1 Samuel 1:14

KJV

And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Eli {H5941} said {H559} unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken {H7937}? put away {H5493} thy wine {H3196} from thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Eli said to her, "How long are you going to stay drunk? Stop drinking your wine!"

Berean Standard Bible

and said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine!”

American Standard Version

And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 1:14, Eli, the High Priest, mistakenly accuses Hannah of being intoxicated, sternly questioning her behavior and commanding her to abstain from wine. This critical encounter reveals a profound misjudgment by a spiritual leader towards a woman deeply engaged in fervent prayer, setting the stage for Hannah's humble yet firm explanation and offering vital insights into discernment, perception, and the authentic nature of heartfelt supplication before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the opening narrative of [1 Samuel](/1-samuel/1 "The Book of First Samuel"), immediately following Hannah's profound anguish and silent, fervent prayer at the Tabernacle in Shiloh. Verses [1 Samuel 1:10-13](/1-samuel/1-10-13 "Hannah's Bitter Prayer") describe her weeping bitterly, making a solemn vow, and praying with moving lips but no audible sound. Eli's observation and subsequent accusation in verse 14 serve as a dramatic turning point, directly prompting Hannah's respectful yet resolute defense of her actions in [1 Samuel 1:15-16](/1-samuel/1-15-16 "Hannah's Response to Eli"). This interaction is not merely an isolated incident but is central to the unfolding story of Samuel's miraculous birth and dedication, establishing the spiritual climate of the time and foreshadowing the broader themes of spiritual decline within the priesthood and God's sovereign intervention that permeate the entire book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events transpire at Shiloh, which served as the central sanctuary for Israel during the period of the Judges, housing the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant before the establishment of the monarchy and the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. As such, it was a crucial pilgrimage site for annual feasts. Barrenness in ancient Israel was a source of immense personal sorrow and social shame, often interpreted as divine disfavor. Eli, as the High Priest, occupied a position of supreme spiritual authority, responsible for upholding the sanctity of the Tabernacle and discerning the spiritual state of the worshippers. His mistaken assumption that Hannah was "drunken" might reflect a broader societal concern regarding inappropriate behavior, including intoxication, at religious gatherings, or more pointedly, a significant lapse in his own spiritual sensitivity, a theme further underscored by the later depiction of the moral corruption of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, in [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1-samuel/2-12-17 "The Wickedness of Eli's Sons").

