TRV
Translation
King James Version
But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.
Complete Jewish Bible
But Hannah did not go up, explaining to her husband, "Not till the child has been weaned. Then I will bring him, so that he can appear before ADONAI and live there forever."
Berean Standard Bible
but Hannah did not go. “After the boy is weaned,” she said to her husband, “I will take him to appear before the LORD and to stay there permanently.”
American Standard Version
But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned; and then I will bring him, that he may appear before Jehovah, and there abide for ever.
World English Bible Messianic
But Hannah didn’t go up; for she said to her husband, “Not until the child is weaned; then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and stay there forever.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
But Hannah went not vp: for she sayd vnto her husband, I will tarie vntill the childe be weined, then I will bring him that hee may appeare before the Lord, and there abide for euer.
Young's Literal Translation
And Hannah hath not gone up, for she said to her husband, `Till the youth is weaned--then I have brought him in, and he hath appeared before the face of Jehovah, and dwelt there--unto the age.'
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In the KJVVerse 7,235 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 1 verses 19–28
19 ¶ And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.
20 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.
21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.
23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.
26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.
27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
Here is, I. The return of Elkanah and his family to their own habitation, when the days appointed for the feast were over, Sa1 1:19. Observe how they improved their time at the tabernacle. Every day they were there, even that which was fixed for their journey home, they worshipped God; and they rose up early to do it. It is good to begin the day with God. Let him that is the first have the first. They had a journey before them, and a family of children to take with them, and yet they would not stir till they had worshipped God together. Prayer and provender do not hinder a journey. They had spent several days now in religious worship, and yet they attended once more. We should not be weary of well-doing.
II. The birth and name of this desired son. At length the Lord remembered Hannah, the very thing she desired (Sa1 1:11), and more she needed not desire, that was enough, for then she conceived and bore a son. Though God seem long to forget his people's burdens, troubles, cares, and prayers, yet he will at length make it to appear that they are not out of his mind. This son the mother called Samuel, Sa1 1:20. Some make the etymology of this name to be much the same with that of Ishmael - heard of God, because the mother's prayers were remarkably heard, and he was an answer to them. Others, because of the reason she gives for the name, make it to signify asked of God. It comes nearly to the same; she designed by it to perpetuate the remembrance of God's favour to her in answering her prayers. Thus she designed, upon every mention of his name, to take the comfort to herself and to give God the glory of that gracious condescension. Note, Mercies in answer to prayer are to be remembered with peculiar expressions of thankfulness, as Psa 116:1, Psa 116:2. How many seasonable deliverances and supplies may we call Samuels, asked of God; and whatever is so we are in a special manner engaged to devote to him. Hannah intended by this name to put her son in mind of the obligation he was under to be the Lord's, in consideration of this, that he was asked of God and was at the same time dedicated to him. A child of prayer is in a special manner bound to be a good child. Lemuel's mother reminds him that he was the son of her vows, Pro 31:2.
III. The close attendance Hannah gave to the nursing of him, not only because he was dear to her, but because he was devoted to God, and for him she nursed him herself, and did not hang him on another's breast. We ought to take care of our children, not only with an eye to the law of nature as they are ours, but with an eye to the covenant of grace as they are given up to God. See Eze 16:20, Eze 16:21. This sanctifies the nursing of them, when it is done as unto the Lord. Elkanah went up every year to worship at the tabernacle, and particularly to perform his vow, perhaps some vow he had made distinct from Hannah's if God would give him a son by her, Sa1 1:21. But Hannah, though she felt a warm regard for the courts of God's house, begged leave of her husband to stay at home; for the women were not under any obligation to go up to the three yearly feasts, as the men were. However Hannah had been accustomed to go, but now desired to be excused, 1. Because she would not be so long absent from her nursery. Can a woman forget her sucking child? We may suppose she kept constantly at home, for, if she had gone any where, she would have gone to Shiloh. Note, God will have mercy and not sacrifice. Those that are detained from public ordinances by the nursing and tending of little children may take comfort from this instance, and believe that, if they do that with an eye to God, he will graciously accept them therein, and though they tarry at home they shall divide the spoil. 2. Because she would not go up to Shiloh till her son was big enough, not only to be taken thither, but to be left there; for, if once she took him thither, she thought she could never find in her heart to bring him back again. Note, Those who are stedfastly resolved to pay their vows may yet see good cause to defer the payment of them. Every thing is beautiful in its season. No animal was accepted in sacrifice till it had been for some time under the dam, Lev 22:27. Fruit is best when it is ripe. Elkanah agrees to what she proposes (Sa1 1:23): Do what seemeth thee good. So far was he from delighting to cross her that he referred it entirely to her. Behold how good and pleasant a thing it is, when yoke-fellows thus draw even in the yoke, and accommodate themselves to one another, each thinking well of what the other does, especially in works of piety and charity. He adds a prayer: Only the Lord establish his word, that is, "God preserve the child through the perils of his infancy, that the solemn vow which God signified his acceptance of, by giving us the child, may be performed in its season, and so the whole matter may be accomplished." Note, Those that have in sincerity devoted their children to God may with comfort pray for them, that God will establish the word sealed to them at the same time that they were sealed for him.
