1 Samuel 1:13
Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
Original Language Analysis
הִ֚יא
H1931
הִ֚יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מְדַבֶּ֣רֶת
she spake
H1696
מְדַבֶּ֣רֶת
she spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לִבָּ֔הּ
in her heart
H3820
לִבָּ֔הּ
in her heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
5 of 14
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
רַ֚ק
H7535
רַ֚ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
שְׂפָתֶ֣יהָ
only her lips
H8193
שְׂפָתֶ֣יהָ
only her lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
7 of 14
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
נָּע֔וֹת
moved
H5128
נָּע֔וֹת
moved
Strong's:
H5128
Word #:
8 of 14
to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשָּׁמֵ֑עַ
was not heard
H8085
יִשָּׁמֵ֑עַ
was not heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
11 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וַיַּחְשְׁבֶ֥הָ
thought
H2803
וַיַּחְשְׁבֶ֥הָ
thought
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
Cross References
Romans 8:26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.Acts 2:13Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.Psalms 25:1Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.Zechariah 9:15The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar.
Historical Context
Silent prayer was uncommon in ancient worship, which typically involved audible proclamations. The Talmud later codified Hannah's example as the basis for the requirement that prayers be spoken but not loudly enough for others to hear (Berakhot 31a).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's ability to hear silent prayers comfort you in circumstances where you cannot pray aloud?
- What does this passage teach about God's knowledge of our hearts versus human judgment of appearances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hannah's silent prayer - moving lips without audible voice - was unusual enough that Eli assumed intoxication. The phrase 'spake in her heart' describes internal dialogue directed toward God. This intimate form of prayer bypassed public performance for private communion. The Spirit-inspired narrator validates Hannah's approach, contrasting it with Eli's superficial judgment based on appearances. God, who knows the heart, received Hannah's prayer while His priest completely misread the situation.