1 Samuel 4:19
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.
1 Samuel 4:19 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 1 Samuel depicts the tragic events surrounding the capture of the Ark of God by the Philistines. It describes how Phinehas' wife, who is not named in the passage, was heavily pregnant and close to giving birth when she received the devastating news of the loss of the Ark, as well as the deaths of her father-in-law, Eli, and her husband. The intensity of her emotions causes her to go into labor prematurely, and she experiences great pain as she delivers her child. This passage highlights the profound sorrow and suffering that the characters in the story are enduring. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from the disobedience and downfall of God's people. Overall, this verse encapsulates the themes of loss, grief, and the heavy burden of the consequences of sin.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of 1 Samuel depicts a poignant moment in the life of Phinehas' wife, who tragically lost her husband and father-in-law on the same day she was near to giving birth. The theological interpretation of this passage reveals the theme of profound grief and the unpredictability of life. Despite the devastating news of the loss of her family members and the capture of the ark of God, Phinehas' wife showed resilience by bowing herself and continuing to labor in childbirth. This displays her strength in the face of adversity and highlights the complex emotions one can experience in times of deep sorrow.
Word studies of this verse bring attention to the term 'travailed,' which refers to the intense physical pain and effort of giving birth. This word is often used metaphorically in the Bible to symbolize anguish or distress. In this context, Phinehas' wife's physical pain during labor can be seen as a reflection of her emotional pain upon receiving the tragic news. It serves as a reminder of the human experience of suffering and the need for inner strength and faith to endure hardships.
1 Samuel 4:19 in other translations
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.
World 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.
Douay-Rheims
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And his daughter in lawe Phinehas wife was with childe neere her trauell: and when she heard the report that the Arke of God was taken, and that her father in lawe and her husband were dead, she bowed her selfe, and trauailed: for her paines came vpon her.