1 Samuel 2:21
And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
And
H3588
כִּֽי
And
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פָקַ֤ד
visited
H6485
פָקַ֤ד
visited
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
2 of 16
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַתַּ֛הַר
so that she conceived
H2029
וַתַּ֛הַר
so that she conceived
Strong's:
H2029
Word #:
6 of 16
to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)
וַתֵּ֥לֶד
and bare
H3205
וַתֵּ֥לֶד
and bare
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
7 of 16
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה
three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
8 of 16
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
בָנִ֖ים
sons
H1121
בָנִ֖ים
sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָנ֑וֹת
daughters
H1323
בָנ֑וֹת
daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
11 of 16
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
וַיִּגְדַּ֛ל
grew
H1431
וַיִּגְדַּ֛ל
grew
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
12 of 16
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
הַנַּ֥עַר
And the child
H5288
הַנַּ֥עַר
And the child
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
13 of 16
(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
Cross References
Genesis 21:1And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.Luke 2:40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.1 Samuel 2:26And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.1 Samuel 3:19And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.Judges 13:24And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.Luke 1:80And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.Luke 1:68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,Luke 2:52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Historical Context
The Hebrew paqad encompasses both gracious visitation (Genesis 21:1; Exodus 4:31) and judicial visitation (judgment). Here it clearly indicates blessing. Hannah's total of six children approaches the ideal completeness of seven, with Samuel counting as the one dedicated.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God 'visited' you with unexpected blessing after seasons of faithfulness?
- What parallel developments might God be accomplishing in different areas of your life simultaneously?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The LORD's 'visiting' (paqad) Hannah indicates purposeful divine attention bringing blessing. This verb previously described God remembering Hannah (1:19) and now marks repeated blessing. Hannah bears three more sons and two daughters - five additional children beyond Samuel. Her womb, once closed, now produces abundantly. Meanwhile, Samuel 'grew before the LORD,' physically maturing while spiritually developing in God's presence. The parallel tracks of Hannah's fruitfulness and Samuel's growth demonstrate how God rewards faithfulness while preparing His servants.