### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻÊlîy**, represented by `{{H5941}}`, is the proper name of an Israelite high priest, meaning **lofty**. It appears 33 times across 30 unique verses, primarily documenting his significant and tragic role in the history of Israel at the close of the period of the Judges.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Eli** `{{H5941}}` serves as the high priest of the Lord at Shiloh [[1 Samuel 1:3]]. His story is marked by personal piety and tragic parental failure. He is seen blessing Hannah and prophesying that God would grant her petition [[1 Samuel 1:17]], and later he mentors the young Samuel, helping him discern the voice of the Lord [[1 Samuel 3:8-9]]. However, Eli's own sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were "sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD" [[1 Samuel 2:12]]. Despite hearing of their wicked deeds [[1 Samuel 2:22]], Eli's failure to restrain them brought a divine judgment upon his household, prophesied by a man of God and confirmed to Samuel ([[1 Samuel 2:27]]; [[1 Samuel 3:12]]). The fulfillment of this prophecy is noted generations later when his descendant is removed from the priesthood [[1 Kings 2:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding the narrative of **Eli**:
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): This word defines Eli's role as "one officiating, a priest" [[1 Samuel 1:9]]. The priesthood was a sacred office, and the desecration of it by Eli's sons was the basis for the judgment against his house. The Lord holds priests to a high standard, as they are meant to honor Him [[Malachi 1:6]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This term is crucial, as the narrative contrasts Eli's biological **sons**, Hophni and Phinehas [[1 Samuel 2:12]], with his spiritual successor, Samuel, whom he also addresses as "my **son**" ([[1 Samuel 3:6]], [[1 Samuel 3:16]]). The failure of his own sons stands in stark opposition to the faithfulness of the child he mentors.
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear): This word, meaning to hear intelligently and often to obey, is a recurring theme. Eli **heard** of his sons' evil [[1 Samuel 2:22]], and he instructed Samuel to respond to God by saying "thy servant **heareth**" [[1 Samuel 3:9]]. The narrative powerfully demonstrates that obedience that comes from hearing God's voice is better than any sacrifice [[1 Samuel 15:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of Eli's life is significant and serves as a somber lesson.
* **Failure of Leadership:** As the high priest of Israel, Eli's inability to restrain his sons represents a critical failure in spiritual leadership. His passivity led to a divine decree that the iniquity of his house would never be purged by **sacrifice** `{{H2077}}` or offering [[1 Samuel 3:14]].
* **Transition of Divine Calling:** Eli’s priesthood marks a time when "the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the LORD was precious" and vision was not widespread [[1 Samuel 3:1]]. The story depicts God turning from a corrupt, established priestly line to call a young boy, Samuel, signaling a major shift in His divine plan for Israel's leadership.
* **The Certainty of God's Word:** The prophecy against the house of **Eli** `{{H5941}}` serves as a testament to the unyielding nature of God's judgment against sin. The specific **word** `{{H1696}}` spoken against his family was explicitly fulfilled generations later, demonstrating that God's promises and warnings are carried out [[1 Kings 2:27]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʻÊlîy** `{{H5941}}` is a pivotal figure whose life story is a powerful illustration of the consequences of failed spiritual oversight. While personally a servant of the Lord who ministered in the temple and showed kindness to Hannah and Samuel, his legacy is ultimately defined by the wickedness of his sons and the resulting judgment on his priestly line. His narrative acts as a solemn reminder of the responsibilities of leadership and the absolute authority of God's word.
TRV