IV. The solemn entering of this child into the service of the sanctuary. We may take it for granted that he was presented to the Lord at forty days old, as all the first-born were (Luk 2:22, Luk 2:23): but this is not mentioned, because there was nothing in it singular; but now that he was weaned he was presented, not to be redeemed. Some think it was as soon as he was weaned from the breast, which, the Jews say, was not till he was three years old; it is said she gave him suck till she had weaned him, Sa1 1:23. Others think it was not till he was weaned from childish things, at eight or ten years old. But I see no inconvenience in admitting such an extraordinary child as this into the tabernacle at three years old, to be educated among the children of the priests. It is said (Sa1 1:24), The child was young, but, being intelligent above his years, he was no trouble. None can begin too soon to be religious. The child was a child, so the Hebrew reads it, in his learning-age. For whom shall he teach knowledge but those that are newly weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts? Isa 28:9. Observe how she presented her child, 1. With a sacrifice; no less than three bullocks, with a meat-offering for each, Sa1 1:24. A bullock, perhaps, for each year of the child's life. Or one for a burnt-offering, another for a sin-offering, and the third of a peace-offering. So far was she from thinking that, by presenting her son to God, she made God her debtor, that she thought it requisite by these slain offerings to seek God's acceptance of her living sacrifice. All our covenants with God for ourselves and ours must be made by sacrifice, the great sacrifice. 2. With a grateful acknowledgement of God's goodness in answer to prayer. This she makes to Eli, because he had encouraged her to hope for an answer of peace (Sa1 1:26, Sa1 1:27): "For this child I prayed. Here it was obtained by prayer, and here it is resigned to the prayer-hearing God. You have forgotten me, my lord, but I who now appear so cheerful am the woman, the very same, that three years ago stood by thee here weeping and praying, and this was the child I prayed for." Answers of prayer may thus be humbly triumphed in, to the glory of God. Here is a living testimony for God. "I am his witness that he is gracious (see Psa 66:16-19); for this mercy, this comfort, I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition." See Psa 34:2, Psa 34:4, Psa 34:6. Hannah does not remind Eli of it by adverting to the suspicion he had formerly expressed; she does not say, "I am the woman whom you passed that severe censure upon; what do you think of me now?" Good men ought not to be upbraided with their infirmities and oversights. They have themselves repented of them; let them hear no more of them. 3. With a full surrender of all her interest in this child unto the Lord (Sa1 1:28): I have lent him to the Lord as long as he liveth. And she repeats it, because she will never revoke it: He shall be (a deodand) lent or given to the Lord. Not that she designed to call for him back, as we do what we lend, but she uses this word Shaol, lent, because it is the same word that she had used before (Sa1 1:20, I asked him of the Lord), only in another conjugation. And (Sa1 1:27) the Lord gave me the petition which I asked (Shaalti, in Kal), therefore I have lent him (Hishilti, the same word in Hiphil), and so it gives another etymology of his name Samuel, not only asked of God, but lent to God. And observe, (1.) Whatever we give to God, it is what we have first asked and received from him. All our gifts to him were first his gifts to us. Of thy own, Lord, have we given thee, Ch1 29:14, Ch1 29:16. (2.) Whatever we give to God may upon this account be said to be lent to him, that though we may not recall it, as a thing lent, yet he will certainly repay it, with interest, to our unspeakable advantage, particularly what is given to his poor, Pro 19:17. When by baptism we dedicate our children to God, let us remember that they were his before by a sovereign right, and that they are ours still so much the more to our comfort. Hannah resigns him to the Lord, not for a certain term of years, as children are sent apprentices, but durante vita - as long as he liveth, he shall be lent unto the Lord, a Nazarite for life. Such must our covenant with God be, a marriage-covenant; as long as live we must be his, and never forsake him.
