1 Samuel 2:26
And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַנַּ֣עַר
And the child
H5288
וְהַנַּ֣עַר
And the child
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
1 of 11
(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
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
on
H1980
הֹלֵ֥ךְ
on
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 11
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וָט֑וֹב
and was in favour
H2896
וָט֑וֹב
and was in favour
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 11
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
גַּ֚ם
H1571
גַּ֚ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
7 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
יְהוָ֔ה
both with the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
both with the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְגַ֖ם
H1571
וְגַ֖ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Luke 2:52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.Acts 2:47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.Romans 14:18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.Luke 2:40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.1 Samuel 2:21And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.Proverbs 3:3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:Luke 1:80And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
Historical Context
The parallel between Samuel's development and Jesus' development (Luke 2:52) is widely noted by commentators. Both young servants of God grew in comprehensive ways - spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially - preparing for their appointed ministries.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of comprehensive growth is God developing in you?
- How does growing favor with God relate to growing favor with people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Against the dark backdrop of Eli's failing house, Samuel's progress shines. He 'grew on' (literally 'was becoming great and becoming good') in both divine and human estimation. The phrase 'favour both with the LORD, and also with men' precisely parallels Luke's description of Jesus (Luke 2:52). Samuel becomes a type of Christ - growing in wisdom and stature, pleasing God while earning human respect. Where corruption marked the sons of Eli, godliness characterizes the son of Hannah. God's replacement is maturing even as judgment approaches.