1 Samuel 1:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And she said {H559}, Oh {H994} my lord {H113}, as thy soul {H5315} liveth {H2416}, my lord {H113}, I am the woman {H802} that stood {H5324} by thee here, praying {H6419} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and she said, "My lord, as sure as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here near you, praying to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And she said, Oh, my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Samuel 1:26, Hannah, having journeyed to Shiloh with her young son Samuel, approaches Eli the high priest. With profound reverence and a solemn oath, she identifies herself as the very woman who, years prior, stood before him in deep distress, fervently praying to the LORD for a child. This pivotal moment marks the miraculous fulfillment of her desperate vow, powerfully underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in answering prayer and Hannah's exemplary commitment to her promise, as she now presents her miracle child for dedication to the Lord's lifelong service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial juncture in the narrative of [1 Samuel chapter 1](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel 1 - Hannah's Prayer and Samuel's Birth"). It immediately follows the account of Samuel's weaning and Hannah's journey with her husband Elkanah and their son to Shiloh, the central place of worship, to fulfill the vow she made to the LORD. Her identification to Eli directly recalls their previous encounter detailed in [1 Samuel 1:9-18](/1_samuel/1-9-18 "1 Samuel 1:9-18 - Hannah's Prayer and Eli's Misunderstanding"), where Eli initially mistook her fervent, silent prayer for drunkenness. The verse sets the stage for Samuel's dedication to the Lord's service, a commitment affirmed in [1 Samuel 1:28](/1_samuel/1-28 "1 Samuel 1:28 - Samuel Dedicated to the Lord"), and precedes Hannah's magnificent prayer of thanksgiving in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1-10 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Song of Thanksgiving"), which beautifully articulates the theological implications of her experience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society placed immense value on children, especially sons, viewing barrenness as a significant social and personal affliction, sometimes even perceived as divine disfavor, as poignantly illustrated by Hannah's distress (compare [Genesis 30:1](/genesis/30-1 "Genesis 30:1 - Rachel's Distress")). Shiloh served as the primary religious sanctuary for Israel before the establishment of the monarchy and the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, housing the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. This made it the central pilgrimage site for worship, sacrifice, and the making of vows. The practice of making vows to God, often involving a specific dedication or sacrifice in exchange for a blessing, was a common and serious commitment (e.g., [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - Keeping Vows")). Hannah's vow, though not explicitly a Nazirite vow, shares similarities in its lifelong dedication of her son to the Lord's service, underscoring the gravity with which such commitments were undertaken in the ancient Near East. Eli, as the high priest, held significant religious and judicial authority, making Hannah's formal address and identification crucial.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 1:26](/1_samuel/1-26 "1 Samuel 1:26 - Hannah Identifies Herself to Eli") powerfully encapsulates several core themes of the chapter and the broader book of 1 Samuel. **Divine Faithfulness** is paramount, as Hannah's presence with Samuel is living proof that God hears and answers the desperate cries of His people, transforming sorrow into joy (compare [Psalm 113:9](/psalms/113-9 "Psalm 113:9 - God Gives the Barren Woman a Home")). This theme stands in stark contrast to the spiritual decline and unfaithfulness of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, later in the book (see [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12-17 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")). The **Fulfillment of Vows** is another central theme, demonstrating Hannah's integrity and unwavering commitment to her promise to the Lord, setting a moral standard for obedience and trustworthiness that contrasts with the laxity of others. Furthermore, the theme of **Remembrance and Recognition** is evident, as Hannah's statement serves to bridge her past anguish with her present joy, ensuring Eli understands the miraculous nature of Samuel's birth as a direct answer to her fervent prayer (recall [1 Samuel 1:13](/1_samuel/1-13 "1 Samuel 1:13 - Eli Misunderstands Hannah's Prayer")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ʼâdôwn (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** This word (H113), translated "my lord," signifies a sovereign, controller, or master, whether human or divine. Hannah's repeated use of this term when addressing Eli reflects deep respect and deference to his authority as the high priest, acknowledging his sacred office and position within the sanctuary. It sets a tone of humility and reverence for her crucial declaration.
* **nephesh (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** Translated "soul" in the phrase "thy soul liveth," _nephesh_ (H5315) broadly refers to a breathing creature, vitality, or life itself. In this context, "as thy soul liveth" is a solemn oath, invoking the very life and being of Eli. It emphasizes the absolute truthfulness and gravity of Hannah's statement, akin to swearing on one's life, and serves to command Eli's full attention to the profound reality she is about to reveal.
