1 Samuel 1:20

KJV

Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore it came to pass, when the time {H3117} was come {H8622} about after Hannah {H2584} had conceived {H2029}, that she bare {H3205} a son {H1121}, and called {H7121} his name {H8034} Samuel {H8050}, saying, Because I have asked {H7592} him of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She conceived; and in due time she gave birth to a son, whom she named Sh'mu'el, "because I asked ADONAI for him." "Sh'mu'el" is derived from shem El, "name of God," but sounds like sha'ul me'el, "asked from God."

Berean Standard Bible

So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”

American Standard Version

and it came to pass, when the time was come about, that Hannah conceived, and bare a son; and she called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse in 1 Samuel chronicles the long-awaited and miraculous birth of Samuel, the son of Hannah and Elkanah. It marks the divine fulfillment of Hannah's fervent, tearful prayer for a child, culminating in her giving birth to a son whom she names Samuel, explicitly stating that his name signifies her having "asked him of the LORD." This event not only resolves Hannah's personal anguish over barrenness but also initiates the life of a key figure who would later serve as Israel's last judge and first prophet, bridging the era of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy and setting the stage for a new epoch in Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Samuel 1:20 stands as the climactic moment in the opening narrative of the book of Samuel, serving as the powerful resolution to Hannah's deep personal anguish and fervent supplication. The preceding verses meticulously detail Hannah's barrenness, her profound sorrow, the painful provocation from her rival Peninnah, and her husband Elkanah's loving but ultimately insufficient comfort. The narrative masterfully builds tension around Hannah's desperate prayer at the tabernacle in Shiloh, where she pours out her soul before the LORD and makes a solemn vow to dedicate any son born to her to God's service for life, as recorded in [1 Samuel 1:11](/1-samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow to the Lord"). This verse, therefore, represents the direct, miraculous answer to that desperate plea, shifting the narrative from Hannah's personal suffering and supplication to the divine intervention of God and the birth of the child who will become central to Israel's future. It immediately precedes Hannah's joyous song of praise and the subsequent dedication of Samuel to the LORD, demonstrating the immediate fulfillment of her vow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of 1 Samuel is the tumultuous period of the Judges, a time characterized by moral and spiritual decline in Israel, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes," as famously stated in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes"). Within this societal framework, barrenness was not merely a personal sorrow but also a profound social stigma, often perceived as a sign of divine disfavor or judgment. A woman's primary role and source of honor were intrinsically tied to her ability to bear children, especially sons, to ensure the continuation of the family line, inheritance, and tribal strength. The practice of polygamy, as seen with Elkanah having two wives, Hannah and Peninnah, frequently led to intense domestic strife, particularly when one wife was fertile and the other was not. The annual pilgrimage to Shiloh, where the tabernacle was located, was a central religious observance, highlighting the importance of communal worship and seeking God's intervention in both personal and national affairs. The birth of Samuel, therefore, is not just a private family event but a significant divine intervention in a period of profound national spiritual need and leadership vacuum.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Samuel and indeed the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Answered Prayer**, demonstrating God's attentiveness to the cries of His people, particularly the marginalized and suffering. Hannah's persistent and heartfelt prayer, culminating in this miraculous birth, underscores the efficacy of earnest supplication, echoing similar divine interventions for barren women like Sarah, as seen in [Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1-2 "Genesis 21:1-2 - Birth of Isaac"), and Rachel, recorded in [Genesis 30:22-24](/genesis/30-22-24 "Genesis 30:22-24 - Birth of Joseph"). Another crucial theme is **The Significance of Names**, as Hannah's naming of her son "Samuel" directly links his identity to the circumstances of his birth and God's intervention, serving as a perpetual reminder of God's grace and faithfulness. This practice of naming children to reflect divine action or personal experience is a common and vital motif throughout the Old Testament. Finally, Samuel's birth signifies the **Fulfillment of Promise and Divine Initiative**, as God actively intervenes to raise up a leader who will play a pivotal role in transitioning Israel from the chaotic period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in history and His commitment to His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Samuel (Hebrew, _Shᵉmûwʼêl'_):** This name is central to the verse's meaning and Hannah's explicit explanation. While commonly understood to mean "heard of God" or "asked of God," it is a complex name. Hannah's explicit statement, "Because I have asked him of the LORD," directly links it to the Hebrew verb *sha'al* (H7592), meaning "to inquire" or "to request." This etymological play highlights the divine origin of Samuel, emphasizing that he was literally "asked for" and "given by" God in response to Hannah's earnest prayer. The name serves as a perpetual memorial of God's faithfulness and Hannah's vow, marking him as a child of divine petition.
* **Conceived (Hebrew, _hârâh'_):** This verb (H2029) signifies the divine act of opening Hannah's womb, a miraculous intervention after years of barrenness and despair. It underscores that Samuel's existence was not a natural occurrence but a direct result of God's remembrance and favor, fulfilling the promise implied by Eli's blessing in [1 Samuel 1:17](/1-samuel/1-17 "1 Samuel 1:17 - Eli's Blessing for Hannah"). The conception itself is presented as a direct consequence of God's action, setting Samuel apart from birth as a divinely appointed child.
* **Asked (Hebrew, _shâʼal'_):** This verb (H7592) is crucial as it directly explains the naming of Samuel, forming the very foundation of his identity. Hannah's use of *sha'al* connects her act of naming to her earlier fervent prayer at Shiloh, where she "poured out her soul before the LORD," as described in [1 Samuel 1:15](/1-samuel/1-15 "1 Samuel 1:15 - Hannah Pours Out Her Soul"). It emphasizes the direct causal link between her persistent petition and God's gracious, sovereign response, powerfully highlighting the efficacy of prayer and God's attentiveness to the cries of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived":** This opening phrase establishes the fulfillment of the divine promise and the natural progression of pregnancy. "When the time was come about" (H3117, H8622) refers to the completion of the full gestation period, emphasizing that the birth occurred in God's perfect timing and according to His preordained plan, following the miraculous conception. It highlights the culmination of a divinely orchestrated process.
* **"that she bare a son":** This simple, yet profound, statement (H3205, H1121) is the culmination of years of anguish, fervent prayer, and longing for Hannah. It signifies the direct and tangible answer to her petition, marking the end of her barrenness and the beginning of a new, joyous chapter for her family and for Israel. The birth of a son was particularly significant for continuing the family line, ensuring inheritance, and fulfilling societal and covenantal expectations.
* **"and called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD":** This is the most profound and explanatory part of the verse. Hannah's act of naming her son Samuel (H7121, H8034, H8050) is a public declaration of God's faithfulness and her personal testimony. The explanation, "Because I have asked him (H7592) of the LORD (H3068)," directly links the child's identity to her prayer and God's divine response. It serves as a perpetual reminder of God's attentiveness, her solemn vow, and the miraculous nature of his birth, setting the stage for Samuel's dedication and future service to God. The name itself becomes a living testament to God's intervention and the power of prayer.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. **Narrative Progression** is powerfully evident, as the text moves from the long-awaited anticipation of conception to the concrete reality of birth, thereby resolving the central conflict of Hannah's barrenness that dominates the preceding verses. The strategic use of **Direct Speech** in Hannah's explanation for naming Samuel ("Because I have asked him of the LORD") provides immediate and intimate insight into her theological understanding, profound gratitude, and personal testimony, powerfully reinforcing the divine origin of the child. This also functions as a masterful example of **Etymological Punning**, where the name Samuel (H8050) is explicitly linked to the Hebrew verb *sha'al* (H7592, "to ask"), creating a memorable and deeply meaningful connection between the child's identity and the circumstances of his miraculous birth. Furthermore, the entire narrative surrounding Samuel's birth can be seen as a **Type Scene** of the miraculous birth of a significant figure, often to a barren woman, echoing similar accounts for Isaac, Jacob, and Samson, thereby elevating Samuel's importance and highlighting divine intervention as a recurring pattern in Israel's history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The birth of Samuel, as recounted in this verse, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and active involvement in human affairs. It underscores that God hears and responds to the earnest prayers of His people, even in seemingly impossible situations, demonstrating His ability to intervene supernaturally to fulfill His purposes. This event also highlights the theme of divine election and preparation, as Samuel's miraculous birth sets him apart from the very beginning as a chosen instrument for God's redemptive plan in Israel. His life will bridge the gap between the judges and the monarchy, initiating a new era of leadership under God's guidance. The narrative also subtly introduces the concept of God raising up leaders from unexpected places, often through miraculous means, to address the spiritual and political needs of His people, demonstrating His unceasing commitment to His covenant.

