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1 Samuel 4:20

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 4:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast brought forth a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast brought forth a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it.
1 Samuel 4:20 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And he that brought the tidings answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
18And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that [Eli] feel from off his seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.
19And 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.
20And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast brought forth a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it.
21And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel; because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father-in-law and her husband.
22And she said, The glory is departed from Israel; for the ark of God is taken.
← 1 Samuel 4:191 Samuel 4:21 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And about the time of her death, etc.] Which quickly came on after she was brought to bed: the women that stood by her; who were called to her labour, and assisted at it: said unto her, fear not, for thou hast born a son; perceiving that she was very low spirited, endeavoured to cheer and comfort her, by observing to her that the worst was over; and besides she had brought forth a man child, which was usually matter of joy to a family, and particularly to the woman that bears it, which causes her to forget the sorrows and pains she has gone through in bearing it, (<431621>John 16:21) but she answered not, neither did she regard it; said not one word in answer to them, nor was the least…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Fear not - Indeed the sorrows of her travail would have been forgotten, for joy that a child was born into the world. But what is that joy to one that feels herself dying? None but spiritual joy will stand us in stead then. Death admits not the relish of any earthly joy: it is then all flat and tasteless. What is it to one that is lamenting the loss of the ark? What can give us pleasure, if we want God's word and ordinances? Especially if we want the comfort of his gracious presence, and the light of his countenance? 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 4:21”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:20-21 The name Ichabod contains the Hebrew word kabod (glory; see Exod 24:15-17). A similar word is used to describe Eli in 1 Sam 4:18 (Hebrew kabed, “heavy”). The disappearance of the Ark parallels the demise of Eli’s house. Although the Israelites experienced a stunning loss of divine glory and protection (cp. Ezek 8–10; Luke 19:41-44; 21:20-24), God’s glorious presence would subsequently return to his people (1 Sam 6:1-21; cp. Ezek 43:1-8).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Fear not: Gen 35:17, Gen 35:18; Joh 16:21 neither did she regard it: Heb. and set not her heart, Psa 77:2 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 4:21”
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Sources and verification