עֵלִי (e.li)

e.li

Eli

H5941 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 30 verses

N:N-M-P

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 30 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The name Eli, meaning "ascension" or "lofty," refers to the high priest and judge who led Israel at Shiloh during the transition from the period of judges to the monarchy. A descendant of Aaron through Ithamar, he served as a spiritual authority when the young Samuel began his service in the tabernacle (1 Samuel 1:3). His name reflects a position of elevated status within the religious hierarchy of ancient Israel.

Scripture presents Eli as a complex figure who held significant power but struggled with familial discipline. The sources highlight his role as the predecessor to Samuel, noting that he presided over the priesthood until the death of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 2:12; 4:11). His tenure ended with a divine judgment pronounced against his house, marking a shift in leadership as Samuel rose to prominence (1 Samuel 3:14).

Eli appears thirty times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the first book of Samuel, with a final mention in 1 Kings 2:27 where his death fulfills the prophecy regarding the removal of his lineage from the priesthood. This narrative arc underscores the biblical theme that spiritual authority requires faithful stewardship, and that human failure can lead to the end of established religious lines.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Eli means "lofty" or "ascension," reflecting a high position in Israel’s religious hierarchy. As the last judge and high priest, he held significant spiritual authority during a difficult transition period. His story reminds us that leadership carries heavy responsibilities before God.

Eli’s life shows both faithfulness and failure. He recognized young Samuel’s calling and guided him toward serving Yahweh. Yet he struggled to discipline his own sons, leading to divine judgment. This teaches that spiritual authority requires faithful stewardship of both public duty and private family life.

For believers today, Eli’s narrative invites reflection on how we handle trust and responsibility. God honors those who listen to His voice, as He did with Samuel under Eli’s care. May we seek wisdom to guide others while remaining humble before God’s standards.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 30 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Eli27×
and/ Eli5×
to/ Eli1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

עֵלִ֔י5×
עֵלִ֗י4×
עֵלִי֙3×
עֵלִ֖י3×
עֵלִ֑י3×
וְ/עֵלִ֖י3×
עֵלִֽי\׃2×
עֵלִ֜י2×
עֵלִ֛י2×
עֵלִ֥י1×
עֵלִ֣י1×
עֵ֠לִי1×

Key Verses

I Samuel 1:3
This man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice to Yahweh of Armies in Shiloh. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, priests to Yahweh, were there.

This verse establishes Eli’s role as high priest by mentioning his sons serving alongside him in Shiloh, setting the stage for his authority and eventual downfall.
I Samuel 3:9
Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down. It shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Eli instructs Samuel to respond to God’s call, showing his recognition of divine guidance despite his own failures.
I Samuel 3:14
Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be removed with sacrifice or offering forever.”

God declares that Eli’s house will not be forgiven through sacrifices, highlighting the seriousness of unchecked sin in leadership.
I Samuel 4:11
God’s ark was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

The death of Eli’s sons marks the end of his lineage’s priesthood, fulfilling earlier judgments against his household.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Eli mean?

Eli means "lofty" or "ascension," reflecting his elevated status as high priest and judge in Israel. His name symbolizes both spiritual height and the burden of leadership.

Why was Eli judged by God?

Eli faced judgment because he failed to discipline his sons, who committed serious sins against God’s laws. Though Eli respected God, his negligence allowed corruption in the priesthood (1 Samuel 2:12-17).

How did Eli interact with Samuel?

Eli recognized that God was calling young Samuel and guided him to respond faithfully. He taught Samuel how to listen for God’s voice, showing humility in acknowledging divine direction (1 Samuel 3:9).

What happened to Eli’s family line?

Eli’s sons were killed in battle, and his lineage lost the priesthood. This fulfilled God’s promise that his house would not be forgiven for their sins (1 Samuel 4:11; 3:14).

Every Occurrence (30 verses across 2 books)

I Samuel 29 verses

I Samuel 1:3

This man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice to Yahweh of Armies in Shiloh. The two…

I Samuel 1:9

So Hannah rose up after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his seat by…

I Samuel 1:12

As she continued praying before Yahweh, Eli saw her mouth.

I Samuel 1:13

Now Hannah spoke in her heart. Only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.

I Samuel 1:14

Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Get rid of your wine!”

I Samuel 1:17

Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.”

I Samuel 1:25

They killed the bull, and brought the child to Eli.

I Samuel 2:11

Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. The child served Yahweh before Eli the priest.

I Samuel 2:12

Now the sons of Eli were wicked men. They didn’t know Yahweh.

I Samuel 2:20

Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, “May Yahweh give you offspring from this woman for the petition which was…

I Samuel 2:22

Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons did to all Israel, and how that they slept with the women who…

I Samuel 2:27

A man of God came to Eli and said to him, “Yahweh says, ‘Did I reveal myself to the house of your father when they were…

I Samuel 3:1

The child Samuel ministered to Yahweh before Eli. Yahweh’s word was rare in those days. There were not many visions,…

I Samuel 3:2

At that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see),

I Samuel 3:5

He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He said, “I didn’t call. Lie down again.” He went and lay down.

I Samuel 3:6

Yahweh called yet again, “Samuel!” Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He answered,…

I Samuel 3:8

Yahweh called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” Eli…

I Samuel 3:9

Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down. It shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Yahweh; for your…

I Samuel 3:12

In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from the beginning even to the end.

I Samuel 3:14

Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be removed with sacrifice or…

I Samuel 3:15

Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of Yahweh’s house. Samuel was afraid to show Eli the vision.

I Samuel 3:16

Then Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son!” He said, “Here I am.”

I Samuel 4:4

So the people sent to Shiloh, and they brought from there the ark of the covenant of Yahweh of Armies, who sits above…

I Samuel 4:11

God’s ark was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

I Samuel 4:13

When he came, behold, Eli was sitting on his seat by the road watching, for his heart trembled for God’s ark. When the…

I Samuel 4:14

When Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, “What does the noise of this tumult mean?” The man hurried, and came…

I Samuel 4:15

Now Eli was ninety-eight years old. His eyes were set, so that he could not see.

I Samuel 4:16

The man said to Eli, “I am he who came out of the army, and I fled today out of the army.” He said, “How did the matter…

I Samuel 14:3

including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of Yahweh in…

I Kings 1 verse