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◄ 1 Samuel 3:2►

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

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

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

Berean Standard Bible
And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room.

King James Bible
And it came to pass at that time, when Eliwas laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim,that he could not see;

New King James Version
And it came to pass at that time, while Eliwas lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see,

New American Standard Bible
But it happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to be poorand he could not seewell),

NASB 1995
It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well),

NASB 1977
And it happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dimand he could not see well),

Legacy Standard Bible
And it happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to fade,and he could not seewell),

Amplified Bible
Yet it happened at that time, as Eli was lying down in his own place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not seewell).

Christian Standard Bible
One day Eli, whose eyesight was failing, was lying in his usual place.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
One day Eli, whose eyesight was failing, was lying in his room.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to wax dim, so that he could not see),

English Revised Version
And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, (now his eyes had begun to wax dim, that he could not see,)

GOD'S WORD® Translation
One night Eli was lying down in his room. His eyesight had begun to fail so that he couldn't see well.

Good News Translation
One night Eli, who was now almost blind, was sleeping in his own room;

International Standard Version
At that time Eli, whose vision was growing dim, was lying down in his bedroom.

NET Bible
Eli's eyes had begun to fail, so that he was unable to see well. At that time he was lying down in his place,

New Heart English Bible
It happened at that time, when Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see),

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to grow dim, that he could not see;

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room.

World English Bible
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),

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, at that time, that Eli is lying down in his place, and his eyes have begun [to be] faded—he is not able to see.

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, at that time, that Eli is lying down in his place, and his eyes have begun to be dim -- he is not able to see.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be in that day, and Eli lay down in his place, and his eyes began to be weak; he will not be able to see.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And it came to pass one day when Heli lay in his place, and his eyes were grown dim, that he could not see:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then it happened that, on a certain day, Eli was lying in his place. And his eyes had dimmed, so that he was unable to see.

New American Bible
One day Eli was asleep in his usual place. His eyes had lately grown so weak that he could not see.

New Revised Standard Version
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room;

Translations from Aramaic

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

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was in those days, and Eli lay down in his place, and his eyes began to be dim and he could not see

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place--now his eyes had begun to wax dim, that he could not see--

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass at that time that Heli was sleeping in his place; and his eyes began to fail, and could not see.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The LORD Calls Samuel
1And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. Now in those days the word of the LORD was rare and visions were scarce.2And at that time Eli,whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see,was lying in his room.3Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

1 Samuel 2:22
Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

1 Samuel 4:15
Now Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his gaze was fixed because he could not see.

Genesis 27:1
When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “My son.” “Here I am,” Esau replied.

Genesis 48:10
Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.

Deuteronomy 34:7
Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not diminished.

1 Kings 14:4
Jeroboam’s wife did as instructed; she arose and went to Shiloh and arrived at Ahijah’s house. Now Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim because of his age.

Ecclesiastes 12:3
on the day the keepers of the house tremble and the strong men stoop, when those grinding cease because they are few and those watching through windows see dimly,

Isaiah 42:19
Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending? Who is blind like My covenant partner, or blind like the servant of the LORD?

Isaiah 59:10
Like the blind, we feel our way along the wall, groping like those without eyes. We stumble at midday as in the twilight; among the vigorous we are like the dead.

Lamentations 5:17
Because of this, our hearts are faint; because of these, our eyes grow dim—

Matthew 6:22-23
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. / But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Matthew 13:15
For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’

Matthew 15:14
Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

Mark 8:18
‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember?

Luke 2:25-30
Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. / The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. / Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, ...

Treasury of Scripture

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;

his eyes

1 Samuel 2:22
Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembledat the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

1 Samuel 4:15
Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see.

Genesis 27:1
And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold,here am I.

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1 Samuel 3

1.How the word of the Lord was first revealed to Samuel
11.God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house
15.Samuel, though loath, tells Eli the vision
19.Samuel grows in credit

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

And at that time
This phrase sets the historical context within the period of the Judges, a time characterized by spiritual decline and moral chaos in Israel. The phrase indicates a specific moment in the narrative, suggesting a transition or significant event about to unfold. It is a time when God is preparing to speak to Samuel, marking a shift from the old priesthood under Eli to a new prophetic leadership.

Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see
Eli's physical blindness symbolizes the spiritual blindness and decline of Israel's priesthood. His inability to see reflects the lack of spiritual vision and discernment among the leaders of Israel at the time. This condition also foreshadows the judgment that will come upon Eli's house due to the sins of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. The dimming of Eli's eyesight can be seen as a metaphor for the fading influence and effectiveness of his priestly role.

was lying in his room
Eli's position in his room suggests a state of inactivity and passivity, contrasting with the active role Samuel is about to take. It highlights Eli's detachment from the spiritual needs of Israel and his failure to address the corruption within the priesthood. This setting also prepares the reader for the divine encounter that Samuel will experience, emphasizing the transition from Eli's leadership to Samuel's prophetic ministry. The mention of Eli lying down may also allude to his advanced age and frailty, underscoring the need for new leadership in Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Eli
The high priest of Israel at the time, Eli was responsible for the spiritual leadership of the nation. His physical blindness symbolizes his spiritual blindness and the declining state of Israel's priesthood.

2.Samuel
Although not mentioned directly in this verse, Samuel is a central figure in this chapter. He is a young boy serving under Eli in the temple, and God is about to call him to be a prophet.

3.The Temple
The setting of this event is the temple of the Lord in Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It was the center of Israel's worship and a place where God’s presence was manifested.

4.Israel
The nation of Israel is in a period of spiritual decline, with infrequent prophetic visions and a lack of direct communication from God.

5.The Lamp of God
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the lamp of God is significant in the surrounding context. It symbolizes God's presence and guidance, which had not yet gone out, indicating hope and the potential for renewal.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Blindness
Eli's physical blindness is a metaphor for spiritual blindness. We must be vigilant in maintaining our spiritual vision through prayer, scripture, and obedience to God.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Eli's failure as a leader had consequences for the entire nation. Godly leadership is crucial for guiding others in righteousness and truth.

Hope in Darkness
Despite the spiritual decline, the lamp of God had not yet gone out. This symbolizes hope and the potential for renewal through God's intervention.

Listening for God's Call
Samuel's account reminds us to be attentive to God's voice, even when it seems He is silent. We must cultivate a heart ready to listen and respond.

Intergenerational Faithfulness
The relationship between Eli and Samuel highlights the importance of mentoring and passing on faith to the next generation.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 3:2?

2.How does Eli's dimming eyesight symbolize spiritual decline in 1 Samuel 3:2?

3.What can we learn from Eli's physical state about spiritual vigilance today?

4.How does 1 Samuel 3:2 connect with Proverbs 29:18 on spiritual vision?

5.How can we ensure our spiritual "eyesight" remains clear and focused on God?

6.What steps can we take to prevent spiritual complacency as seen in Eli's life?

7.What is the significance of Eli's eyesight growing dim in 1 Samuel 3:2?

8.How does Eli's physical blindness symbolize spiritual blindness in 1 Samuel 3:2?

9.Why is Eli's condition important to the narrative of 1 Samuel 3?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 3?

11.Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements?

12.In 2 Samuel 9:3, how do we reconcile David's swift willingness to help Saul's descendant with the longstanding hostilities described elsewhere in 1 and 2 Samuel?

13.1 Samuel 3:7 - How could a child with no prior knowledge of God accurately identify and respond to a supernatural voice?

14.What does the Bible say about controlling parents?

What Does 1 Samuel 3:2 Mean

And at that time

“In those days the word of the LORD was rare; visions were scarce” (1 Samuel 3:1). That backdrop matters:

• Israel was living with minimal prophetic direction, recalling the chaotic climate ofJudges 21:25.

• God’s silence highlights the significance of what He is about to do through young Samuel.

• The phrase anchors the story in real history—this is not myth but an exact moment when God chose to break the silence.

Eli

Eli is the elderly high priest and judge (1 Samuel 4:18).

• He has served faithfully for years, yet he has tolerated the sin of his sons (1 Samuel 2:12, 22–25).

• His mixed legacy parallels leaders like Gideon, who finished less brightly than they began (Judges 8:27).

