1 Samuel 1:12
And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָה֙
H1961
וְהָיָה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִרְבְּתָ֔ה
And it came to pass as she continued
H7235
הִרְבְּתָ֔ה
And it came to pass as she continued
Strong's:
H7235
Word #:
3 of 10
to increase (in whatever respect)
לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
praying
H6419
לְהִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
praying
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
4 of 10
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 10
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
marked
H8104
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
marked
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:17Pray without ceasing.James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.Colossians 4:2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;Luke 18:1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Historical Context
Jewish tradition holds that Hannah's silent prayer established the model for the Amidah (standing prayer), the central prayer of Jewish liturgy. The Talmud (Berakhot 31a) derives several laws of prayer from Hannah's example.
Questions for Reflection
- What can we learn from Hannah's persistence in prayer despite being misunderstood?
- How might your prayer life be viewed by those who observe only external forms?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'continued praying' (Hebrew: hirbetah lehitpallel, literally 'multiplied to pray') indicates extended, persistent intercession. Eli's observation of her mouth shows her intensity, yet also his suspicion. The high priest watched but could not hear - a subtle commentary on his spiritual deafness that would be confirmed by God's message in chapter 3. True prayer often appears strange to those focused only on external forms. Hannah's extended communion with God contrasts sharply with the brief, formulaic prayers typical of religious ritual.