1 Samuel 1:22
But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָלָ֑תָה
went not up
H5927
עָלָ֑תָה
went not up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
3 of 18
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לְאִישָׁ֗הּ
unto her husband
H376
לְאִישָׁ֗הּ
unto her husband
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 18
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)
עַד
for
H5704
עַד
for
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
7 of 18
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
יִגָּמֵ֤ל
be weaned
H1580
יִגָּמֵ֤ל
be weaned
Strong's:
H1580
Word #:
8 of 18
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
I will not go up until the child
H5288
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
I will not go up until the child
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
9 of 18
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
וַהֲבִֽאֹתִ֗יו
and then I will bring
H935
וַהֲבִֽאֹתִ֗יו
and then I will bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְנִרְאָה֙
him that he may appear
H7200
וְנִרְאָה֙
him that he may appear
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 18
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פְּנֵ֣י
before
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
13 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְיָ֥שַׁב
and there abide
H3427
וְיָ֥שַׁב
and there abide
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Cross References
1 Samuel 1:28Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.1 Samuel 1:11And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.Luke 2:22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;Deuteronomy 16:16Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:Leviticus 25:23The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me.1 Samuel 2:11And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.1 Samuel 3:1And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.1 Samuel 2:18But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern weaning typically occurred between ages two and four, though some traditions suggest up to age five. This extended period provided maternal bonding and basic nurturing before transition to sanctuary life. Weaning was often marked by celebration (Genesis 21:8).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance practical wisdom with urgent spiritual commitment?
- What does it cost to follow through completely on promises made to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Hannah's decision to wait until weaning before presenting Samuel shows practical wisdom within spiritual commitment. Her statement 'I will not go up until the child be weaned' reveals intentional preparation for permanent separation. The phrase 'that he may appear before the LORD' uses language elsewhere applied to covenant assemblies (Exodus 23:17; 34:23). Her declaration 'there abide for ever' (literally 'sit/dwell perpetually') indicates not visits but permanent residence at the sanctuary. Hannah's heart was set on fulfilling her vow completely, even knowing the personal cost.