* **Key Themes:** The passage introduces and develops several profound themes. **Prayer** is paramount, particularly the concept of pouring out one's soul before God in deep anguish, even silently, as seen in [1 Samuel 1:10](/1-samuel/1-10 "Hannah's Distress and Prayer"). The verse powerfully illustrates the theme of **misunderstanding and hasty judgment**, as Eli misinterprets Hannah's intense spiritual devotion for drunkenness, highlighting the perennial danger of judging by outward appearances rather than spiritual reality. This leads directly to the theme of **spiritual discernment**, especially critical for those in leadership positions, where Eli's failure to perceive Hannah's true state represents a significant spiritual failing. Finally, the interaction subtly foreshadows the theme of **divine intervention** in response to sincere, desperate prayer, as Hannah's supplication ultimately leads to the birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure who will reshape Israel's spiritual and political landscape, as promised in [1 Samuel 1:20](/1-samuel/1-20 "Samuel's Birth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Drunken (Hebrew, _shâkar'_):** From H7937, this word describes a state of intoxication, specifically "to become tipsy" or "to be drunk(-en)." Eli's use of this term is a severe accusation, implying not only that Hannah is under the influence of alcohol but also that she is behaving in a manner utterly unbecoming of someone in the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle. It conveys a judgment of moral failing and a loss of self-control, rather than an understanding of her profound emotional and spiritual distress.
* **Wine (Hebrew, _yayin'_):** From H3196, this refers to fermented grape juice, a common beverage in ancient Israel. While wine was a part of daily life and even certain religious rituals, its excessive consumption leading to drunkenness was consistently condemned in Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler")). Eli's command to "put away thy wine from thee" is a direct and authoritative rebuke, based entirely on his mistaken belief that Hannah's agitated state was due to intoxication.
* **Put away (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** From H5493, this primitive root means "to turn off" or "to remove." In this context, it is an imperative command for Hannah to cease her perceived sinful behavior—to literally "remove" or "withdraw" the wine from herself. It reflects Eli's immediate, albeit misguided, solution to what he believes is a problem of intoxication, urging her to rid herself of the source of her perceived misconduct and to depart from the sanctuary in that state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Eli said unto her":** This phrase establishes the direct confrontation between the High Priest and Hannah. As the spiritual authority responsible for the conduct within the Tabernacle, Eli's words carry immense weight and are intended as a public rebuke and correction. His address is immediate and without prior inquiry, indicating a swift judgment based solely on outward appearance.
* **"How long wilt thou be drunken?":** This is a rhetorical question functioning as a sharp, condemning rebuke. It implies that Eli perceives Hannah's state as prolonged or egregious, suggesting a pattern of behavior rather than a momentary lapse. The question is accusatory, assuming guilt without seeking any explanation or understanding of Hannah's true condition, highlighting Eli's lack of spiritual discernment.
* **"put away thy wine from thee":** This is a direct, imperative command for Hannah to cease her perceived sinful behavior. It reflects Eli's immediate, authoritative solution to what he believes is a problem of intoxication. He instructs her to remove the source of her supposed misconduct, effectively telling her to sober up and leave the sacred space, underscoring his misinterpretation of her profound spiritual anguish as mere drunkenness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant **literary devices**. Foremost is profound **Irony**, as Eli, the spiritual leader entrusted with discerning the hearts of the people and mediating between God and Israel, completely misjudges Hannah's profound spiritual devotion, mistaking fervent, silent prayer for drunken revelry. This creates a stark **Contrast** between Eli's superficial, worldly perception and Hannah's deep, genuine spiritual earnestness and anguish. The direct **Dialogue** form, a pointed question and command from Eli, immediately engages the reader and heightens the dramatic tension, setting the stage for Hannah's subsequent, crucial explanation. Furthermore, the passage uses subtle **Foreshadowing**, as Eli's lack of spiritual discernment here hints at his broader spiritual blindness and the eventual decline of his priestly line, paving the way for the rise of Samuel as a true prophet and judge in Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 1:14 serves as a powerful theological lesson on the dangers of hasty judgment and the paramount importance of spiritual discernment, particularly for those in positions of leadership. Eli's error underscores the timeless biblical principle that outward appearances can be deeply deceptive, and true spiritual reality often lies hidden from the superficial gaze. It teaches us that authentic prayer can be intensely personal, deeply emotional, and sometimes manifest in ways that are unconventional or easily misunderstood by human observers. God, however, sees beyond the outward display; He perceives the heart and hears the cry of the afflicted, regardless of how it might be perceived or misjudged by human beings. This incident ultimately highlights God's profound attentiveness to the humble and desperate prayers of His people, contrasting sharply with human fallibility and the limitations of even well-intentioned spiritual authority.

* [Psalm 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Pouring Out Your Heart to God")
* [John 7:24](/john/7-24 "Do Not Judge by Appearances")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "The Effective Prayer of a Righteous Person")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eli's misjudgment of Hannah is a poignant and enduring reminder for us to cultivate empathy, patience, and careful observation before forming conclusions about others, especially concerning their spiritual state or intentions. In a world quick to judge based on superficial cues and outward behaviors, this passage calls us to pause, to inquire with humility, and to extend grace rather than condemnation. It powerfully affirms that true devotion can be deeply personal, intensely emotional, and may not always conform to external expectations or observable norms. Hannah's example encourages us to pour out our hearts to God without reservation, regardless of how our raw, honest supplication might appear to others, trusting that He understands our deepest cries and hidden anguish. For leaders, this passage serves as a sober call to cultivate genuine spiritual discernment, seeking to understand the underlying spiritual realities and motivations of those they shepherd, rather than reacting impulsively to outward manifestations. It challenges us to be sensitive, compassionate shepherds, not quick accusers, fostering an environment where people feel safe to express their deepest needs before God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I make quick judgments about others based on their outward appearance or behavior, without seeking to understand their underlying circumstances or intentions?**
* **What does Hannah's intense, silent prayer teach me about the nature of true and effective supplication before God, even when it is misunderstood by others?**
* **In what specific areas of my life, or in my role as a leader or influence, do I need to cultivate greater spiritual discernment to avoid misjudging others?**
* **How can I respond with grace, clarity, and humility when I am misunderstood or falsely accused, drawing strength from Hannah's example?**

