1 Samuel 1:10

KJV

And she [was] in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she was in bitterness {H4751} of soul {H5315}, and prayed {H6419} unto the LORD {H3068}, and wept {H1058} sore {H1058}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In deep depression she prayed to ADONAI and cried.

Berean Standard Bible

In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears.

American Standard Version

And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto Jehovah, and wept sore.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 1:10 offers a poignant glimpse into the profound emotional and spiritual distress of Hannah, one of Elkanah's wives. Overwhelmed by the pain of barrenness and the constant provocation of her rival, Peninnah, Hannah pours out her heart before the Lord at the tabernacle in Shiloh. Her intense weeping and "bitterness of soul" underscore a moment of raw, desperate lament, setting the stage for a fervent prayer that would ultimately lead to the miraculous birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening narrative of the book of 1 Samuel, which introduces the family of Elkanah and his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. The preceding verses establish Elkanah's annual pilgrimage to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord, a ritual during which he would distribute portions of the sacrifice. Crucially, Peninnah, who had children, would provoke Hannah, who was barren, causing her great distress and weeping [1 Samuel 1:6-7](/1_samuel/1-6 "1 Samuel 1:6-7 - Peninnah's Provocation"). Verse 10 captures Hannah's breaking point, transforming her internal anguish into an outward act of desperate prayer and lament before the Lord, immediately preceding her vow to dedicate any future son to God's service [1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow"). This moment is the emotional and spiritual climax of the introductory narrative, leading directly to the resolution of her barrenness and the birth of Samuel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, barrenness was not merely a personal sorrow but a profound social and spiritual stigma. Children, especially sons, were considered a divine blessing and a sign of God's favor, ensuring the continuation of the family line and inheritance. Conversely, barrenness was often perceived as a curse or a sign of divine disfavor, bringing shame and distress to the woman and her family. The setting is Shiloh, the central place of worship before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, where the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were housed. Pilgrimages to Shiloh, like the one Elkanah's family undertook annually, were significant religious events, providing a sacred space for individuals to bring their petitions and offerings directly to God. Hannah's public display of grief and prayer reflects the cultural acceptance of expressing deep emotion in worship and seeking divine intervention for personal afflictions, particularly those tied to societal expectations and divine blessing.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Hannah's suffering and prayer introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout 1 Samuel and the broader biblical canon. Her "bitterness of soul" and intense weeping highlight the theme of **Profound Suffering and Lament**, demonstrating that it is permissible and even necessary to bring raw, unfiltered pain before God. This aligns with the biblical tradition of lament, where individuals express their anguish and frustration while maintaining faith in God's ultimate justice and compassion, as seen in many [Psalms of lament](/psalms "The Book of Psalms"). Hannah's turning to the Lord in her distress exemplifies **Heartfelt Prayer and Trust**, showcasing a deep reliance on God's sovereignty and ability to intervene in seemingly impossible situations. Her persistent and passionate prayer, despite her overwhelming grief, underscores the theme of **Faith in Adversity**, serving as a powerful model for seeking divine intervention rather than succumbing to despair. This act of seeking God in her deepest need ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God's plan for Israel through Samuel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bitterness (Hebrew, _mar'_):** This word, often translated as "bitter," signifies a state of deep, intense sorrow, anguish, or grief. It is used metaphorically to describe a severe emotional experience, akin to a bitter taste in the mouth. In Hannah's case, it denotes an overwhelming, pervasive sadness that has permeated her entire being, stemming from her barrenness and the constant taunting. It's not a fleeting emotion but a profound, settled state of affliction.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** While often translated as "soul," _nephesh_ encompasses more than just the spiritual aspect; it refers to the entire person, the self, the life force, or the inner being. When Hannah is described as being in "bitterness of soul," it means her entire person—her emotions, her mind, her very existence—is consumed by this deep sorrow. It indicates a holistic suffering, affecting her vitality and well-being.
* **Wept sore (Hebrew, _bakoh tibkeh'_):** This phrase employs a Hebrew literary device known as the infinitive absolute, where the infinitive form of the verb (`bakoh`, "to weep") precedes the finite form (`tibkeh`, "she wept"). This construction serves to intensify the action, emphasizing the severity, duration, and profound nature of her weeping. It means she wept intensely, bitterly, and continuously, conveying an inconsolable grief that could not be contained.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she [was] in bitterness of soul":** This clause immediately establishes Hannah's internal state. The phrase "bitterness of soul" (מַר נֶפֶשׁ, _mar nephesh_) powerfully conveys a deep, pervasive anguish that affects her entire being. It speaks to a profound emotional and spiritual distress, a sorrow that has settled deep within her, likely exacerbated by years of unfulfilled longing for a child and the constant provocation from Peninnah. It is a state of utter desolation and despair.
* **"and prayed unto the LORD":** Despite, or perhaps because of, her profound suffering, Hannah's response is to turn directly to God. This highlights her faith and trust in Yahweh as the ultimate source of help and intervention. Her prayer is not a casual request but an earnest, desperate plea, demonstrating a deep personal relationship with the divine. It signifies her belief that only God could alleviate her suffering and grant her desire.
* **"and wept sore":** This final clause emphasizes the intensity and physical manifestation of her emotional pain. The Hebrew construction (`bakoh tibkeh`) uses an infinitive absolute, underscoring the severity and persistence of her weeping. It was not a few tears, but a profound, uncontrollable outpouring of grief, indicating the depth of her anguish and the raw honesty with which she presented her brokenness before God. This physical expression of sorrow is a natural accompaniment to her "bitterness of soul" and her fervent prayer.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey Hannah's profound emotional state. The phrase "**bitterness of soul**" is a powerful example of **Metaphor** and **Pathos**, evoking a deep, visceral sense of suffering that resonates with the reader. The use of the Hebrew infinitive absolute in "**wept sore**" (בָּכֹה תִּבְכֶּה) functions as **Intensification** or **Emphasis**, highlighting the extraordinary depth and duration of Hannah's grief. This linguistic choice ensures the reader understands that her weeping was not merely tears, but an inconsolable outpouring of her entire being. The scene itself, with Hannah pouring out her heart before God, is a classic example of **Lament**, a common biblical genre that gives voice to suffering and complaint while maintaining hope in divine intervention. This moment also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing**, as Hannah's desperate prayer for a child will ultimately lead to the birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure who will shape Israel's future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hannah's experience in 1 Samuel 1:10 is a powerful theological statement about the nature of God and the practice of prayer. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to human suffering but is intimately attentive to the cries of the afflicted. Her raw, unfiltered lament demonstrates that genuine prayer is not about polished words but about an honest outpouring of the heart, even in its bitterest state. This narrative affirms God's sovereignty over life and barrenness, and His willingness to intervene miraculously in human affairs according to His divine plan. It also underscores the theme of divine election and preparation, as Hannah's suffering and subsequent prayer are instrumental in bringing forth Samuel, God's chosen prophet and judge for Israel.

