1 Samuel 2:2
There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
Original Language Analysis
קָד֥וֹשׁ
There is none holy
H6918
קָד֥וֹשׁ
There is none holy
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
2 of 9
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
כַּֽיהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
כַּֽיהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בִּלְתֶּ֑ךָ
for there is none beside
H1115
בִּלְתֶּ֑ךָ
for there is none beside
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
וְאֵ֥ין
H369
Cross References
2 Samuel 22:32For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?Isaiah 44:6Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.Psalms 86:8Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.Psalms 89:8O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?Exodus 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?1 Peter 1:16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.Jeremiah 10:6Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.Isaiah 57:15For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.Isaiah 44:8Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.Isaiah 6:3And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
Historical Context
Rock imagery for deity appears throughout ancient Near Eastern religions, but Israel applied it exclusively to Yahweh. The term became a standard divine title (Deuteronomy 32:4, 15, 18, 30-31; 2 Samuel 22:2-3, 32, 47; Psalm 18:2, 31, 46).
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's absolute uniqueness reshape your prayers and expectations?
- What does God as 'Rock' mean for your stability in uncertain circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hannah's declaration of God's uniqueness stands at the heart of Hebrew monotheism. The triple assertion - 'none holy,' 'none beside thee,' 'no rock' - emphasizes divine incomparability from multiple angles. The term 'holy' (qadosh) means set apart, transcendently other. 'Rock' (tsur) pictures stability, refuge, and reliable foundation. Hannah's theology is thoroughly God-centered - human circumstances change because of who God is, not because of human manipulation. This verse provides the theological foundation for everything that follows in her song.