### FAQ

**Why did Eli assume Hannah was drunk?**

Answer: Eli likely assumed Hannah was drunk due to her unusual and intense physical manifestation of prayer within the sacred space of the Tabernacle. She was weeping bitterly, her lips were moving rapidly, but no sound was coming out ([1 Samuel 1:10-13](/1-samuel/1-10-13 "Hannah's Bitter Prayer")), indicating profound emotional distress and fervent, silent supplication. This behavior, while a sign of deep spiritual earnestness, was apparently uncommon or could be easily misinterpreted by an observer. It's plausible that Eli, as the High Priest, had previously encountered individuals who *were* genuinely intoxicated or behaving inappropriately within the sanctuary, leading him to a quick and erroneous conclusion. Ultimately, it highlights a significant lapse in his spiritual sensitivity and discernment, causing him to judge by outward appearance rather than discerning the true state of her heart.

**What does this incident tell us about Eli's leadership?**

Answer: This incident reveals a significant and concerning flaw in Eli's leadership: a marked lack of spiritual discernment and a tendency towards hasty, judgmental conclusions. As the High Priest, Eli was meant to be a spiritual guide, a guardian of the sanctuary, and an intercessor for the people. Yet, he failed to perceive the genuine, profound spiritual anguish of Hannah, misinterpreting her fervent prayer as drunkenness. His immediate assumption of intoxication, rather than inquiring about her distress with compassion, highlights a spiritual blind spot and a failure to "judge righteously" ([John 7:24](/john/7-24 "Do Not Judge by Appearances")). While he does offer a blessing after Hannah clarifies her situation ([1 Samuel 1:17](/1-samuel/1-17 "Eli's Blessing to Hannah")), his initial reaction foreshadows the broader issues of spiritual decline within his own household and leadership, which are detailed later in the book of [1 Samuel](/1-samuel/1 "The Book of First Samuel"), particularly concerning the corrupt and irreverent behavior of his own sons.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The misunderstanding between Eli and Hannah in [1 Samuel 1:14](/1-samuel/1-14 "Eli Accuses Hannah") finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Eli, the earthly high priest, misjudged the true spiritual state of Hannah, failing to discern her fervent prayer. In stark contrast, Jesus, our ultimate and perfect High Priest, perfectly understands the human heart and our deepest cries. He is not one who misjudges or misunderstands our weakness, but rather one who can deeply sympathize with our infirmities, having been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). While Hannah poured out her soul in silent anguish, Jesus, in His earthly ministry, frequently demonstrated His perfect knowledge of people's thoughts and hearts, knowing what was in man even before they spoke ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "Jesus Knew What Was in Man")). Furthermore, Hannah's earnest prayer for a son who would serve God ultimately points to the Father's ultimate gift of His Son, Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, now intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words ([Romans 8:26](/romans/8-26 "The Spirit Intercedes for Us")), a divine echo of Hannah's silent, heartfelt prayer, ensuring that our true spiritual state is perfectly understood and presented before the throne of grace.

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 22:23

If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

Job 11:14

If iniquity [be] in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.

Matthew 7:1

¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Matthew 7:3

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Job 8:2

How long wilt thou speak these [things]? and [how long shall] the words of thy mouth [be like] a strong wind?

Proverbs 6:9

How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

Joshua 22:12

And when the children of Israel heard [of it], the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up to war against them.