Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 4 - Verse 14

4:14
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.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we see Eli, the high priest of Israel, hearing a noise of crying and tumult. Eli, being unaware of the reason behind the commotion, asks what it means. This reaction from Eli shows his concern for the well-being of the people under his care. It also reflects his duty as a leader to address issues and situations that arise within the community. The man who came in hastily to inform Eli may have had important news or a message to deliver, prompting Eli to inquire about the disturbance. This verse highlights the importance of communication and prompt action in leadership roles, as well as the responsibility of leaders to be aware of what is happening among the people they serve. It also serves as a reminder of the need for leaders to be attentive and responsive to the needs and concerns of those under their care.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we see Eli, the high priest of Israel at that time, inquiring about a noise that he hears. The word "tumult" used in this verse conveys a sense of confusion and disorder, indicating that Eli was quite puzzled by the commotion he heard. The theological interpretation of this moment may suggest that Eli's reaction reflects his awareness of a disturbance within the spiritual realm, as noise and tumult often symbolize trouble or unrest in the biblical context. Additionally, the fact that Eli immediately inquires about the noise shows his concern and attentiveness to his duties as a spiritual leader. The word "meaneth" signifies Eli's desire to understand the true significance of the noise, conveying a sense of seeking clarity and insight into the situation. Furthermore, the man who comes in hastily to inform Eli may symbolize the importance of swift communication and the need for timely response in addressing spiritual matters. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of attentiveness, discernment, and prompt action in response to spiritual disturbances in the biblical narrative.

American Standard Version

And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What meaneth the noise of this tumult? And the man hasted, and came and told Eli.
Previous VerseNext Verse