1 Samuel 2:1

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

Original Language Analysis

וַתִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל prayed H6419
וַתִּתְפַּלֵּ֤ל prayed
Strong's: H6419
Word #: 1 of 16
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
חַנָּה֙ And Hannah H2584
חַנָּה֙ And Hannah
Strong's: H2584
Word #: 2 of 16
channah, an israelitess
וַתֹּאמַ֔ר and said H559
וַתֹּאמַ֔ר and said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 3 of 16
to say (used with great latitude)
עָלַ֤ץ rejoiceth H5970
עָלַ֤ץ rejoiceth
Strong's: H5970
Word #: 4 of 16
to jump for joy, i.e., exult
לִבִּי֙ My heart H3820
לִבִּי֙ My heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 5 of 16
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה in the LORD H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה in the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רָ֥מָה is exalted H7311
רָ֥מָה is exalted
Strong's: H7311
Word #: 7 of 16
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
קַרְנִ֖י mine horn H7161
קַרְנִ֖י mine horn
Strong's: H7161
Word #: 8 of 16
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה in the LORD H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֑ה in the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 9 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
רָ֤חַב is enlarged H7337
רָ֤חַב is enlarged
Strong's: H7337
Word #: 10 of 16
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
פִּי֙ my mouth H6310
פִּי֙ my mouth
Strong's: H6310
Word #: 11 of 16
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 12 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
א֣וֹיְבַ֔י over mine enemies H341
א֣וֹיְבַ֔י over mine enemies
Strong's: H341
Word #: 13 of 16
hating; an adversary
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 14 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׂמַ֖חְתִּי because I rejoice H8055
שָׂמַ֖חְתִּי because I rejoice
Strong's: H8055
Word #: 15 of 16
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
בִּישֽׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃ in thy salvation H3444
בִּישֽׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃ in thy salvation
Strong's: H3444
Word #: 16 of 16
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

Analysis & Commentary

Hannah's prayer inaugurates one of Scripture's most significant prophetic poems. Her 'heart' (lev) rejoicing shows internal transformation, while her 'horn' (qeren) being exalted pictures strength restored - the horn symbolizing power as in a strong bull. The phrase 'mouth is enlarged' over enemies indicates confident speech replacing shameful silence. The Hebrew yeshu'ah (salvation) introduces a theme that echoes through Scripture to Jesus (Yeshua) Himself. Hannah's personal deliverance becomes a lens for understanding cosmic redemption. Her song anticipates Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) in remarkable parallel.

Historical Context

Victory songs following divine intervention were common in ancient Israel (Exodus 15; Judges 5; 2 Samuel 22). Hannah's psalm uniquely moves from personal thanksgiving to prophetic anticipation of the Davidic kingdom and messianic hope. This progression establishes a pattern for later psalmic praise.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

Topics

People

Study Resources

Bible Stories