Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Meaning of the Name: The name "Ichabod" is derived from the Hebrew phrase "אִי־כָבוֹד" (I-Khavod), which means "no glory" or "the glory has departed." This name is deeply symbolic, reflecting a significant moment of loss and divine judgment in Israel's history. Biblical References: Ichabod is mentioned in the First Book of Samuel, specifically in 1 Samuel 4:19-22. His account is intertwined with the tragic events surrounding the Ark of the Covenant and the downfall of Eli's house. Historical Context: Ichabod was born during a tumultuous period in Israel's history. The Philistines, a perennial enemy of Israel, had captured the Ark of the Covenant in a battle at Aphek. This event was seen as a catastrophic loss for Israel, as the Ark represented the presence and glory of God among His people. Family Background: Ichabod was the son of Phinehas, one of the two sons of Eli, the high priest. Both Phinehas and his brother Hophni were known for their corrupt practices and disregard for the sacred duties of the priesthood (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Their actions contributed to the spiritual decline of Israel and ultimately led to divine judgment. Birth and Naming: The birth of Ichabod is recorded in 1 Samuel 4:19-22. Upon hearing the news of the Ark's capture and the deaths of her husband Phinehas and father-in-law Eli, Phinehas' wife went into labor and gave birth to a son. Overwhelmed by grief and despair, she named the child Ichabod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel," because the Ark of God had been taken and her family had suffered great loss. Significance of the Name: The name Ichabod serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the loss of God's presence due to sin. It encapsulates the sorrow and spiritual desolation felt by Israel at that time. The departure of God's glory signified a breach in the covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting the need for repentance and restoration. Theological Implications: Ichabod's account underscores the importance of faithfulness and reverence for God's holiness. The capture of the Ark and the subsequent naming of Ichabod illustrate the severe repercussions of neglecting God's commands and the sacred responsibilities entrusted to His people. It serves as a warning against complacency and a call to uphold the sanctity of worship and obedience to God. Legacy: While Ichabod himself does not play a further role in the biblical narrative, his name and the circumstances of his birth left an indelible mark on Israel's history. The events surrounding his birth were a catalyst for change, eventually leading to the rise of Samuel as a prophet and judge, and the eventual restoration of the Ark to Israel. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Ichabodwhere is the glory? or, no glory Smith's Bible Dictionary Ichabod(inglorious), the son of Phinehas and grandson of Eli. (1 Samuel 4:21) (B.C. about 1100.) ATS Bible Dictionary IchabodWhere is the glory- A son of Phinehas, and grandson of Eli, both of whom, and his mother also, died on the day of his birth, 1 Samuel 4:19 22; 14:3. Easton's Bible Dictionary When the tidings of the disastrous defeat of the Israelites in the battle against the Philistines near to Mizpeh were carried to Shiloh, the wife of Phinehas "was 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" (1 Samuel 4:19-22). In her great distress she regarded not "the women that stood by her," but named the child that was born "Ichabod" i.e., no glory, saying, "The glory is departed from Isreal;" and with that word on her lips she expired. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ICHABODik'-a-bod, i'-ka-bod (i-kha-bhodh, "inglorious"; Codex Vaticanus, ouai barchaboth; Codex Alexandrinus, ouai chaboth, Atimos): Son of Phinehas, Eli's son, slain at the battle of Aphek when the ark was taken. Ichabod was born after his father's death. His mother gave him this name on her death-bed to indicate that the "glory (had) departed from Israel" (1 Samuel 4:19). He was thus important as a symbol, though little is recorded of him as an individual. His nephew Ahijah was one of those who tarried with Saul and the six hundred at Gibeah just before Jonathan's brave attack upon the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:2 f). Strong's Hebrew 350. I-kabod -- "inglorious," a son of PhinehasI-kabod. 349, 350. I-kabod. 351 . "inglorious," a son of Phinehas. Transliteration: I-kabod Phonetic Spelling: (ee-kaw-bode') Short Definition: Ichabod. ... /hebrew/350.htm - 6k Library A Liberal Education: and Where to Find It. Christian Names. The Tears of Christ. A Solemn Warning for all Churches Religious Zeal. The Seventh Commandment The Eclipse and Rediscovery of the Old Testament The War of Truth A Sermon for the Time Present Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius. Thesaurus Ichabod (2 Occurrences)... In her great distress she regarded not "the women that stood by her," but named the child that was born "Ichabod" ie, no glory, saying, "The glory is departed ... /i/ichabod.htm - 8k Ichabod's (1 Occurrence) Phinehas (24 Occurrences) Ich'abod (1 Occurrence) Ahitub (16 Occurrences) Ahijah (23 Occurrences) Hophni (5 Occurrences) Ice-storm (14 Occurrences) Wore (19 Occurrences) Resources What does the term “Ichabod” mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Hophni and Phinehas? | GotQuestions.org Who was Eli in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ichabod (2 Occurrences)1 Samuel 4:21 1 Samuel 14:3 Subtopics Related Terms |