1 Samuel 2:11
And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֧לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֧לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בֵּית֑וֹ
to his house
H1004
בֵּית֑וֹ
to his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְהַנַּ֗עַר
And the child
H5288
וְהַנַּ֗עַר
And the child
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
6 of 14
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
הָיָ֤ה
did
H1961
הָיָ֤ה
did
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מְשָׁרֵת֙
minister
H8334
מְשָׁרֵת֙
minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
8 of 14
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
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)
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
1 Samuel 2:18But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.1 Samuel 3:1And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.1 Samuel 1:28Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
Historical Context
Levitical service typically began at age twenty-five or thirty (Numbers 4:3; 8:24), but Samuel's consecration from weaning represented exceptional dedication. His early ministry would have involved simple tasks appropriate to a child, learning the ways of the sanctuary.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance transcendent worship experiences with mundane daily faithfulness?
- What 'small' service might God be using to prepare you for greater purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The narrative transitions from Hannah's exalted worship to the mundane reality of returning home. Yet this brief verse contains profound contrast. Elkanah returns to Ramah (normal life), but Samuel remains to 'minister unto the LORD before Eli.' The Hebrew sharat (to serve, minister) indicates formal religious service. The young child begins his life of service even as Hannah's song still echoes. Her prophetic vision of kings and messiahs finds practical expression in one small boy serving at an altar in Shiloh.