• God had already warned him through a prophet (1 Samuel 2:27–36), so every detail of his life here foreshadows coming judgment.

whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see

The statement is literal—Eli’s physical eyes are failing with age, much like Isaac’s before he blessed Jacob (Genesis 27:1).

• Scripture often links physical blindness with diminished discernment; Jesus later rebukes the Pharisees as “blind guides” (Matthew 23:16).

• Yet the narrative never denies the literal fact: Eli simply cannot see. This tangible weakness mirrors his declining spiritual perception of Israel’s condition (1 Samuel 2:29).

• By contrast, “Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak” (Deuteronomy 34:7), underscoring how obedience can preserve both vision and insight.

was lying in his room

• It is nighttime in the tabernacle area; Samuel sleeps near the ark “before the lamp of God had gone out” (1 Samuel 3:3).

• Eli’s position shows routine—he is off-duty and unaware—just as Samson slept before losing strength (Judges 16:19).

• God often chooses quiet, ordinary settings to speak, whether to Samuel here or to Joseph in a dream (Matthew 1:20).

• Eli’s lying down contrasts with the LORD’s active word that will soon stand Samuel on his feet (1 Samuel 3:10).

summary

Every phrase in1 Samuel 3:2 is precise and purposeful. In a time when revelation was scarce, an aging priest with fading sight rests in darkness, embodying Israel’s spiritual drift. God will pierce that darkness by calling Samuel, proving once again that His word is living, literal, and unstoppable.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. -Eli... could not see.I.e. clearly. His sight was fast failing him, and Samuel, still called achild,na'ar, but probably, as Josephus states ('Antiq.,' 5:10, 4), now fully twelve years old, was in constant attendance upon him because of his increasing infirmities. Both were sleeping in the temple; for literally the words are,And Samuel was sleeeping in the temple of Jehovah, where the ark of God was. Of course neither Eli nor Samuel were in the holy place; but, as in1 Samuel 1:9, the wordtemple is used in its proper sense of the whole palace of Israel's spiritual King, in which were chambers provided for the use of the high priest and those in attendance upon him. In ver. 3 thelamp is mentioned as fixing the exact time. Though it is said that the seven-branched candelabrum was "to burn always" (Exodus 27:20), yet this apparently was to be by perpetually relighting it (ibid. 30:7, 8); and as Aaron was commanded to dress and light it every morning and evening, and supply it with oil, the night would be far advanced and morning near before itwent out. In the stillness then of the late night Samuel, sunk in heavy sleep, hears a voice calling him, and springing up, naturally hurries to Eli, supposing that he needed his services. Eli had not heard the voice, and concluding that it was a mistake, bids Samuel return to his bed. Again the voice rings upon his ear, and again he hastens to Eli, only to be told to lie down again. In ver. 7 the reason is given why Samuel was thus thrice mistaken.Samuel did not yet know Jehovah, neither was the word of Jehovah yet revealed unto him. Doubtless he knew Jehovah in the way in which the sons of Eli did not know him (1 Samuel 2:12),i.e. in his conscience and spiritual life, but he did not know him as one who reveals his will unto men. Prophecy had long been arare thing, and though Samuel had often heard God's voice in the recesses of his heart, speaking to him of right and wrong, he knew nothing of God as a living Person, giving commands for men to obey, and bestowing knowledge to guide them in doing his will.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And
וַֽיְהִי֙(way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be

at that time
בַּיּ֣וֹם(bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A day

Eli,
וְעֵלִ֖י(wə·‘ê·lî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5941:Eli -- a priest at Shiloh

whose eyesight
וְעֵינָיו֙(wə·‘ê·nāw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountain

had grown so dim
כֵה֔וֹת(ḵê·hō·wṯ)
Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 3544:Dim, dull, faint

that he could
יוּכַ֖ל(yū·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3201:To be able, have power

not
לֹ֥א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

see,
לִרְאֽוֹת׃(lir·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200:To see

was lying
שֹׁכֵ֣ב(šō·ḵêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7901:To lie down

in his room.
בִּמְקֹמ֑וֹ‪‬(bim·qō·mōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4725:A standing, a spot, a condition

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OT History: 1 Samuel 3:2 It happened at that time when Eli (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)