1 Samuel 4:21
And she named the child I-chabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּקְרָ֣א
And she named
H7121
וַתִּקְרָ֣א
And she named
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 15
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לַנַּ֗עַר
the child
H5288
לַנַּ֗עַר
the child
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
2 of 15
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
גָּלָ֥ה
is departed
H1540
גָּלָ֥ה
is departed
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
6 of 15
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
כָב֖וֹד
The glory
H3519
כָב֖וֹד
The glory
Strong's:
H3519
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
from Israel
H3478
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
from Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הִלָּקַח֙
was taken
H3947
הִלָּקַח֙
was taken
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
10 of 15
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
12 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Psalms 26:8LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.Psalms 78:61And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand.Jeremiah 2:11Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.Psalms 78:64Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation.Hosea 9:12Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!1 Samuel 4:11And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.Psalms 106:20Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.
Historical Context
Names in ancient Israel often commemorated circumstances of birth or carried prophetic significance. Ichabod's name would perpetually remind Israel of this dark day. The naming function belonged typically to mothers, making this woman's action culturally appropriate.
Questions for Reflection
- What does naming her son 'Ichabod' accomplish theologically?
- How does this dying woman's theological insight compare to the elders who brought the Ark to battle?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The dying woman names her son Ichabod (I-kabod), meaning 'no glory' or 'where is the glory?' Her interpretive statement explains: 'The glory is departed from Israel.' The Hebrew kabod (glory) refers to God's weighty, manifest presence. Her declaration - naming that redefines the disaster - shows remarkable theological insight. She understands that the Ark's capture means more than military defeat or personal loss; it signals the departure of divine presence. Her dying words become prophetic pronouncement.