* [Genesis 21:1-2](/genesis/21-1-2 "Genesis 21:1-2 - Birth of Isaac to Sarah")
* [Judges 13:2-5](/judges/13-2-5 "Judges 13:2-5 - Birth of Samson to Manoah's Wife")
* [Luke 1:13-17](/luke/1-13-17 "Luke 1:13-17 - Birth of John the Baptist to Elizabeth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Samuel's birth in 1 Samuel 1:20 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. Hannah's journey from deep sorrow and barrenness to joyous motherhood is a powerful testament to the transformative power of persistent, humble, and faith-filled prayer. It reminds us that God is intimately acquainted with our deepest longings and hears our cries, even when answers seem delayed or circumstances appear insurmountable. Her naming of Samuel, explicitly linking him to her "asking of the LORD," serves as a vital call to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of every good and perfect gift in our lives. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of grateful recognition, remembering that our blessings are not merely coincidental but are often direct answers to prayer and expressions of God's lavish grace. Furthermore, Hannah's subsequent dedication of Samuel back to the LORD, though not explicitly in this verse, is powerfully foreshadowed by her naming, modeling a spirit of stewardship and surrender, inviting us to consider how we might dedicate our own gifts, talents, and even our children back to the One who gave them, recognizing that true blessing lies in yielding to His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "barrenness" or seemingly impossible situations in your life are you currently bringing before the Lord in persistent prayer?**
* **How does Hannah's unwavering faith and persistence in prayer challenge or encourage your own prayer life, especially when answers seem delayed?**
* **In what tangible ways can you more intentionally acknowledge God as the ultimate source of the blessings and gifts in your life, much like Hannah did through naming Samuel?**
* **What might it look like to dedicate aspects of your life—your time, talents, resources, or even your family—back to the Lord in gratitude for His faithfulness and provision?**

### FAQ
**Why was Hannah's barrenness such a significant issue?**

Answer: In ancient Israelite society, barrenness was a profound source of personal sorrow, social stigma, and often perceived as a sign of divine disfavor or judgment. A woman's primary role and source of honor were intrinsically tied to her ability to bear children, especially sons, to ensure the continuation of the family line, inheritance, and tribal strength. To be barren meant not only personal anguish but also potential shame and vulnerability within the community. Hannah's deep distress, exacerbated by Peninnah's taunts, as described in [1 Samuel 1:6](/1-samuel/1-6 "1 Samuel 1:6 - Peninnah Provokes Hannah"), reflects the immense pressure and suffering associated with this condition in her cultural context. Her barrenness also serves a crucial theological purpose in the narrative, highlighting that Samuel's birth was not a natural occurrence but a miraculous act of God, emphasizing His sovereign power and intervention in human affairs.

**What is the significance of Hannah naming her son Samuel?**

Answer: Hannah's naming of her son "Samuel" is deeply significant because it directly connects his identity to the circumstances of his miraculous birth and God's faithfulness. Her explanation, "Because I have asked him of the LORD," links the name to the Hebrew verb *sha'al* (שָׁאַל), meaning "to ask" or "to inquire." This act of naming serves as a perpetual reminder of her fervent prayer, God's gracious answer, and her solemn vow to dedicate him to the LORD's service, as recorded in [1 Samuel 1:11](/1-samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow to the Lord"). In biblical culture, names often carried prophetic or descriptive meaning, and Samuel's name clearly testifies to God's attentiveness to Hannah's cries and His active involvement in raising up a pivotal leader for Israel during a critical period of spiritual decline and transition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous birth of Samuel, a child "asked of the LORD," serves as a profound foreshadowing of God's greater redemptive plan culminating in Jesus Christ. Just as Samuel's birth was a divine intervention in a period of spiritual barrenness and national decline, signaling the dawn of a new era for Israel, so too was the birth of Jesus a supernatural act of God, bringing salvation to a world steeped in sin and spiritual darkness. Hannah's fervent prayer for a son, and God's gracious answer, echoes the ultimate "asking" and "giving" in the person of Christ. Jesus is the ultimate "gift from God," as declared in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), the one truly "sent by God" to accomplish His redemptive purposes, as affirmed in [John 5:36](/john/5-36 "John 5:36 - Jesus Sent by God"). Samuel was dedicated to the LORD's service from birth, serving as a prophet, priest, and judge; similarly, Jesus, the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King, was consecrated by God from eternity to fulfill His Father's will, as seen in [Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Jesus Comes to Do God's Will"). The narrative of Samuel's birth, therefore, points beyond itself to the greater story of God's provision of a deliverer, culminating in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen," as powerfully stated in [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises Are Yes in Christ").

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

Genesis 41:51

And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, [said he], hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.

Genesis 41:52

And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Exodus 2:10

And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.

Exodus 2:22

And she bare [him] a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land.

Genesis 30:6

And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan.

Genesis 30:21

And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah.