1 Samuel 1:27

Authorized King James Version

PDF

For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

Original Language Analysis

אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 1 of 12
near, with or among; often in general, to
הַנַּ֥עַר For this child H5288
הַנַּ֥עַר For this child
Strong's: H5288
Word #: 2 of 12
(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
הַזֶּ֖ה H2088
הַזֶּ֖ה
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 3 of 12
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
הִתְפַּלָּ֑לְתִּי I prayed H6419
הִתְפַּלָּ֑לְתִּי I prayed
Strong's: H6419
Word #: 4 of 12
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן hath given H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֨ן hath given
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 5 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יְהוָ֥ה and the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה and the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לִי֙ H0
לִי֙
Strong's: H0
Word #: 7 of 12
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)
שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔י me my petition H7596
שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔י me my petition
Strong's: H7596
Word #: 9 of 12
a petition; by implication, a loan
אֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 10 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁאַ֖לְתִּי which I asked H7592
שָׁאַ֖לְתִּי which I asked
Strong's: H7592
Word #: 11 of 12
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
מֵֽעִמּֽוֹ׃ H5973
מֵֽעִמּֽוֹ׃
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 12 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis & Commentary

Hannah's declaration 'For this child I prayed' is emphatic in Hebrew - literally 'unto this child I prayed.' Her testimony explicitly connects specific prayer with specific answer. The phrase 'the LORD hath given me my petition' (sh'elati) uses the same root as Samuel's name, reinforcing the naming explanation from verse 20. Hannah models testimony that glorifies God rather than self - she prayed, but God gave. The answer came from divine grace, not human merit. Yet God chose to work through human petition, honoring Hannah's faith-filled intercession.

Historical Context

Public testimony of answered prayer was common in Israelite worship (Psalm 22:22-25; 40:9-10; 116:12-14). Such declarations served both to honor God and to encourage others' faith. Hannah's testimony would have been heard by other worshipers at Shiloh.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Bible Stories