"Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him."
Biblical Name · Hebrew Origin
Eli Meaning in the Bible
Eli
boy
Eli means "ascended" or "my God," depending on the Hebrew root traced. He is a genuine King James Bible figure: the high priest at Shiloh who blessed Hannah — "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition" (1 Samuel 1:17) — and raised the boy Samuel.
Is Eli in the Bible?
Yes — Eli appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 1:17.
Pronunciation:/EE-ly/
OriginHebrew
MeaningAscended; My God; Most High
What does Eli mean?
Eli is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Ascended; My God; Most High". 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.
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What does Eli mean in the Bible?
Eli means "Ascended; My God; Most High" and is a name of Hebrew origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
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.
Where does Eli appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Eli is connected to 2 key passages in the King James Bible, beginning with 1 Samuel 1:17. Each verse is quoted in full below.
"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."
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What are the variants and nicknames of Eli?
Eli has 12 recorded variants, short forms, and translations across languages and biblical traditions.
Which books of the Bible mention Eli?
Eli is mentioned across 1 book of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Eli?
Related Promises of God
Promises connected to the meaning of the name Eli:
God Promises to Be Faithful
Bible promises about God's unwavering faithfulness in every situation.
God Promises Contentment Through Him
Bible promises about finding true satisfaction and contentment in God.
God Promises to Answer Prayer
Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people.
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What names are related to Eli?
Names like Eli
Other Hebrew biblical names that share the spirit of "Ascended; My God; Most High" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Names that pair well with Eli
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Eli
Download a printable name card with the KJV verse and meaning — perfect for Pinterest, Instagram, or a baptism keepsake.
Eli name meaning: frequently asked questions
Yes — Eli appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 1:17.
Eli means "Ascended; My God; Most High." It is a Hebrew name. The King James Bible uses it in 1 Samuel 1:17, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Hebrew. Eli comes into English from Hebrew and carries the sense "Ascended; My God; Most High." It appears in the King James Bible, including 1 Samuel 1:17.
Common questions about the name Eli
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Eli?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Eli?
You can read every verse where Eli appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.