1 Samuel 1:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elkanah {H511} her husband {H376} said {H559} unto her, Do {H6213} what seemeth {H5869} thee good {H2896}; tarry {H3427} until thou have weaned {H1580} him; only the LORD {H3068} establish {H6965} his word {H1697}. So the woman {H802} abode {H3427}, and gave her son {H1121} suck {H3243} until she weaned {H1580} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Her husband Elkanah answered her, "Do what seems good to you; stay here until you have weaned him. Only may ADONAI bring about what he said." So the woman stayed behind and nursed the child, until she weaned him.

Berean Standard Bible

“Do what you think is best,” her husband Elkanah replied, “and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.” So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him.

American Standard Version

And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only Jehovah establish his word. So the woman tarried and gave her son suck, until she weaned him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 1:23 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Hannah and Elkanah, showcasing Elkanah's profound support for Hannah's solemn vow to dedicate their son, Samuel, to the Lord. The verse highlights Elkanah's trust in God's faithfulness to establish His word concerning Samuel, as Hannah commits to nurturing the child until he is weaned, a necessary preparatory stage before his presentation at Shiloh for lifelong service. This passage underscores themes of marital harmony, the integrity of vows, and divine providence in the unfolding of God's plans.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Hannah's barrenness, her fervent prayer, and the miraculous birth of Samuel. Immediately preceding it, Hannah has conceived and given birth to Samuel, naming him because she "asked him of the LORD" as recorded in [1 Samuel 1:20](/1_samuel/1-20 "1 Samuel 1:20 - Samuel's Birth"). The annual pilgrimage to Shiloh for sacrifice is mentioned in [1 Samuel 1:21](/1_samuel/1-21 "1 Samuel 1:21 - Elkanah's Annual Sacrifice"), but Hannah declares her intention to remain home until Samuel is weaned, a decision detailed in [1 Samuel 1:22](/1_samuel/1-22 "1 Samuel 1:22 - Hannah's Decision to Wait"). Elkanah fully endorses this decision in our focal verse, setting the stage for Samuel's eventual dedication to the Lord's service at Shiloh, which is comprehensively detailed in the verses immediately following, specifically [1 Samuel 1:24-28](/1_samuel/1-24-28 "1 Samuel 1:24-28 - Samuel's Dedication"). The entire chapter meticulously builds towards the fulfillment of Hannah's vow and the introduction of Samuel, a key figure in Israel's history.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the tumultuous period of the Judges in Israel, a time characterized by spiritual decline and moral compromise, yet also by pockets of profound faithfulness. Shiloh served as the central place of worship, housing the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant, making annual pilgrimages a significant religious duty for devout Israelites like Elkanah, as highlighted in [1 Samuel 1:3](/1_samuel/1-3 "1 Samuel 1:3 - Elkanah's Annual Worship"). The practice of making vows to God was common, often involving significant personal sacrifice, and was taken with utmost seriousness, as evidenced by the detailed laws concerning vows found in [Numbers 30](/numbers/30 "Numbers 30 - Laws Concerning Vows"). Weaning in ancient Israel was not a brief affair; it typically extended for two to three years, and sometimes even longer, ensuring the child's physical robustness before separation from the mother. Elkanah's deferral to Hannah's decision, especially given the patriarchal societal structure of the time, highlights a remarkable level of trust, spiritual alignment, and respect for her sacred vow.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Samuel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Providence**, as Elkanah's desire for the "LORD establish his word" reflects an expectation that God will fulfill His promises, not only regarding Samuel's miraculous birth but also his future role. Secondly, it highlights **Human Faithfulness and Integrity in Vows**, exemplified by Hannah's unwavering commitment to her vow and Elkanah's supportive role in its fulfillment, even when it meant delaying immediate religious observance. Thirdly, the passage subtly introduces the theme of **Parental Responsibility and Nurturing**, emphasizing the crucial period of early childhood development ("gave her son suck until she weaned him") as a foundational stage, even for a child destined for special divine service. Finally, it speaks to **God's Sovereign Hand in Raising Leaders**, as Samuel's very existence and the circumstances surrounding his early life are divinely orchestrated, setting the stage for his pivotal role as prophet and judge in Israel, a theme that resonates throughout [the book of 1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel - The Rise of Samuel and Saul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** The Hebrew adjective טוֹב (_ṭôwb_) means "good" in the widest sense, encompassing beauty, favor, pleasure, and well-being. In Elkanah's phrase, "Do what seemeth thee good," it signifies his approval and affirmation of Hannah's decision as something proper, beneficial, and morally sound in the eyes of God and their shared faith. It reflects his trust in her judgment and spiritual discernment regarding the timing and manner of fulfilling her vow.
* **Weaned (Hebrew, _gâmal'_):** The verb גָּמַל (_gâmal_) means "to treat a person (well or ill), i.e. benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e. (specifically) to wean." In this context, it signifies the completion of a crucial developmental stage, marking the point where a child transitions from dependence on mother's milk to solid food. Hannah's decision to wait until Samuel was "weaned" was not merely about physical nourishment but also about ensuring the child's readiness—physically, emotionally, and perhaps even spiritually—for a permanent separation and dedication to the Lord, highlighting the practical wisdom and profound maternal care involved in fulfilling her solemn vow.
* **Establish (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** The Hebrew verb קוּם (_qûwm_) means "to rise," "to stand," "to confirm," or "to fulfill." In this context, Elkanah's prayer "only the LORD establish his word" carries the profound meaning of God bringing His promise to pass, confirming its veracity, and ensuring its complete fulfillment. It is a declaration of trust in God's active power to uphold His covenant and perform what He has spoken, particularly concerning Samuel's future and the divine purpose for his life. This concept is central to biblical theology, affirming God's reliability and the certainty of His spoken word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good;":** This opening clause reveals Elkanah's remarkable and supportive posture towards Hannah. In a patriarchal society, his deference to her spiritual commitment and maternal judgment is highly significant. It demonstrates a deep trust in his wife and a shared understanding of the sanctity of her vow to the Lord. His words grant her full permission and affirmation, indicating a harmonious and spiritually aligned partnership.
* **"tarry until thou have weaned him;":** This phrase reiterates Hannah's stated intention from the previous verse, confirming the practical necessity of nurturing the child through infancy before his dedication. The period of weaning was crucial for the child's development and health, ensuring he was robust enough for the transition to life at the tabernacle. Elkanah acknowledges and supports this vital stage of parental care, prioritizing the child's well-being and the proper fulfillment of the vow.
* **"only the LORD establish his word.":** This is the theological heart of Elkanah's statement. It expresses a profound trust that God, who had miraculously granted them Samuel, would also confirm and bring to fruition whatever divine purpose He had for the child. It is a prayer and an affirmation that God's promises are sure and that He will actively work to fulfill His prophetic declarations or intentions concerning Samuel's life and ministry. It elevates the entire situation to a matter of divine sovereignty and faithfulness.
* **"So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.":** This concluding clause confirms Hannah's obedience and steadfastness in fulfilling her part of the agreement. It shows her commitment to the practical, daily act of mothering, nurturing Samuel through his early years. This simple statement of fact underscores her dedication and the necessary passage of time before the next phase of her vow could be enacted, highlighting the importance of patience and diligence in spiritual commitments.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, as Elkanah's direct words to Hannah convey his character, their marital relationship, and his spiritual perspective. His statement, "Do what seemeth thee good," exemplifies a supportive and trusting husband, a subtle yet powerful **characterization** of Elkanah that contrasts with other patriarchal figures in the Old Testament. The phrase "only the LORD establish his word" serves as potent **foreshadowing**, hinting at Samuel's future role as a prophet through whom God's word will indeed be established and fulfilled in Israel. The repetition of the concept of "weaning" ("until thou have weaned him" and "until she weaned him") acts as **emphasis**, highlighting the significance of this developmental stage and the commitment involved in Hannah's vow. The narrative also uses **economy of language**, succinctly conveying agreement, trust, and the passage of time without unnecessary detail, moving the plot efficiently towards Samuel's dedication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 1:23 profoundly illustrates the interplay between human faithfulness and divine sovereignty. Elkanah's trust that "the LORD establish his word" points to God's inherent reliability and commitment to His purposes, even when they involve human waiting and nurturing. This passage underscores the sacredness of vows made to God, demonstrating that such commitments, when honored with integrity and patience, are met with divine favor and enablement. It also highlights the crucial role of the family unit, particularly the parents, in discerning and facilitating God's call on a child's life, emphasizing that even those destined for extraordinary service require foundational care and a supportive environment. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans unfold in His perfect timing, often requiring seasons of preparation and faithful endurance.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man Are Ordered by the Lord")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Void")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 1:23 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers, particularly concerning marital partnership, the integrity of spiritual commitments, and trusting God's timing. Elkanah's response to Hannah models exemplary spousal support, encouraging us to foster environments where our loved ones can pursue their spiritual callings and vows with our full affirmation. This verse challenges us to consider the seriousness with which we make promises to God, urging us to be diligent and patient in their fulfillment, understanding that practical considerations and seasons of waiting are often part of the divine process. Furthermore, Elkanah's prayer for the Lord to "establish His word" invites us to cultivate a deep trust in God's faithfulness, believing that He will bring to pass what He has promised, even when the path forward requires patience and nurturing. It reminds us that our personal and familial commitments, when aligned with God's will, become avenues through which His sovereign purposes are realized.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I better support my family members or friends in their spiritual commitments and vows to God?**
* **In what areas of my life am I being called to trust God to "establish His word," even when it requires patience or a season of waiting?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure integrity in my own promises or commitments, especially those made to God?**
* **How does the example of Hannah and Elkanah inform my understanding of parental responsibility in nurturing children for God's purposes?**

### FAQ
**What was the typical duration of weaning in ancient Israel, and why was it significant?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, weaning was a much longer process than it is in many cultures today, typically lasting for two to three years, and sometimes even up to five or six years. This extended period ensured the child's physical development and strengthened their immune system before transitioning from breast milk to solid foods. Culturally, it was a significant milestone, often marked by a celebration, as it signified the child's growing independence and readiness for the next stage of life. For Hannah, waiting until Samuel was fully weaned was crucial because her vow involved dedicating him to the Lord for his entire life, meaning he would leave her care to serve at the tabernacle in Shiloh. Ensuring his physical and emotional readiness was a responsible and loving act before such a permanent separation and dedication.

**Does Elkanah's statement, "Do what seemeth thee good," imply he was less spiritual or committed than Hannah?**

Answer: No, Elkanah's statement does not imply a lesser spiritual commitment. On the contrary, it demonstrates a profound level of spiritual maturity, trust, and support. In a patriarchal society where a husband often had the final say, Elkanah's deferral to Hannah's judgment and her spiritual vow is remarkable. His words, "Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word," show he fully understood and affirmed Hannah's vow and God's hand in it. He prioritizes the fulfillment of a sacred commitment to God over immediate ritual observance (going to Shiloh for the annual sacrifice). This portrays a healthy and aligned partnership in faith, where both spouses are committed to God's will and support each other in their spiritual journeys, as seen throughout the narrative of [1 Samuel 1](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel 1 - Hannah's Prayer and Samuel's Birth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 1:23, with its emphasis on a child dedicated from birth and God establishing His word, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Samuel was a prophet, a man set apart from his mother's womb to speak God's word to His people, foreshadowing the perfect Prophet. Jesus, the true Son of God, was not merely dedicated but was eternally set apart for God's redemptive purpose, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, as recorded in [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Holy Spirit and Jesus' Conception"). Just as Elkanah prayed for the LORD to "establish his word" concerning Samuel, so too was Jesus the very embodiment of God's established Word, the Logos made flesh, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Every prophecy and promise concerning the Messiah, spoken through the Old Testament prophets, found its complete and perfect "establishment" in Christ's life, ministry, death, and resurrection, a truth Jesus Himself affirmed in [Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures"). He is the ultimate Son, perfectly obedient, dedicated from His earliest moments to fulfilling His Father's will, and through Him, God's ultimate word of salvation and reconciliation is irrevocably established for all humanity, as described in [Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Jesus' Obedience to God's Will").

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

2 Samuel 7:25

And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish [it] for ever, and do as thou hast said.

Matthew 24:19

And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

1 Samuel 1:17

Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant [thee] thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

Luke 11:27

¶ And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

Numbers 30:7

And her husband heard [it], and held his peace at her in the day that he heard [it]: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.

Numbers 30:11

And her husband heard [it], and held his peace at her, [and] disallowed her not: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.

Genesis 21:7

And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born [him] a son in his old age.