1 Samuel 1:20
Wherefore 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.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִתְקֻפ֣וֹת
was come
H8622
לִתְקֻפ֣וֹת
was come
Strong's:
H8622
Word #:
2 of 14
a revolution, i.e., (of the sun) course, (of time) lapse
הַיָּמִ֔ים
Wherefore it came to pass when the time
H3117
הַיָּמִ֔ים
Wherefore it came to pass when the time
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וַתַּ֥הַר
had conceived
H2029
וַתַּ֥הַר
had conceived
Strong's:
H2029
Word #:
4 of 14
to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
that she bare
H3205
וַתֵּ֣לֶד
that she bare
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
6 of 14
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
בֵּ֑ן
a son
H1121
בֵּ֑ן
a son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַתִּקְרָ֤א
and called
H7121
וַתִּקְרָ֤א
and called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
8 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמוֹ֙
his name
H8034
שְׁמוֹ֙
his name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
10 of 14
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Exodus 2:10And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.Matthew 1:21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Exodus 2:22And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.Genesis 16:11And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
Historical Context
Hebrew naming practices typically commemorated significant events or divine interventions. The multiple meanings possible in shemu'el allow for rich theological significance. Ancient naming ceremonies were formal declarations of identity and destiny.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Samuel's name serve as a permanent testimony to answered prayer?
- What significance do you attach to the names and identities given to your children or spiritual offspring?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'when the time was come about' (literally 'at the revolution of days') indicates the full term of pregnancy. Hannah names her son 'Samuel' (shemu'el), which she interprets as 'asked of God' (sha'ul me'el). Some scholars note the name more naturally means 'heard of God' or 'name of God,' while sha'ul (asked) becomes the name of Israel's first king (Saul). This wordplay connects Samuel and Saul throughout the narrative. Hannah's naming declaration claims divine response to her prayer, establishing Samuel's identity as one set apart from conception.