1 Samuel 1:15

KJV

And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I [am] a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hannah {H2584} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, No, my lord {H113}, I am a woman {H802} of a sorrowful {H7186} spirit {H7307}: I have drunk {H8354} neither wine {H3196} nor strong drink {H7941}, but have poured out {H8210} my soul {H5315} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a very unhappy woman. I have not drunk either wine or other strong liquor; rather, I've been pouring out my soul before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman oppressed in spirit. I have not had any wine or strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD.

American Standard Version

And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I poured out my soul before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 1:15 profoundly captures Hannah's poignant and dignified response to Eli, the High Priest, who mistakenly accuses her of drunkenness. Far from being intoxicated, Hannah reveals the profound depth of her spiritual anguish, declaring herself "a woman of a sorrowful spirit" who has, in fact, been engaged in a desperate and unreserved act of prayer, "pouring out her soul before the LORD." This verse serves as a powerful testament to the authenticity and intensity of true supplication, highlighting the stark contrast between superficial judgment and genuine spiritual devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Samuel opens by introducing Elkanah and his two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. The narrative immediately establishes Hannah's barrenness, a source of immense personal sorrow and societal shame in ancient Israel, as seen in [1 Samuel 1:2](/1_samuel/1-2 "Hannah's Barrenness and Rivalry"). Peninnah, who has children, frequently provokes Hannah, especially during their annual pilgrimage to Shiloh to worship the LORD. This persistent grief culminates in Hannah's deep distress, leading her to weep bitterly and pray silently at the tabernacle, as detailed in [1 Samuel 1:10](/1_samuel/1-10 "Hannah's Deep Distress and Prayer"). Eli, observing her lips moving but hearing no sound, misinterprets her fervent prayer as intoxication and rebukes her, as recorded in [1 Samuel 1:12-14](/1_samuel/1-12-14 "Eli's Misjudgment of Hannah"). Verse 15 is Hannah's eloquent and sorrowful reply, clarifying the true nature of her profound spiritual engagement and setting the stage for her vow and the subsequent birth of Samuel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, barrenness was often perceived as a divine curse and brought significant social stigma, as evidenced by the rivalry between Hannah and Peninnah. The annual pilgrimage to Shiloh was a central religious event, as it housed the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This made Shiloh the primary place for national worship and personal vows. The role of the High Priest, Eli, was crucial for spiritual discernment and guidance, yet his misjudgment of Hannah underscores a broader theme of spiritual decline within the priesthood, a theme that becomes more pronounced later in [1 Samuel 2](/1_samuel/2 "The Decline of Eli's Priesthood"). Hannah's public display of intense, silent prayer, while unusual, was a desperate act within the accepted framework of seeking divine intervention in a culture where communal and individual supplication was common.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Samuel 1](/1_samuel/1 "Hannah's Anguish and Vow") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Heartfelt Supplication**, demonstrating that genuine prayer is an unreserved pouring out of one's deepest self before God, regardless of outward appearance or social convention. Hannah's example provides a model for how believers can truly "pour out their heart before Him," as exhorted in [Psalm 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Pouring Out One's Heart to God"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Misjudgment and Discernment**, as Eli, the spiritual leader, fails to discern the true nature of Hannah's spiritual agony, offering a cautionary tale against superficial condemnation. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Authenticity in Prayer**, revealing Hannah's spiritual integrity and her focus on direct communication with God rather than human perception. Finally, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **God's Attentiveness to the Afflicted**, showing that even in profound "sorrowful spirit," faith leads one to seek and find solace in the LORD, who is "near to the brokenhearted," as promised in [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "God's Nearness to the Brokenhearted").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sorrowful spirit (Hebrew, _qâsheh rûwach'_):** This phrase, translated as "sorrowful spirit," literally means "hard of spirit" or "bitter of soul." The Hebrew word _qâsheh_ (H7186) denotes hardness, severity, or difficulty, while _rûwach_ (H7307) refers to spirit, breath, or wind. Thus, "qâsheh rûwach" conveys a deep-seated, intense anguish and oppression of the inner being, far beyond mere sadness. It describes a spirit that is burdened, afflicted, and weighed down by profound suffering, reflecting Hannah's chronic and debilitating grief over her barrenness and Peninnah's taunts.
* **Poured out my soul (Hebrew, _shâphak nephesh'_):** This powerful idiom signifies a complete and unreserved emptying of one's innermost self before God. The verb _shâphak_ (H8210) means "to pour out" or "to shed," and _nephesh_ (H5315) refers to the soul, life, or inner being. When Hannah states she "poured out her soul," she is describing an act of profound, earnest, and unreserved prayer where she held nothing back, exposing her deepest pains, desires, and vulnerabilities to the LORD. It implies a total surrender of her emotional and spiritual burden into God's hands.
#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I [am] a woman of a sorrowful spirit:"** Hannah's response is characterized by both dignity and directness. She respectfully addresses Eli as "my lord" but firmly refutes his accusation. Her self-description as "a woman of a sorrowful spirit" immediately corrects Eli's misjudgment by revealing the true, profound nature of her inner state. This declaration is not an excuse but an honest articulation of her deep, persistent anguish, inviting empathy and understanding rather than condemnation.
* **"I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink,"** This clause serves as a clear and unequivocal denial of Eli's accusation of intoxication. By explicitly stating her sobriety, Hannah underscores the clarity of her mind and the intentionality of her actions. This refutation is crucial for establishing her spiritual integrity and differentiating her fervent spiritual exercise from worldly excess, thereby highlighting Eli's failure in discernment.
* **"but have poured out my soul before the LORD."** This is the climax of Hannah's explanation, revealing the true essence of her behavior. It defines her unusual actions not as a sign of drunkenness but as an intense, unreserved act of prayer and communion with God. The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes the direct, personal, and sacred nature of her supplication, indicating that her focus was entirely on God, not on human observers or their perceptions. It is a declaration of profound spiritual devotion and absolute trust in God as the sole recipient of her deepest burdens.
#### Literary Devices
The passage in 1 Samuel 1:15 is rich with literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. A primary device is **Contrast**, starkly evident between Eli's worldly misjudgment and Hannah's profound spiritual devotion. Eli, the High Priest, represents a failing spiritual leadership that cannot discern genuine piety, while Hannah embodies authentic, desperate faith. This creates **Irony**, as the one tasked with spiritual oversight completely misunderstands a moment of intense spiritual communion. Furthermore, Hannah's declaration, "I have poured out my soul before the LORD," employs a powerful **Metaphor** or **Idiom**. This vivid imagery of "pouring out" transforms an abstract concept of emotional release into a tangible, visceral action, emphasizing the completeness and unreserved nature of her prayer. The entire exchange also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the spiritual decline within Eli's household and the coming shift in leadership from a corrupt priesthood to a prophet (Samuel), born out of this very prayer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hannah's experience in 1 Samuel 1:15 offers profound theological insights into the nature of prayer, God's character, and human discernment. It teaches us that authentic prayer is not about eloquent words or composed demeanor, but about the raw, honest outpouring of the heart to God. God values sincerity and desperation over outward appearances, hearing the cry of the afflicted even when others misinterpret it. This passage affirms God's attentiveness to the suffering and His willingness to engage with humanity's deepest pains. It also serves as a crucial reminder for believers to exercise humility and compassion, avoiding hasty judgments based on superficial observations, and instead seeking to understand the underlying spiritual realities of others.

* [Psalm 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Pouring Out One's Heart to God")
* [Psalm 34:18](/psalms/34-18 "God's Nearness to the Brokenhearted")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Anxiety and Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hannah's profound vulnerability and unwavering focus on God in 1 Samuel 1:15 provide a timeless model for our own spiritual lives. In a world often preoccupied with appearances and quick judgments, Hannah reminds us that true devotion is an internal posture of the heart, laid bare before the Almighty. Her example encourages us to bring our most agonizing sorrows, our deepest anxieties, and our most desperate longings directly to God, holding nothing back. We are invited to "pour out our souls" in prayer, trusting that God sees beyond our outward expressions and hears the silent cries of our hearts. Furthermore, Hannah's encounter with Eli serves as a powerful cautionary tale, urging us to cultivate discernment and empathy rather than quick condemnation. It challenges us to look beyond unusual behaviors or outward appearances and seek to understand the underlying spiritual or emotional realities of those around us, responding with compassion and grace instead of superficial judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean to "pour out your soul" before the LORD in your own prayer life?**
* **In what ways might we, like Eli, be prone to misjudging others based on their outward behavior or circumstances?**
* **How can Hannah's example encourage you to be more authentic and vulnerable in your prayers, even when they feel messy or unconventional?**
* **How does the knowledge that God sees and hears our deepest sorrows, even when others don't, bring you comfort or challenge?**

### FAQ
**Why did Eli think Hannah was drunk?**

Answer: Eli observed Hannah praying silently, with her lips moving but no sound coming forth. This unusual, intense, and seemingly uncontrolled behavior, combined with her deep emotional distress, led him to mistakenly conclude that she was intoxicated. In ancient Israel, public displays of fervent emotion could sometimes be associated with drunkenness, especially if they were outside the typical, more reserved forms of prayer.

**What does the phrase "poured out my soul before the LORD" signify?**

Answer: This is a powerful Hebrew idiom that signifies an act of deep, unreserved, and honest prayer. It means to fully unburden one's innermost self, including all anxieties, sorrows, desires, and vulnerabilities, directly before God. Hannah was holding nothing back, completely emptying her heart and spirit to the LORD, trusting Him with her deepest pain and longing. It speaks to a profound level of intimacy and trust in God's presence and attentiveness.

**What is the significance of Shiloh in this narrative?**

Answer: Shiloh was the central place of Israelite worship before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. It housed the Tabernacle, which contained the Ark of the Covenant, making it the primary sanctuary where Israelites would come to offer sacrifices, make vows, and seek the LORD's presence. Hannah's annual pilgrimage to Shiloh underscores the importance of this sacred site for national and personal devotion, and it was the designated place where she could bring her deepest spiritual burdens directly to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hannah's fervent prayer and the subsequent birth of Samuel, a prophet who would bridge the gap between judges and kings, profoundly foreshadow the coming of Christ. Hannah's "sorrowful spirit" and her unreserved "pouring out of her soul" before the LORD find their ultimate echo and answer in Jesus. He is the ultimate High Priest, not like Eli, but one who truly understands our weaknesses and sorrows, having been "tempted in every way, just as we are—yet without sin," as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest"). Jesus himself, in the Garden of Gethsemane, "poured out his soul" in anguish, praying with such intensity that His sweat was like drops of blood, as recorded in [Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane"), demonstrating the perfect model of unreserved supplication. Hannah's longing for a son who would be dedicated to the LORD points to the ultimate Son, Jesus, who was perfectly dedicated to His Father's will, even unto death on the cross. Through Christ, we have direct access to God, not needing to rely on fallible human priests, for He is our perfect intercessor, who "is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us," as declared in [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ's Intercession for Believers"). Hannah's answered prayer for a deliverer finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in the salvation brought by Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Psalms 62:8

¶ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.

Lamentations 2:19

Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.

Psalms 42:4

When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Psalms 142:2

I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.

Psalms 142:3

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

Psalms 143:6

I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul [thirsteth] after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

Job 30:16

And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me.