1 Samuel 1:23
And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
Original Language Analysis
אִישָׁ֜הּ
her husband
H376
אִישָׁ֜הּ
her husband
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 24
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)
עֲשִׂ֧י
unto her Do
H6213
עֲשִׂ֧י
unto her Do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 24
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַטּ֣וֹב
thee good
H2896
הַטּ֣וֹב
thee good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
6 of 24
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
בְּעֵינַ֗יִךְ
what seemeth
H5869
בְּעֵינַ֗יִךְ
what seemeth
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 24
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וַתֵּ֤שֶׁב
abode
H3427
וַתֵּ֤שֶׁב
abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
8 of 24
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
9 of 24
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
גָמְלָ֖הּ
until she weaned
H1580
גָמְלָ֖הּ
until she weaned
Strong's:
H1580
Word #:
10 of 24
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
אֹת֔וֹ
H853
אֹת֔וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַ֛ךְ
H389
יָקֵ֥ם
establish
H6965
יָקֵ֥ם
establish
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
13 of 24
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
יְהוָ֖ה
him only the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
him only the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבָר֑וֹ
his word
H1697
דְּבָר֑וֹ
his word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
16 of 24
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
וַתֵּ֤שֶׁב
abode
H3427
וַתֵּ֤שֶׁב
abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
17 of 24
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנָ֔הּ
and gave her son
H1121
בְּנָ֔הּ
and gave her son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
21 of 24
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
22 of 24
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Historical Context
Elkanah's deference to Hannah's spiritual judgment represents an unusual but not unprecedented pattern in Scripture (compare Manoah's wife in Judges 13). His invocation of divine faithfulness echoes covenant language throughout the Old Testament.
Questions for Reflection
- How can spouses support each other's spiritual callings even when it requires sacrifice?
- What seasons of preparation has God given you before major life transitions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Elkanah's response demonstrates supportive headship that honors his wife's spiritual convictions. His words 'Do what seemeth thee good' affirm Hannah's judgment while maintaining family order. The phrase 'only the LORD establish his word' invokes divine faithfulness to accomplish what has been promised. The term 'his word' (devaro) may refer to either the prophetic word spoken through Eli or the broader divine purpose Hannah discerned. Hannah's nursing period becomes a time of preparation - both physical nurturing for Samuel and spiritual preparation for separation.