Lastly, The child Samuel did his part beyond what could have been expected from one of his years; for of him that seems to be spoken, He worshipped the Lord there, that is he said his prayers. He was no doubt extraordinarily forward (we have known children that have discovered some sense of religion very young), and his mother, designing him for the sanctuary, took particular care to train him up to that which was to be his work in the sanctuary. Note, Little children should learn betimes to worship God. Their parents should instruct them in his worship and bring them to it, put them upon engaging in it as well as they can, and God will graciously accept them and teach them to do better.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 19–28. Public domain.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 1:22 encapsulates Hannah's unwavering resolve to fulfill her solemn vow to the Lord concerning her son, Samuel. Having finally conceived and given birth after years of barrenness, Hannah defers her annual pilgrimage to Shiloh, explaining to her husband Elkanah that she will wait until Samuel is fully weaned. Her profound intention is to then bring him to the Tabernacle to appear before the LORD and abide there permanently, demonstrating deep faith, integrity, and a sacrificial commitment to her spiritual obligation, prioritizing her divine promise above immediate family traditions.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow future events. Foreshadowing is prominently evident, as Hannah's declaration that Samuel will "abide for ever" before the Lord directly anticipates his future role as a lifelong prophet, priest, and judge who serves God faithfully from his youth, as detailed in 1 Samuel 3. There is a profound Irony in the fact that the woman who was once barren and desperate for a child is now willingly giving her long-awaited son back to God, highlighting the depth of her faith and the transformative power of divine grace that enables such radical surrender. Furthermore, the act of Weaning itself functions as powerful Symbolism of transition, maturity, and separation. It marks the physiological and psychological shift from complete dependence on the mother to a readiness for a new phase of life and service, symbolizing Samuel's preparation for his unique calling and the profound separation required for his dedication to God's exclusive service.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hannah's unwavering commitment to her vow in 1 Samuel 1:22 resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on covenant faithfulness and the sanctity of promises made to God. Her dedication of Samuel is not merely a personal act but embodies a profound theological principle: that all blessings, especially children, are gifts from the Lord, and true devotion involves offering back to Him that which He has given. This act prefigures the concept of offering one's "firstfruits" or "best" to God, demonstrating a heart of gratitude and trust that recognizes God's ultimate ownership and sovereignty. It also highlights the transformative power of prayer and the critical importance of following through on spiritual commitments, even when they demand significant personal sacrifice. Hannah's example serves as a timeless model of prioritizing divine obligations over personal desires, trusting that God will honor such faithfulness and use even the most sacrificial acts for His greater purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hannah's decision in 1 Samuel 1:22 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the depth of our own commitment and surrender to God. Her patient and deliberate approach to fulfilling her vow, waiting until Samuel was fully ready before releasing him for lifelong service, reminds us of the importance of thoughtful and prayerful commitment in our spiritual lives. In a world that often prioritizes immediate gratification, personal comfort, and self-preservation, Hannah's willingness to give back her most longed-for possession challenges us to consider the extent of our own dedication to God. Are we willing to surrender our most precious possessions—our time, our talents, our resources, our ambitions, or even our children—to God's purposes, trusting His sovereign plan and perfect timing? Her story encourages us to honor our commitments to God, whether they are vows made in fervent prayer, promises to serve, or decisions to follow His leading. It underscores that true faith is demonstrated not just in asking and receiving, but in giving back sacrificially, and in patiently trusting God's timing for the unfolding of His will in our lives and the lives of those we love.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How long did weaning typically last in ancient Israel, and why was it significant?
Answer: In ancient Israel, the weaning period typically lasted much longer than in many modern cultures, often extending for two to three years, and sometimes even longer, up to five years. This extended period was significant for several reasons. Physiologically, it ensured the child had developed a robust immune system and was physically strong enough to transition from breast milk to solid foods. Culturally and psychologically, it marked a major developmental milestone, signifying the child's increasing independence and readiness for formal training and integration into the broader community. For Hannah, waiting until Samuel was fully weaned was a practical and compassionate decision, ensuring he was mature enough for the significant transition of living at the Tabernacle, away from his mother's constant care, and ready to begin his lifelong service to the Lord, as described in 1 Samuel 1:22.
What does "abide for ever" truly mean in the context of Samuel's dedication?
Answer: The phrase "abide for ever" (Hebrew: 'olam) in 1 Samuel 1:22 signifies a permanent, lifelong dedication. While 'olam can sometimes mean "for a long time" or "for an age," in this specific context, coupled with Hannah's solemn vow and the act of presenting Samuel to serve before the Lord, it clearly denotes an enduring, continuous commitment for the entirety of Samuel's life. This was not a temporary offering or a short-term service, but a complete and irreversible giving of Samuel to God's service at the Tabernacle. This understanding is confirmed by Samuel's subsequent life, where he indeed served the Lord continuously from his youth into old age, becoming a prophet, priest, and judge for Israel, as seen throughout the book of 1 Samuel.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hannah's profound act of dedicating Samuel "to abide for ever" before the Lord in 1 Samuel 1:22 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Samuel, set apart from birth and dedicated for lifelong service, serves as a type, foreshadowing the perfect Son who was eternally dedicated to the will of the Father. While Samuel was given by a mother who fulfilled a vow, Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, willingly offered Himself, not merely for service in a tabernacle or temple, but as the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His entire life, from His incarnation to His crucifixion and resurrection, was an embodiment of permanent, unwavering dedication to God's redemptive plan. The author of Hebrews speaks of Christ entering the world saying, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'" This perfectly encapsulates the "abide for ever" principle, as Christ's obedience was not for a season but for eternity, establishing a new covenant that lasts forever. Our own dedication as believers, then, is not merely to a physical temple or a temporary service, but to Christ Himself, as we are called to present our bodies as a "living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God," a spiritual act of worship that mirrors the ultimate self-giving of our Savior, who "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" for our eternal benefit.