1 Samuel 1:8

Authorized King James Version

Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לָ֜הּ
H0
#3
אֶלְקָנָ֣ה
Elkanah
elkanah, the name of several israelites
#4
אִישָׁ֗הּ
her husband
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)
#5
חַנָּה֙
to her Hannah
channah, an israelitess
#6
לָ֣מֶה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#7
תִבְכִּ֗י
why weepest
to weep; generally to bemoan
#8
וְלָ֙מֶה֙
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#9
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
תֹֽאכְלִ֔י
thou and why eatest
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#11
וְלָ֖מֶה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#12
יֵרַ֣ע
grieved
properly, to be broken up (with any violent action) i.e., (figuratively) to fear
#13
לְבָבֵ֑ךְ
thou not and why is thy heart
the heart (as the most interior organ)
#14
הֲל֤וֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#15
אָֽנֹכִי֙
i
#16
ט֣וֹב
am not I better
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
#17
לָ֔ךְ
H0
#18
מֵֽעֲשָׂרָ֖ה
to thee than ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#19
בָּנִֽים׃
sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 1 Samuel's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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