One verse. Three ways to understand.
At that time, Eli had gone to bed in his usual place, and his eyes had grown so dim that he could barely see.
This verse describes the elderly priest Eli settling down for the night, his eyesight failing him due to his advanced age.
These are AI-assisted adaptations, not separate Bible editions. Compare them with the KJV source and read our methodology. How these readings are made →
Read the KJV source
King James Version · EnglishAnd 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;Ask the AI Assistant
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📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, Eli served as the high priest of Israel during the time of the judges, a period of spiritual decline and moral corruption in the priesthood, particularly with his own sons. At this point, Eli is depicted as an elderly man whose failing eyesight symbolizes his physical frailty and the waning of his leadership role in the tabernacle at Shiloh. This sets the stage for the young Samuel, who is living and serving there, to become the central figure in God's unfolding plan.