1 Samuel 1:4
And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַיּ֔וֹם
And when the time
H3117
הַיּ֔וֹם
And when the time
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 11
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
וְנָתַ֞ן
he gave
H5414
וְנָתַ֞ן
he gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וּֽלְכָל
H3605
וּֽלְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בָּנֶ֛יהָ
and to all her sons
H1121
בָּנֶ֛יהָ
and to all her sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
The peace or fellowship offering described in Leviticus 3 and 7 involved burning fat portions on the altar, giving the breast and right thigh to priests, and allowing the worshiper to eat the remaining meat with family. This was the only sacrifice where the offerer could consume part of the offering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the communal aspect of Old Testament worship inform our understanding of Christian fellowship?
- In what ways does the fellowship offering point toward the Lord's Supper?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The distribution of sacrificial portions reveals the communal nature of Israelite worship. Fellowship offerings (shelamim) were shared meals where the worshiper, priests, and family participated together before the LORD. Elkanah's provision for Peninnah and her children followed customary practice, yet his special treatment of Hannah would soon become evident. The sacrificial system pointed forward to Christ, the ultimate sacrifice who invites believers to feast at His table in communion.