ֖ה
and eight
H8083
וּשְׁמֹנֶ֖ה
and eight
Strong's:
H8083
Word #:
4 of 10
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
וְעֵינָ֣יו
and his eyes
H5869
וְעֵינָ֣יו
and his eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 10
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
קָ֔מָה
were dim
H6965
קָ֔מָה
were dim
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
7 of 10
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ninety-eight years represents exceptional longevity, suggesting Eli's life had been blessed despite his failures. The forty-year judgeship corresponds roughly to a generation, a common biblical time marker. His service bridged the period from judges to Samuel's prophetic ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Eli's physical condition mirror his spiritual condition throughout the narrative?
- What does the length of Eli's judgeship suggest about his overall influence on Israel?
Analysis & Commentary
Eli's age (ninety-eight) and blindness are restated, emphasizing his frailty. He cannot see the messenger or read faces; he must wait for words. The physical description - aged, blind, unable to see - comprehensively describes Eli's condition. He has served as judge for forty years (verse 18), almost the entire period of Philistine oppression. His life ends as it was lived: in blindness to spiritual realities he should have seen and addressed.