* **pâlal (Hebrew, _pâlal'_):** This primitive root (H6419), translated "praying," means to judge, but by extension, to intercede or pray. In the Hebrew text, the verb is in the _hitpa'el_ stem (_mitpallellet_), which intensifies the action, indicating an earnest, persistent, and deeply personal act of prayer. This highlights the profound spiritual anguish and fervent petition that characterized Hannah's earlier encounter with Eli, distinguishing her genuine communion with God from Eli's initial misjudgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she said, Oh my lord":** Hannah initiates the conversation with a respectful and deferential address to Eli, acknowledging his position as the high priest. This opening sets a tone of humility and reverence, appropriate for someone approaching a spiritual authority figure in the sacred space of the sanctuary.
* **"[as] thy soul liveth, my lord":** This powerful oath serves as a solemn affirmation of truth and gravity. By invoking Eli's very life, Hannah underscores the absolute veracity of her subsequent statement, ensuring he recognizes the profound significance of her return. It is a rhetorical device designed to capture Eli's full attention and impress upon him the miraculous nature of what she is about to reveal.
* **"I [am] the woman that stood by thee here":** This is Hannah's direct and unequivocal self-identification, serving as the core of her statement. She specifically refers to their previous encounter at this very location, the sanctuary at Shiloh, bringing back to Eli's memory the specific circumstances of her earlier visit. This statement is crucial for bridging the past and present, reminding Eli of her former state of barrenness and distress.
* **"praying unto the LORD":** This final clause specifies the nature of her previous presence and activity. It clarifies that her earlier, misunderstood behavior was not intoxication but profound, desperate, and sincere prayer to Yahweh (H3068). This detail serves to vindicate her past actions and establish the divine context for the miraculous answer she has received, directly linking Samuel's birth to her fervent petition to God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message. A prominent **Recognition Scene** unfolds as Hannah reveals her identity to Eli, recalling a previous, significant encounter. This trope allows for a dramatic re-evaluation of past events in light of present realities, highlighting God's intervention. There is a powerful implicit **Contrast** between Hannah's previous state of deep sorrow and barrenness (implied by her fervent "praying unto the LORD" for a child) and her current state of joy and fulfillment, evidenced by the presence of Samuel. The repetition of "my lord" functions as a subtle form of **Anaphora** or **Emphasis**, reinforcing Hannah's respect for Eli while simultaneously drawing his attention to the gravity and solemnity of her words. The entire exchange serves as a **Fulfillment Narrative**, demonstrating the resolution of a prior conflict (Hannah's barrenness and Eli's misunderstanding) and the faithfulness of God in answering prayer, which foreshadows the larger theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises throughout the book of Samuel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the dynamic interplay between human faithfulness and divine sovereignty. Hannah's unwavering commitment to her vow, even years later, underscores the biblical imperative to honor one's promises to God, reflecting a deep reverence for His holiness and authority. Simultaneously, the very possibility of fulfilling such a vow rests entirely on God's prior faithfulness in hearing and answering her desperate prayer. It is a profound testament to the Lord's attentiveness to the cries of the afflicted and His transformative power to turn barrenness into fruitfulness, and sorrow into joy. This exchange between Hannah and Eli serves as a foundational moment, demonstrating that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, responding to their earnest petitions and enabling them to live out their commitments with integrity.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "The Importance of Keeping Vows")
* [Psalm 66:19-20](/psalms/66-19-20 "God Hears Prayer")
* [Matthew 7:7-8](/matthew/7-7-8 "Ask, Seek, Knock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hannah's determined return to Shiloh, years after her fervent prayer, to fulfill her solemn vow, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Her actions challenge us to consider the integrity of our own commitments, particularly those made to God in moments of desperation, earnest petition, or profound gratitude. Do we remember God's faithfulness in our past and honor the promises we made in response to His grace, even when circumstances change or time passes? This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of God's attentiveness to prayer. Hannah's story encourages persistent, heartfelt prayer, even when answers seem delayed or circumstances appear bleak. It calls us to reflect on the transformative power of God's intervention, turning our deepest sorrows into testimonies of His goodness and enabling us to participate in His redemptive plan. Ultimately, Hannah's example inspires a life of profound gratitude and faithful obedience, recognizing that every blessing is an opportunity to honor the Giver and live out our dedication to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hannah's commitment to her vow challenge our own faithfulness in keeping promises to God, especially when circumstances change or time passes?**
* **In what ways can we better remember and acknowledge God's past faithfulness in our lives, using those memories to strengthen our faith for future challenges?**
* **What can we learn from Hannah's persistent and fervent prayer, particularly when our prayers seem unanswered or misunderstood by others?**
* **How does the fulfillment of Hannah's prayer encourage us to trust in God's timing and His perfect plan for our lives, even when we cannot see the full picture?**

### FAQ

**Why did Hannah need to identify herself to Eli? Did he not remember her?**

Answer: While Eli was the high priest and likely encountered many people at the sanctuary, it's highly plausible he didn't immediately recall Hannah. Her previous visit, described in [1 Samuel 1:9-18](/1_samuel/1-9-18 "1 Samuel 1:9-18 - Hannah's Prayer and Eli's Misunderstanding"), involved her praying silently and deeply distressed, leading Eli to initially mistake her for being drunk. This suggests she was not engaging in a typical, memorable public interaction. Furthermore, a significant amount of time had passed since that encounter—enough for Samuel to be born and weaned, which typically took 2-3 years or more in ancient Israel. By identifying herself specifically as "the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD," Hannah ensures Eli fully connects her present joy and the miraculous child with her past anguish and fervent petition, underscoring the divine answer to her prayer and magnifying God's faithfulness.

**What is the significance of the phrase "as thy soul liveth"?**

Answer: The phrase "as thy soul liveth, my lord" (Hebrew: חַי נַפְשְׁךָ, _chai nafsh'kha_) is a common and very strong oath or affirmation in the Old Testament. It signifies a solemn declaration, akin to "as surely as you live" or "I swear by your life." Hannah uses this to emphasize the absolute truthfulness and gravity of her statement, ensuring Eli recognizes the woman before him and the miracle that has transpired. It lends an air of profound sincerity and seriousness to her words, underscoring that what she is about to reveal is not a casual remark but a divinely orchestrated fulfillment of a promise made in deep distress.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hannah's story, culminating in the dedication of Samuel as depicted in [1 Samuel 1:26](/1_samuel/1-26 "1 Samuel 1:26 - Hannah Identifies Herself to Eli"), profoundly foreshadows the coming of Christ and the redemptive nature of God's plan. Samuel, born miraculously to a barren woman, dedicated to the Lord from birth, and growing to become a pivotal prophet, priest, and judge, serves as a significant type of Christ. Just as Samuel was a "gift from God" in response to fervent prayer, Jesus is the ultimate, divine gift of God to humanity, born through a miraculous conception (compare [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - For Nothing Will Be Impossible with God")). Hannah's vow and the lifelong dedication of her son to the Lord's service—a life set apart for God's purposes—powerfully points to Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father, living a life of complete obedience and ultimate self-sacrifice (see [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Will of the Father") and [Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Jesus Comes to Do God's Will")). Moreover, Hannah's transformation from barrenness to fruitfulness, and her subsequent prophetic song of praise in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1-10 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Song of Thanksgiving"), beautifully echo the spiritual transformation and new life that believers experience through Christ, who takes away the sin of the world and makes all things new (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Ultimately, God's faithfulness to Hannah's prayer is a microcosm of His greater faithfulness to His covenant promises, all of which find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus Christ, the faithful and true witness (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ") and [Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")).

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 Kings 2:2

And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said [unto him, As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.

2 Kings 2:4

And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho.

2 Kings 4:30

And the mother of the child said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.

2 Kings 2:6

And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, [As] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.

1 Samuel 20:3

And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly [as] the LORD liveth, and [as] thy soul liveth, [there is] but a step between me and death.

2 Samuel 11:11

And Uriah said unto David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? [as] thou livest, and [as] thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing.

1 Samuel 17:55

And when Saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of the host, Abner, whose son [is] this youth? And Abner said, [As] thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot tell.