1 Samuel 1:21
And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֛עַל
went up
H5927
וַיַּ֛עַל
went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
1 of 12
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
הָאִ֥ישׁ
And the man
H376
הָאִ֥ישׁ
And the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 12
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֵּית֑וֹ
and all his house
H1004
בֵּית֑וֹ
and all his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 12
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לַֽיהוָ֛ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֛ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
זֶ֥בַח
sacrifice
H2077
זֶ֥בַח
sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
הַיָּמִ֖ים
the yearly
H3117
הַיָּמִ֖ים
the yearly
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
10 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Cross References
1 Samuel 1:3And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.Deuteronomy 12:11Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:
Historical Context
The 'yearly sacrifice' likely refers to family obligations beyond the three mandatory festivals. Some scholars suggest this was a special vow-fulfillment offering. The inclusion of 'his vow' indicates Elkanah had made his own commitments to God, perhaps concerning Samuel's dedication.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain regular spiritual disciplines while preparing for seasons of extraordinary commitment?
- What role does family unity play in fulfilling significant spiritual vows?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Elkanah's continuation of annual pilgrimage demonstrates unchanged faithful practice. The reference to 'his vow' indicates he had joined Hannah's commitment, showing marital unity in spiritual matters. The household's collective worship ('all his house') models family religion centered on covenant obligations. Yet the focus shifts to Hannah's exceptional commitment - she will not merely visit Shiloh annually but leave her son there permanently. Elkanah's family maintains normal religious observance while Hannah prepares for extraordinary sacrifice.