* [Genesis 30:1](/genesis/30-1 "Rachel's Distress Over Barrenness")
* [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Call Upon Me in the Day of Trouble")
* [1 Samuel 1:27](/1_samuel/1-27 "Hannah's Testimony of Answered Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hannah's story in 1 Samuel 1:10 provides a timeless and profoundly comforting model for believers facing their own "bitterness of soul." It grants us permission to bring our deepest sorrows, our rawest emotions, and our most desperate longings directly to God without pretense or reservation. There is no need to sanitize our pain or to believe that only "spiritual" emotions are welcome in prayer. Hannah's intense weeping and heartfelt plea remind us that God is not intimidated by our grief; rather, He invites us to pour out our hearts before Him, for He is a God who sees, hears, and empathizes with our suffering. Her persistence in prayer, even in the face of prolonged adversity and provocation, challenges us to cultivate a tenacious faith that continues to seek God's face, trusting that He hears the cries of His children and is able to intervene in ways beyond our comprehension. Her example encourages us to embrace prayer as an intimate, transformative encounter with a compassionate Heavenly Father who truly cares.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "bitterness of soul" or deep sorrow might you be holding back from God in your prayers?**
* **How does Hannah's raw expression of grief challenge your own understanding of what it means to pray authentically?**
* **In what difficult circumstances are you called to persist in prayer, even when the answer seems distant?**

