Bible Name Meaning Tool — Search Any Name (KJV)

Eli

Pronounced EE-ly

boy

✓ In the King James Bible — Yes — Eli appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 1:17.

Meaning: "Ascended; My God; Most High"
Origin: Hebrew

Eli means "ascended" or "my God" in Hebrew. He was the high priest and judge of Israel who served at the tabernacle in Shiloh for forty years. Eli's story is one of devoted service marred by failure to discipline his own household. When Hannah came to the tabernacle weeping and praying silently for a child, Eli initially mistook her for a drunk. But when she explained her anguish, Eli blessed her with prophetic words: "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition." This blessing was fulfilled when God gave Hannah her son Samuel. Eli became Samuel's mentor, teaching the young boy to serve in the tabernacle. When God first spoke to Samuel in the night, it was Eli who wisely counseled the boy to respond: "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth." Yet Eli's failure to restrain his corrupt sons Hophni and Phinehas brought judgment on his household. The name Eli remains popular for its simplicity, strength, and direct meaning connecting the bearer to God.

Spiritual meaning

Eli's name — 'my God' — reminds us that even devoted servants of God must faithfully steward every area of life, especially family. His wisdom in mentoring Samuel shows that investing in the next generation is sacred work.

Related verses (KJV)

"Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him."
1 Samuel 1:17 (KJV) →
"Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth."
1 Samuel 3:9 (KJV) →

Full page for Eli

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Questions about biblical name meanings

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Type the name into the search box above. The tool returns the Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, or Latin root behind the name, its literal meaning, and the King James Version passages where it appears.

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No. Many modern Christian names never appear in Scripture, and some popular 'biblical meanings' circulating online are inaccurate. Where a name is thematic rather than scriptural, we say so plainly instead of inventing a verse for it.

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