1 Samuel 1:15
And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַתַּ֨עַן
answered
H6030
וַתַּ֨עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ר֙וּחַ֙
spirit
H7307
ר֙וּחַ֙
spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
8 of 18
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
וְיַ֥יִן
neither wine
H3196
וְיַ֥יִן
neither wine
Strong's:
H3196
Word #:
10 of 18
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
וְשֵׁכָ֖ר
nor strong drink
H7941
וְשֵׁכָ֖ר
nor strong drink
Strong's:
H7941
Word #:
11 of 18
an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וָֽאֶשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ
but have poured out
H8210
וָֽאֶשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ
but have poured out
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
14 of 18
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַפְשִׁ֖י
my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֖י
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Psalms 62:8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.Lamentations 2:19Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.Psalms 42:4When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.Psalms 143:6I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
Historical Context
The Hebrew verb shaphak (to pour out) is used elsewhere for pouring blood, water, or wrath. Its application to prayer suggests complete self-offering before God. This language later appears in Lamentations 2:19 and Psalm 62:8.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'pouring out your soul' before God look like in your prayer life?
- How do you respond when falsely accused or misunderstood in spiritual contexts?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hannah's respectful response ('No, my lord') maintains proper deference despite being falsely accused. Her self-description as 'a woman of sorrowful spirit' uses the Hebrew phrase qeshat ruach (hard/difficult of spirit), indicating severe emotional distress. The denial of intoxicating drink echoes the Nazirite restrictions she would later impose on her son. Her phrase 'poured out my soul' (shaphak nephesh) pictures prayer as complete emptying of oneself before God - an outpouring that leaves nothing hidden or held back.