1 Samuel 2:7

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

Complete Jewish Bible:

ADONAI makes poor, and he makes rich; he humbles, and he exalts.

Berean Standard Bible:

The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.

American Standard Version:

Jehovah maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, he also lifteth up.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

The LORD{H3068} maketh poor{H3423}, and maketh rich{H6238}: he bringeth low{H8213}, and{H637} lifteth up{H7311}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Psalms 75:7

  • But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Job 5:11

  • To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.

Deuteronomy 8:17

  • And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of [mine] hand hath gotten me this wealth.

Deuteronomy 8:18

  • But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for [it is] he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as [it is] this day.

Job 1:21

  • And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

James 4:10

  • Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

James 1:9

  • Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

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Commentary for 1 Samuel 2:7

1 Samuel 2:7 is part of Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving after she dedicates her son Samuel to the service of the Lord at the temple in Shiloh. The historical context of this verse is set during a period of spiritual decline in Israel, where the priesthood under Eli was corrupt, and the nation faced moral and political challenges. Hannah's prayer reflects a deep understanding of God's sovereignty and His control over human affairs.

The themes of 1 Samuel 2:7 include the sovereignty of God, divine providence, and the reversal of human fortunes. The verse acknowledges that the Lord has the power to determine the economic and social status of individuals; He can make someone poor or rich, bring them to a lowly state or exalt them. This declaration emphasizes that human circumstances are ultimately under divine governance, and it serves as a theological affirmation that God is actively involved in the world, orchestrating events according to His will and purpose.

The verse also speaks to the theme of humility and trust in God. It suggests that one's status in life is not a reliable indicator of one's standing with God. Instead, it is the attitude of the heart and trust in God's plan that matters. This understanding would have been particularly poignant in the time of Hannah, as it contrasted with the prevailing assumption that material wealth and social status were signs of divine favor.

In summary, 1 Samuel 2:7 encapsulates the belief in God's active role in human life, reminding the faithful that He is the one who ultimately controls the circumstances of life, and that true worship and trust in God transcend worldly measures of success. This verse reassures believers that despite their current situation, God's plan is at work, and He has the power to change their circumstances according to His will.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H3068
    There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְהֹוָה
    Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
    Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
    Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
  2. Strong's Number: H3423
    There are 204 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָרַשׁ
    Transliteration: yârash
    Pronunciation: yaw-rash'
    Description: or יָרֵשׁ; a primitive root; to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin; cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly.
  3. Strong's Number: H6238
    There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עָשַׁר
    Transliteration: ʻâshar
    Pronunciation: aw-shar'
    Description: a primitive root; properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich; be(-come, en-, make, make self, wax) rich, make (1 Kings 22:48 marg). See עָשָׂר.
  4. Strong's Number: H8213
    There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׁפֵל
    Transliteration: shâphêl
    Pronunciation: shaw-fale'
    Description: a primitive root; to depress or sink (expectation figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive); abase, bring (cast, put) down, debase, humble (self), be (bring, lay, make, put) low(-er).
  5. Strong's Number: H637
    There are 89 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אַף
    Transliteration: ʼaph
    Pronunciation: af
    Description: a primitive particle; meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though; also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea.
  6. Strong's Number: H7311
    There are 185 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רוּם
    Transliteration: rûwm
    Pronunciation: room
    Description: a primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively); bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms.