1 Samuel 1:1
Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִי֩
H1961
וַיְהִי֩
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אִ֨ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֨ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶחָ֜ד
Now there was a certain
H259
אֶחָ֜ד
Now there was a certain
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
צוֹפִ֖ים
of Ramathaimzophim
H7436
צוֹפִ֖ים
of Ramathaimzophim
Strong's:
H7436
Word #:
6 of 19
ramathajim-tsophim, a place in palestine
מֵהַ֣ר
of mount
H2022
מֵהַ֣ר
of mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
7 of 19
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
8 of 19
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וּשְׁמ֡וֹ
and his name
H8034
וּשְׁמ֡וֹ
and his name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
9 of 19
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְרֹחָ֧ם
of Jeroham
H3395
יְרֹחָ֧ם
of Jeroham
Strong's:
H3395
Word #:
12 of 19
jerocham, the name of seven or eight israelites
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֱלִיה֛וּא
of Elihu
H453
אֱלִיה֛וּא
of Elihu
Strong's:
H453
Word #:
14 of 19
elihu, the name of one of job's friends, and of three israelites
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
17 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
1 Chronicles 6:34The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah,1 Samuel 1:19And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.Ruth 1:2And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.1 Samuel 9:5And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.1 Samuel 17:12Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.Judges 19:1And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Beth-lehem-judah.Judges 17:1And there was a man of mount Ephraim, whose name was Micah.
Historical Context
This narrative unfolds during the transition from the period of judges to the establishment of monarchy (approximately 1100-1050 BCE). The decentralized tribal structure left Israel vulnerable to external threats, particularly from the Philistines. Shiloh served as the central sanctuary where the Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant resided.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's providential preparation of family lineages demonstrate His sovereign control over redemptive history?
- What significance do you see in God raising up leaders from seemingly ordinary family circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The genealogical introduction establishes Elkanah within the Levitical lineage through Zuph, connecting Samuel's future priestly ministry to legitimate heritage. The Hebrew term 'Ramathaim-zophim' (heights of the watchers) suggests a place of prophetic significance. Elkanah is called an 'Ephrathite' not by tribal descent but by geographical residence in the hill country of Ephraim. This careful attention to lineage prepares readers for Samuel's unique role as prophet, priest, and judge who will bridge the chaotic judges period and the establishment of monarchy.