1 Samuel 1:24
And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
Original Language Analysis
וַתַּֽעֲלֵ֨הוּ
him she took him up
H5927
וַתַּֽעֲלֵ֨הוּ
him she took him up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
1 of 17
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עִמָּ֜הּ
H5973
עִמָּ֜הּ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
2 of 17
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
גְּמָלַ֗תּוּ
And when she had weaned
H1580
גְּמָלַ֗תּוּ
And when she had weaned
Strong's:
H1580
Word #:
4 of 17
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
בְּפָרִ֤ים
bullocks
H6499
בְּפָרִ֤ים
bullocks
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
5 of 17
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
שְׁלֹשָׁה֙
with her with three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁה֙
with her with three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
6 of 17
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
וְאֵיפָ֨ה
ephah
H374
וְאֵיפָ֨ה
ephah
Strong's:
H374
Word #:
7 of 17
an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general
וְנֵ֣בֶל
and a bottle
H5035
וְנֵ֣בֶל
and a bottle
Strong's:
H5035
Word #:
10 of 17
a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)
וַתְּבִאֵ֥הוּ
and brought
H935
וַתְּבִאֵ֥הוּ
and brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
12 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בֵית
him unto the house
H1004
בֵית
him unto the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
13 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Joshua 18:1And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.Deuteronomy 12:11Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:
Historical Context
The offerings correspond to various sacrificial categories: burnt offering, grain offering, and drink offering. An ephah of flour was substantial - about ten days' worth of bread for a family. The variety of offerings suggests dedication ceremonies, thanksgiving offerings, and provision for the child's maintenance.
Questions for Reflection
- What does bringing your best offerings to God look like in your life?
- How do you demonstrate gratitude when God answers significant prayers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Hannah's offerings accompany Samuel's dedication - three bulls (or one three-year-old bull, depending on textual reading), an ephah of flour (about 22 liters), and a skin of wine. These lavish gifts indicate both gratitude and proper preparation for the child's sanctuary life. The phrase 'the child was young' (literally 'the boy was a boy') emphasizes his tender age, intensifying the magnitude of Hannah's sacrifice. She brings both her son and substantial material offerings, holding nothing back from the God who answered her prayer.