Dictionary Summary:Pugilist or client, one of the two sons of Eli, the high priest ([1 Sam. 1:3](/1sam#1Sam.1.3); [2:34](/1sam#1Sam.2.34)), who, because he was “very old,” resigned to them the active duties of his office. By their scandalous conduct they brought down a curse on their father’s house (2:22, 12-27, 27-36; 3:11-14). For their wickedness they were called “sons of Belial,” i.e., worthless men (2:12). They both perished in the disastrous battle with the Philistines at Aphek (4:11). (See PHINEHAS.) ²