1 Samuel 2:5
They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
Original Language Analysis
שְׂבֵעִ֤ים
They that were full
H7649
שְׂבֵעִ֤ים
They that were full
Strong's:
H7649
Word #:
1 of 12
satiated (in a pleasant or disagreeable sense)
בַּלֶּ֙חֶם֙
themselves for bread
H3899
בַּלֶּ֙חֶם֙
themselves for bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
2 of 12
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
וּרְעֵבִ֖ים
and they that were hungry
H7457
וּרְעֵבִ֖ים
and they that were hungry
Strong's:
H7457
Word #:
4 of 12
hungry (more or less intensely)
חָדֵ֑לּוּ
ceased
H2308
חָדֵ֑לּוּ
ceased
Strong's:
H2308
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 12
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עֲקָרָה֙
so that the barren
H6135
עֲקָרָה֙
so that the barren
Strong's:
H6135
Word #:
7 of 12
sterile (as if extirpated in the generative organs)
יָֽלְדָ֣ה
hath born
H3205
יָֽלְדָ֣ה
hath born
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
8 of 12
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
שִׁבְעָ֔ה
seven
H7651
שִׁבְעָ֔ה
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
9 of 12
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
וְרַבַּ֥ת
and she that hath many
H7227
וְרַבַּ֥ת
and she that hath many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
10 of 12
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Cross References
Psalms 113:9He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.Psalms 34:10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.Jeremiah 15:9She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD.Luke 1:53He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.Isaiah 54:1Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.Luke 16:25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.1 Samuel 1:20Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.1 Samuel 1:6And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
Historical Context
Hiring oneself out for food indicates desperate poverty, essentially becoming an indentured servant. The reversal of the barren bearing 'seven' children appears also in Ruth 4:15 and Jeremiah 15:9, becoming a standard formula for complete maternal blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Hannah's personal story of reversal give her authority to speak of God's broader work?
- What reversals in your own experience testify to God's transforming power?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The economic reversals continue Hannah's theme. Those once satiated must hire themselves out for bread (the most basic sustenance), while the hungry need work no more. Hannah's personal experience of reversal (barren to blessed) grounds her prophetic vision. The number 'seven' represents completeness - the barren woman bears the full blessing of children while the prolific mother fades. Hannah herself would bear five more children (verse 21), making six total. Yet Samuel, as dedicated firstborn, accomplishes what many sons could not.