1 Samuel 3 2

1 Samuel 3:2 kjv

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;

1 Samuel 3:2 nkjv

And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see,

1 Samuel 3:2 niv

One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place.

1 Samuel 3:2 esv

At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place.

1 Samuel 3:2 nlt

One night Eli, who was almost blind by now, had gone to bed.

1 Samuel 3 verses

1 Samuel 3 2 Meaning

This verse describes the physical condition of Eli, the high priest, specifically his failing eyesight. It states that "at that time" when Eli had gone to bed, his eyes had begun to "wax dim," reaching a point where he "could not see." This physical decline is significant as it sets the immediate stage for the divine communication about to occur, contrasting Eli's failing human vision with the upcoming clarity of divine revelation to young Samuel, who "did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him" (1 Sam 3:7).

1 Samuel 3 2 Context

First Samuel chapter 3 introduces a critical transition point in Israelite history. Verse 2 builds directly upon the statement in verse 1: "Now the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no open vision." This sets the overarching theme of spiritual darkness and a scarcity of divine communication. Eli's physical dimness is not merely an age-related infirmity; it serves as a potent symbol of the spiritual state of Israel, and particularly of Eli's own house, which was characterized by corrupt practices (1 Sam 2:12-17, 22-25) and a failure to discern God's will.

Historically, high priests and prophets were expected to receive and communicate God's word. Eli's physical inability to see foreshadows his spiritual inability to provide guidance and represents the decaying priestly order. His diminished capacity highlights the urgent need for a new source of divine revelation and a renewed spiritual leadership, preparing the reader for Samuel's pivotal role in the coming narrative. The verse acts as a bridge, linking Eli's personal state to the broader spiritual famine in the land, underscoring the necessity of God's intervention through a new messenger.

1 Samuel 3 2 Word analysis

• And it came to pass: (Hebrew: וַיְהִי, wa·yehi) A common biblical Hebrew transitional phrase, often introducing a new significant event or phase in the narrative. It signals the unfolding of God's plan within the historical flow.
• at that time: (Hebrew: בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא, ba·yyō·wm ha·hū) This phrase connects the event to the preceding context (1 Sam 3:1). It highlights that Eli's dimness is presented not as a sudden event, but as a current, ongoing condition, characteristic of this specific period when God's word was rare.
• when Eli was laid down in his place: (Hebrew: יְשֵׁב אֵלִי אֶל־מְקֹמוֹ, ye·šêv ’ê·lî ’el-mə·qō·mōw) "In his place" implies his bed or dwelling. It depicts him resting due to old age or infirmity, reinforcing his physical limitations and perhaps also his inability to actively lead or minister. It also signifies a period of vulnerability, where he is not actively ministering or perceiving.
• and his eyes began to wax dim: (Hebrew: וְהֵחֵלּוּ עֵינָיו לִכְהוֹת, wə·hē·ḥêl·lū ‘ê·nāw liḵ·hō·wṯ)
  • his eyes: The organ of physical perception, but also metaphorically linked to spiritual understanding and prophetic sight in biblical contexts (e.g., see Isa 6:9-10).
  • began to wax dim: (Hebrew: לִכְהוֹת, liḵhōt) The root ḵāhâ (כהה) means to be dim, obscure, dark, dull, or faint. It implies a progressive, worsening state. This "dimming" is not just physical but resonates deeply with the "no open vision" of verse 1. It signifies a loss of clarity, a blurring of perception. It can imply a decline in vitality, mental acuity, or even spiritual sensitivity.
• that he could not see;: (Hebrew: לֹא יָכוֹל לִרְאֹות, lō yā·ḵōl lir·’ō·wṯ) This conclusive phrase emphasizes the severity of his dimness – it was complete blindness, or nearly so, rendering him entirely unable to perform the act of seeing. This makes his physical condition stark, intensifying the metaphorical weight of his spiritual inability.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see": This entire phrase is deeply symbolic. Eli's physical decline, particularly his loss of sight, parallels the spiritual "blindness" and moral decline of his house. A priest-prophet's function included discerning God's will, often implying a form of "seeing" or receiving vision. Eli, as the chief spiritual leader, can no longer "see" physically, echoing the larger spiritual problem of "no open vision" in Israel (1 Sam 3:1). His personal physical failing underscores a public spiritual one, signaling a decaying order awaiting God's judgment and renewal through Samuel. The contrast is sharp: Eli is dimming as Samuel is about to brilliantly perceive the divine word.

1 Samuel 3 2 Bonus section

• The concept of "dimming eyes" (וְהֵחֵלּוּ עֵינָיו לִכְהוֹת, waḥēlû `ênāyw liḵhôt) for a leader, particularly a prophet or priest, often carried the dual implication of physical incapacitation and spiritual dullness. In the ancient Near East, prophetic revelation was strongly associated with "seeing" or receiving "visions." Eli's physical blindness thus poignantly symbolizes a deeper spiritual and prophetic barrenness.
• The placement of this verse, immediately after stating that "the word of the Lord was rare" and "there was no open vision" (1 Sam 3:1), establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, or at least a powerful thematic connection, between Eli's personal state and the broader spiritual drought. It implicitly critiques the spiritual leadership of the time.
• The fact that Samuel, a mere boy, will soon have clear, unmediated communication with God despite having no prior prophetic training ("did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him," 1 Sam 3:7) stands in direct opposition to Eli's failing physical and spiritual sight. This contrast highlights God's sovereign choice to work through unlikely vessels when established structures are compromised.

1 Samuel 3 2 Commentary

1 Samuel 3:2 concisely portrays the physical vulnerability of Eli, whose old age has rendered him almost entirely blind. However, this verse’s depth transcends a mere physical description. It functions as a critical symbolic indicator, underscoring the spiritual malaise of Israel during this era. Eli's dimming eyes are a stark parallel to the scarcity of "open vision" or clear divine revelation mentioned in 1 Samuel 3:1. As the high priest and a central figure of religious authority, Eli's inability to "see" physically subtly hints at his failure to "see" or discern God's will clearly for himself, his sons, and the nation. His passive presence, "laid down in his place," suggests a lack of vigor and active engagement necessary for righteous leadership. This sets the perfect narrative stage for the youthful Samuel, whose senses are uncorrupted and whose spiritual receptivity is about to be divinely awakened, thus ushering in a new prophetic and priestly era.