1 Samuel 1:16
Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 14
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּתֵּן֙
Count
H5414
תִּתֵּן֙
Count
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִפְנֵ֖י
for
H6440
לִפְנֵ֖י
for
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
בַּת
a daughter
H1323
בַּת
a daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
6 of 14
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
בְּלִיָּ֑עַל
of Belial
H1100
בְּלִיָּ֑עַל
of Belial
Strong's:
H1100
Word #:
7 of 14
without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שִׂיחִ֛י
of my complaint
H7879
שִׂיחִ֛י
of my complaint
Strong's:
H7879
Word #:
10 of 14
a contemplation; by implication, an utterance
דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי
have I spoken
H1696
דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי
have I spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
12 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Historical Context
'Sons/daughters of Belial' appears throughout the Old Testament to describe thoroughly wicked persons (Deuteronomy 13:13; Judges 19:22; 1 Samuel 2:12). The term's later evolution into a proper name for Satan (2 Corinthians 6:15) shows its progression in Jewish thought.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Hannah's respectful correction of Eli model appropriate responses to spiritual authority?
- What role does transparent self-disclosure play in resolving misunderstandings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hannah's reference to 'daughter of Belial' uses strong language requiring explanation. Belial (beli-ya'al, worthlessness or wickedness) later becomes a name for Satan in intertestamental literature. Hannah essentially asks Eli not to count her among worthless, wicked people. Her explanation attributes her unusual prayer to 'abundance of complaint and grief' rather than wine. The Hebrew words (siach and ka'as) describe both the inner experience of troubled meditation and the outward expression of anguish. Hannah's transparent self-disclosure models honest communication even under unjust criticism.