1 Samuel 2:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing salvation encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification in the ordo salutis and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show rescue narratives from ancient literature that would resonate with the audience, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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