### FAQ

**Why was barrenness such a source of anguish for women in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Barrenness in ancient Israel was a profound source of anguish for several interconnected reasons, as exemplified by Hannah's "bitterness of soul." Culturally, children, especially sons, were considered a divine blessing, a sign of God's favor, and essential for the continuation of the family line, inheritance, and tribal identity. A woman who could not bear children faced immense social stigma, often being seen as cursed by God or as having displeased Him. This perception brought deep shame and personal sorrow, as it implied a lack of divine blessing and the inability to fulfill societal expectations for women, which were largely centered around childbearing. The pressure was compounded in polygamous households, where a fertile co-wife (like Peninnah) could use her fertility to provoke and diminish the barren wife, intensifying the emotional pain, as seen in [1 Samuel 1:6-7](/1_samuel/1-6 "1 Samuel 1:6-7 - Peninnah's Provocation").

**Does Hannah's "bitterness of soul" imply a lack of faith?**

Answer: No, Hannah's "bitterness of soul" does not imply a lack of faith; rather, it highlights the depth and authenticity of her faith. Her profound anguish, coupled with her act of praying "unto the LORD" and weeping "sore," demonstrates a deep trust that God was the only one who could truly understand and alleviate her suffering. It shows that she believed God was capable of intervening in her impossible situation. The Bible often portrays righteous individuals expressing raw, lamenting emotions before God (e.g., Job, many psalmists), which is a sign of profound trust, not doubt. It is an act of bringing one's true self, pain and all, before a God believed to be compassionate and powerful enough to respond. Her subsequent vow in [1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow") and her praise in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2 "1 Samuel 2 - Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving") further affirm her unwavering faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hannah's bitter tears and fervent prayer in 1 Samuel 1:10 find profound Christ-centered fulfillment, illuminating the very heart of the Gospel. Her deep "bitterness of soul" over barrenness, a state of unfulfillment and perceived divine disfavor, mirrors humanity's spiritual barrenness and separation from God due to sin. Just as Hannah cried out in desperation for a son, humanity, in its spiritual emptiness, cries out for redemption and new life. The miraculous birth of Samuel, born out of a seemingly impossible situation and dedicated to the Lord, foreshadows the ultimate miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, born of a virgin and wholly dedicated to God's redemptive plan [Luke 1:34-35](/luke/1-34 "Luke 1:34-35 - The Annunciation to Mary"). Furthermore, Hannah's raw, honest lament before God prefigures Christ's own cries of anguish and intercession, particularly in Gethsemane [Matthew 26:38-39](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38-39 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane") and on the cross [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"), demonstrating that our High Priest fully understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses and sorrows [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Our Sympathetic High Priest"). Through Christ, the spiritually barren are made fruitful, receiving the Holy Spirit and becoming children of God, experiencing a new birth that transcends physical limitations [John 3:3-5](/john/3-3 "John 3:3-5 - You Must Be Born Again"). Hannah's answered prayer ultimately points to God's ultimate answer to humanity's deepest need: the gift of His Son, who takes away the sin of the world and offers abundant, eternal life [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 7:11

Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Luke 22:44

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Job 10:1

¶ My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

Psalms 91:15

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Hebrews 5:7

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Isaiah 54:6

¶ For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.

Judges 21:2

And the people came to the house of God, and abode there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore;