1 Samuel 4:19
New International Version
His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near the time of delivery. When she heard the news that the ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth, but was overcome by her labor pains.

New Living Translation
Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near her time of delivery. When she heard that the Ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth.

English Standard Version
Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, about to give birth. And when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth, for her pains came upon her.

Berean Standard Bible
Now Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her.

King James Bible
And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her.

New King James Version
Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, due to be delivered; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth, for her labor pains came upon her.

New American Standard Bible
Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was pregnant and about to give birth; and when she heard the news that the ark of God had been taken and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, she kneeled down and gave birth, because her pains came upon her.

NASB 1995
Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’s wife, was pregnant and about to give birth; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, she kneeled down and gave birth, for her pains came upon her.

NASB 1977
Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was pregnant and about to give birth; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, she kneeled down and gave birth, for her pains came upon her.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’s wife, was with child and about to give birth. And she heard the report that the ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, so she kneeled down and gave birth, for her pains came upon her.

Amplified Bible
Now his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was pregnant, and was about to give birth; so when she heard the news that the ark of God had been taken and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, she kneeled down and gave birth, because her [labor] pains began.

Christian Standard Bible
Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news about the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth because her labor pains came on her.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news about the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth because her labor pains came on her.

American Standard Version
And his daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and brought forth; for her pains came upon her.

Contemporary English Version
The wife of Phinehas was about to give birth. And soon after she heard that the sacred chest had been captured and that her husband and his father had died, her baby came. The birth was very hard,

English Revised Version
And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and brought forth; for her pains came upon her.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
His daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was pregnant. When she heard the news that the ark of God had been captured and her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she went into labor prematurely and gave birth to a son.

Good News Translation
Eli's daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, and it was almost time for her baby to be born. When she heard that God's Covenant Box had been captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she suddenly went into labor and gave birth.

International Standard Version
Eli's daughter-in-law, the wife of Phineas, was pregnant and ready to give birth. When she heard the report about the capture of the Ark of God and that her father-in-law and husband were dead, she crouched down and gave birth, because her labor pains suddenly began.

Majority Standard Bible
Now Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her.

NET Bible
His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phineas, was pregnant and close to giving birth. When she heard that the ark of God was captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she doubled over and gave birth. But her labor pains were too much for her.

New Heart English Bible
His daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered. When she heard the news that the ark of God was taken, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth; for her pains came on her.

Webster's Bible Translation
And his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was with child near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father-in-law, and her husband were dead, she bowed herself, and travailed; for her pains came upon her.

World English Bible
His daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to giving birth. When she heard the news that God’s ark was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and gave birth; for her pains came on her.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And his daughter-in-law, wife of Phinehas, [is] pregnant, about to bear, and she hears the report of the taking of the Ark of God, that her father-in-law and her husband have died, and she bows, and bears, for her pains have turned on her.

Young's Literal Translation
And his daughter-in-law, wife of Phinehas, is pregnant, about to bear, and she heareth the report of the taking of the ark of God, that her father-in-law and her husband have died, and she boweth, and beareth, for her pains have turned upon her.

Smith's Literal Translation
And his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, conceived to bring forth: and she will hear the message of the taking of the ark of God, and the death of her father-in-law and her husband, and she will bow and bring forth, for her pains turned upon her.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And his daughter in law the wife of Phinees, was big with child, and near her time: and hearing the news that the ark of God was taken, and her father in law, and her husband, were dead, she bowed herself and fell in labour: for her pains came upon her on a sudden.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, and her delivery was near. And upon hearing the news that the ark of God had been captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband had died, she bent down and went into labor. For her pains rushed upon her suddenly.

New American Bible
His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news about the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she crouched down in labor, and gave birth.

New Revised Standard Version
Now his daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant, about to give birth. When she heard the news that the ark of God was captured, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed and gave birth; for her labor pains overwhelmed her.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And his daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was with child; and was near to be delivered; and when she heard the news that the ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed down and travailed; for her pains came upon her.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And his daughter in law, the wife of Phinkhas, was pregnant and was about to give birth, and when she heard the report that the Ark of God was taken and that her father in law and her husband had died, she bowed and she gave birth, because her labors returned upon her
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And his daughter-in-law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered; and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and brought forth; for her pains came suddenly upon her.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And his daughter-in-law the wife of Phinees was with child, about to bring forth; and she heard the tidings, that the ark of God was taken, and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead; and she wept and was delivered, for her pains came upon her.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Death of Eli
18As soon as the ark of God was mentioned, Eli fell backward from his chair by the city gate, and being old and heavy, he broke his neck and died. And Eli had judged Israel forty years. 19Now Eli’s daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and about to give birth. When she heard the news of the capture of God’s ark and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband, she collapsed and gave birth, for her labor pains overtook her. 20As she was dying, the women attending to her said, “Do not be afraid, for you have given birth to a son!” But she did not respond or pay any heed.…

Cross References
Genesis 35:16-19
Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. / During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.” / And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin. ...

1 Samuel 2:31-34
Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that no one in it will reach old age. / You will see distress in My dwelling place. Despite all that is good in Israel, no one in your house will ever again reach old age. / And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, I will cause your eyes to fail and your heart to grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. ...

1 Samuel 3:11-14
Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle. / On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his house, from beginning to end. / I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them. ...

1 Samuel 2:27-30
Then a man of God came to Eli and told him, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Did I not clearly reveal Myself to your father’s house when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh’s house? / And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites. / Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’ ...

1 Kings 14:12-13
As for you, get up and go home. When your feet enter the city, the child will die. / All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. For this is the only one belonging to Jeroboam who will receive a proper burial, because only in him has the LORD, the God of Israel, found any good in the house of Jeroboam.

1 Kings 4:20-21
The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. / And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life.

2 Kings 19:3
to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.

Isaiah 13:8
Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.

Jeremiah 6:24
We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor.

Hosea 13:13
Labor pains come upon him, but he is an unwise son. When the time arrives, he fails to present himself at the opening of the womb.

Matthew 24:8
All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Mark 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

Luke 21:23
How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people.

John 16:21
A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.

Acts 2:24
But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep Him in its grip.


Treasury of Scripture

And his daughter in law, Phinehas' wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came on her.

be delivered.

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Ark Bowed Child Daughter Daughter-In-Law Dead Delivered Heard Herself Husband Law News Pains Phinehas Tidings Travailed Wife
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Ark Bowed Child Daughter Daughter-In-Law Dead Delivered Heard Herself Husband Law News Pains Phinehas Tidings Travailed Wife
1 Samuel 4
1. The Israelites are overcome by the Philistines at Ebenezer
3. They fetch the ark unto the terror of the Philistines
10. They are smitten again, the ark taken, and Hophni and Phinehas are slain
12. Eli at the news, falling backward, breaks his neck
19. Phinehas's wife, discouraged in her travail with Ichabod, dies














Now his daughter-in-law
This phrase introduces us to a significant character in the narrative, the wife of Phinehas. In the Hebrew context, the term for "daughter-in-law" is "כַּלָּה" (kallah), which signifies a woman who is integrated into a family through marriage. This highlights the familial and covenantal relationships that are central to the narrative. Her identity as a daughter-in-law ties her to the priestly family of Eli, emphasizing the personal and communal impact of the events that unfold.

the wife of Phinehas
Phinehas, a son of Eli, was a priest who, along with his brother Hophni, was known for his corrupt practices (1 Samuel 2:12-17). The mention of Phinehas here serves as a reminder of the spiritual decline within the priesthood, which sets the stage for the judgment that befalls Eli's house. The wife's identity is tied to her husband, reflecting the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, yet her actions and experiences in this verse highlight her own personal tragedy and the broader national crisis.

was pregnant and about to give birth
The Hebrew word for "pregnant" is "הָרָה" (harah), indicating a state of expectancy and vulnerability. The phrase "about to give birth" underscores the imminent nature of her delivery, symbolizing the birth of a new era amidst the collapse of the old. This moment of impending birth juxtaposes the hope of new life with the despair of national and familial loss, illustrating the tension between judgment and redemption.

When she heard the news
Hearing the news acts as a catalyst for the events that follow. In the ancient world, news was often conveyed orally, and the impact of such news could be immediate and profound. The Hebrew word "שָׁמַע" (shama) for "heard" implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and internalizing the gravity of the situation. This moment of realization triggers a physical and emotional response, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal and communal grief.

that the ark of God had been captured
The ark of God, representing the presence and power of Yahweh, was central to Israel's identity and worship. Its capture by the Philistines signified a devastating spiritual and national crisis. The Hebrew term for "captured" is "לָקַח" (laqach), meaning to take or seize, indicating a forceful removal. This event marks a turning point in Israel's history, symbolizing the consequences of disobedience and the loss of divine favor.

and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead
The deaths of Eli and Phinehas represent the fulfillment of divine judgment against Eli's house (1 Samuel 2:27-36). The phrase underscores the personal loss experienced by Phinehas's wife, as well as the broader implications for the priestly lineage. The Hebrew word for "dead" is "מֵת" (met), signifying the finality and severity of the judgment. This loss is both personal and national, reflecting the intertwined destinies of the family and the nation.

she went into labor and gave birth
The onset of labor is a direct response to the traumatic news, illustrating the profound impact of grief and stress on the human body. The Hebrew word for "labor" is "חִיל" (chil), which can also mean to writhe or tremble, conveying the intensity of her physical and emotional turmoil. The act of giving birth amidst such circumstances symbolizes the emergence of new life in the midst of death and despair, a poignant reminder of hope and continuity.

but was overcome by her labor pains
The phrase "overcome by her labor pains" indicates the severity of her condition. The Hebrew word "עָצַב" (atsab) for "overcome" can also mean to be grieved or pained, suggesting that her physical suffering is compounded by her emotional anguish. This moment captures the depth of her personal tragedy, as the weight of loss and the struggle of childbirth converge, highlighting the fragility of life and the cost of sin.

Verses 19-21. - His daughter-in-law. The death of Eli's daughter-in-law is equally tragic with his own. The news of the terrible calamity that had befallen the ark of God brought on a premature delivery; but when she had given birth to a son, the attendant women naturally hoped that the good tidings would cheer the mother's heart. They haste, therefore, to tell her; but she answered not, neither did she regard it. This does not mean that she was already dead; if so, the women would not have told her. It means that no private joy could compensate her for the loss of the outward sign and proof that the covenant of Jehovah was with her and her people. The loss of the ark seemed to her to signify the overthrow of her national religion. But she heard, for immediately There is she named the child I-chabod. There is some doubt as to the exact meaning of the word. It may mean Alas! the glory; but more probably it signifies No glory - the glory of Israel is no more. In the reason given by the narrator for her sorrow, as summed up in the name given to her child, the deaths of Eli and of Phinehas are included, but her own words refer only to the ark. Literally they are, "The glory is gone into captivity from Israel." There is possibly a reference to this in Psalm 78:64, where, speaking of the fall of Shiloh, the Psalmist says, "Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows made no lamentation." Others, it may be, like the wife of Phinehas, felt that there was no room for private grief at a time of so great national distress and humiliation.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now Eli’s daughter-in-law,
וְכַלָּת֣וֹ (wə·ḵal·lā·ṯōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3618: Daughter-in-law, bride

the wife
אֵֽשֶׁת־ (’ê·šeṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

of Phinehas,
פִּינְחָס֮ (pî·nə·ḥās)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6372: Phinehas -- three Israelites

was pregnant
הָרָ֣ה (hā·rāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2030: Pregnant

and about to give birth.
לָלַת֒ (lā·laṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage

When she heard
וַתִּשְׁמַ֣ע (wat·tiš·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the news
הַשְּׁמֻעָ֔ה (haš·šə·mu·‘āh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8052: Something heard, an announcement

of
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the capture
הִלָּקַח֙ (hil·lā·qaḥ)
Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3947: To take

of God’s
הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

ark
אֲר֣וֹן (’ă·rō·wn)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 727: A chest, ark

and the deaths
וּמֵ֥ת (ū·mêṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

of her father-in-law
חָמִ֖יהָ (ḥā·mî·hā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2524: Husband's father

and her husband,
וְאִישָׁ֑הּ (wə·’î·šāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

she collapsed
וַתִּכְרַ֣ע (wat·tiḵ·ra‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3766: To bend the knee, to sink, to prostrate

and gave birth,
וַתֵּ֔לֶד (wat·tê·leḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

her labor pains
צִרֶֽיהָ׃ (ṣi·re·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6735: A hinge, a throe, a herald, erranddoer

came
נֶהֶפְכ֥וּ (ne·hep̄·ḵū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2015: To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervert

upon her.
עָלֶ֖יהָ (‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT History: 1 Samuel 4:19 His daughter-in-law Phinehas' wife was with child (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 4:18
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