1 Samuel 1:26
And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
חֵ֥י
liveth
H2416
חֵ֥י
liveth
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
4 of 14
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
נַפְשְׁךָ֖
as thy soul
H5315
נַפְשְׁךָ֖
as thy soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
הַנִּצֶּ֤בֶת
that stood
H5324
הַנִּצֶּ֤בֶת
that stood
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
9 of 14
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
עִמְּכָה֙
H5973
עִמְּכָה֙
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
10 of 14
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בָּזֶ֔ה
H2088
Cross References
2 Kings 2:6And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.2 Kings 2:2And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el.2 Kings 2:4And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.2 Kings 4:30And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.1 Samuel 17:55And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son is this youth? And Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.1 Samuel 20:3And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death.2 Samuel 11:11And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.
Historical Context
Oath formulas invoking someone's life (nephesh) were common in ancient Israel for serious declarations. Hannah's reminder of her previous stance ('stood by thee here') would trigger Eli's memory of the embarrassing encounter and his subsequent blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you testify to answered prayer when returning to give thanks?
- What teaching opportunities arise from sharing how God has worked in your life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hannah's self-identification connects directly to her previous encounter with Eli. Her oath formula 'as thy soul liveth' solemnly affirms the truth of her statement. By reminding Eli she was 'the woman that stood by thee here, praying,' she links past petition to present fulfillment. The participle 'praying' (mitpallelet) is the same form used in verse 12, creating verbal continuity. Hannah's testimony transforms Eli's previous misjudgment into occasion for wonder at God's faithfulness. The answered prayer becomes a teaching moment for Israel's high priest.