1 Samuel 2:20

KJV

And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Eli {H5941} blessed {H1288} Elkanah {H511} and his wife {H802}, and said {H559}, The LORD {H3068} give {H7760} thee seed {H2233} of this woman {H802} for the loan {H7596} which is lent {H7592} to the LORD {H3068}. And they went {H1980} unto their own home {H4725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife and say, "May ADONAI give you children from this woman because of the boy you have loaned to ADONAI"; then they would go home.

Berean Standard Bible

And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman in place of the one she dedicated to the LORD.” Then they would go home.

American Standard Version

And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, Jehovah give thee seed of this woman for the petition which was asked of Jehovah. And they went unto their own home.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 2:20 records the high priest Eli's prophetic blessing upon Elkanah and Hannah, promising them further children as a divine recompense for their faithful dedication of Samuel to the Lord's lifelong service. This pivotal verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to those who honor Him through sacrificial giving and the fulfillment of sacred vows, demonstrating His abundant and often surprising generosity in return for devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Hannah's profound act of fulfilling her vow to the Lord by bringing her young son Samuel to Shiloh, dedicating him to lifelong service at the Tabernacle under Eli's tutelage (cf. [1 Samuel 1:24-28](/1_samuel/1-24 "1 Samuel 1:24-28 - Hannah Dedicates Samuel")). It is set during one of Elkanah and Hannah's annual pilgrimages to Shiloh, where they would bring Samuel a new robe, symbolizing his growth and continued service. Eli's blessing here serves as a divine affirmation of Hannah's sacrifice, contrasting sharply with the impending judgment on Eli's own corrupt sons, Hophni and Phinehas, whose irreverence is detailed later in the chapter (cf. [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")). The verse concludes the narrative of Samuel's transition into Tabernacle service and sets the stage for God's subsequent blessing on Hannah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, barrenness was often perceived as a divine curse or disfavor, and the ability to bear children, especially sons, was considered a profound blessing and a sign of God's favor, crucial for family lineage and inheritance. Vows made to the Lord were taken with utmost seriousness, and their fulfillment was a non-negotiable act of piety (cf. [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - On Vows")). The high priest, like Eli, functioned as God's representative, and his blessings carried significant spiritual weight and prophetic authority, even if his personal conduct was flawed. The annual pilgrimage to Shiloh, where the Tabernacle resided, was a central religious practice, reinforcing communal worship and individual devotion.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes interwoven in this verse and its immediate context include divine reciprocity for dedication, highlighting that God honors those who honor Him, often exceeding human expectations (cf. [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")). It also powerfully illustrates the blessing of fruitfulness, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament, signifying God's favor and the continuation of His covenant promises, especially in the face of previous barrenness, as seen with Sarah ([Genesis 21:1-7](/genesis/21-1 "Genesis 21:1-7 - The Birth of Isaac")) and Rachel ([Genesis 30:22-24](/genesis/30-22 "Genesis 30:22-24 - The Birth of Joseph")). Furthermore, the verse subtly underscores the enduring nature of priestly authority and the efficacy of God's word through His chosen channels, even when the human vessel is imperfect, setting a precedent for God's sovereign working despite human frailty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessed (Hebrew, _barak'_):** This verb signifies the imparting of divine favor, prosperity, and well-being. When Eli "blessed" Elkanah and Hannah, he was not merely expressing a wish but, as the high priest, pronouncing a divinely sanctioned declaration of future fruitfulness and favor. It carries the weight of a prophetic utterance, indicating God's active involvement in fulfilling the blessing.
* **Loan (Hebrew, _sha'al_):** The noun "loan" (or "thing asked for") comes from the verb _sha'al_, meaning "to ask," "to inquire," or "to lend." This is the same root from which Samuel's name is derived (cf. [1 Samuel 1:20](/1_samuel/1-20 "1 Samuel 1:20 - The Birth of Samuel")). The phrase "for the loan which is lent to the LORD" (Hebrew: _hashsha'alah asher hush'alah layhwh_) powerfully emphasizes that Samuel was not simply given, but was "asked for" from the Lord, and then "lent back" or "dedicated" to Him. It highlights the reciprocal nature of Hannah's vow and God's response, portraying Samuel as a precious commodity entrusted to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife":** This opening clause establishes Eli's role as the high priest, acting as God's intermediary. His blessing is not a casual remark but a formal, authoritative pronouncement of divine favor upon the couple, acknowledging their faithfulness and sacrifice. It signifies a moment of divine recognition and reward.
* **"and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman":** Eli's blessing directly addresses Hannah's previous barrenness and God's miraculous intervention in granting her Samuel. The phrase "seed of this woman" is a direct promise of more children, specifically through Hannah, implying a continuation of God's favor and a reversal of her earlier affliction. This is a prophetic declaration of future fruitfulness.
* **"for the loan which is lent to the LORD":** This crucial phrase connects the promised blessing directly to Hannah's dedication of Samuel. Samuel was "lent" to the Lord for lifelong service, a profound act of sacrificial giving. Eli's words confirm that God acknowledges and rewards such devotion, viewing Samuel's dedication as a "loan" that He will repay with interest—more children. It underscores the principle of divine reciprocity.
* **"And they went unto their own home":** This concluding clause provides a simple but significant detail. Having received the blessing and fulfilled their annual duty, Elkanah and Hannah return home, carrying with them the weight of Eli's prophetic words. This signifies the completion of their pilgrimage and the anticipation of God's forthcoming fulfillment of the blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Symbolism** in the "loan which is lent to the LORD," where Samuel himself becomes a symbol of ultimate dedication and sacrificial giving. This "loan" is not a temporary giving but a lifelong commitment, yet it is framed in terms of a loan to emphasize God's reciprocal nature—He will "pay back" what is given to Him, often with greater abundance. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Eli's blessing anticipates the subsequent birth of five more children to Hannah, detailed in [1 Samuel 2:21](/1_samuel/2-21 "1 Samuel 2:21 - God Blesses Hannah with More Children"), thereby confirming the efficacy of the priestly blessing and God's faithfulness. The entire interaction highlights **Divine Irony**: Eli, whose own sons are corrupt and whose house is under judgment, is still the instrument through whom God's blessing flows, demonstrating God's sovereignty over human imperfection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the theological principle of divine reciprocity: God honors those who honor Him. Hannah's extraordinary act of dedicating her long-awaited son, Samuel, to the Lord's service for life is viewed by God not as a loss but as a "loan" to Him, which He is bound to repay. This highlights God's character as a generous and faithful covenant partner who delights in blessing the sacrificial obedience of His people. It reinforces the idea that true giving to God is never in vain; rather, it opens the door for His abundant provision and favor, often in ways that exceed human expectation or calculation. The blessing of fruitfulness, especially in the context of previous barrenness, also serves as a powerful testament to God's life-giving power and His ability to reverse seemingly impossible situations.

* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and It Will Be Given to You")
* [2 Corinthians 9:6-7](/2_corinthians/9-6 "2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Cheerful Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eli's blessing upon Elkanah and Hannah serves as a timeless reminder that God is never outdone in generosity. Their dedication of Samuel, a child prayed for and profoundly precious, was a radical act of faith and obedience. God's response, through Eli's prophetic words and subsequent fulfillment, demonstrates that when we sacrificially give our best—our time, talents, resources, or even our children—to the Lord, He not only acknowledges it but also blesses us in ways that often far exceed our initial offering. This challenges us to examine what "loans" we are willing to make to the Lord in our own lives. Are we holding back our most precious possessions or aspirations, or are we entrusting them to His sovereign care and purposes? The promise of "seed" extends beyond physical offspring to spiritual fruitfulness, influence, and impact when we commit ourselves fully to God's kingdom. Our faithfulness, even in the smallest acts of devotion, is seen and honored by a God who delights in blessing His obedient children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "loans" (sacrifices of time, talent, resources, or even family) might the Lord be calling you to make in your life today?**
* **How does the story of Hannah and Eli's blessing encourage you to trust God with your most precious possessions or desires?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's reciprocity or abundant blessing in response to your obedience or giving?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Eli, despite his own failings, being the one to pronounce this blessing?**

Answer: The significance lies in God's sovereignty and His commitment to working through His established channels, even when the human instruments are imperfect. Despite Eli's personal shortcomings and the impending judgment on his house due to the wickedness of his sons (cf. [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")), he still held the office of high priest. God's word and blessing, therefore, flowed through him, demonstrating that the efficacy of the divine blessing does not depend on the moral perfection of the messenger but on the power and faithfulness of God Himself. This highlights God's ability to transcend human weakness to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His promises.

**What does "the loan which is lent to the LORD" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase, "the loan which is lent to the LORD" (Hebrew: _hashsha'alah asher hush'alah layhwh_), is a profound theological statement. It refers to Samuel, who was "asked for" (from the root _sha'al_, related to Samuel's name) by Hannah from the Lord, and then "lent back" or dedicated to the Lord for his entire life of service. It's a metaphor emphasizing the sacrificial nature of Hannah's vow and dedication. It portrays Samuel as a precious gift that Hannah entrusted to God's care and service. In return for this ultimate act of giving, God promises to "repay" the "loan" with abundant interest, specifically by granting Hannah more children, as confirmed in [1 Samuel 2:21](/1_samuel/2-21 "1 Samuel 2:21 - God Blesses Hannah with More Children"). It underscores the principle that God is never indebted to us and always repays our sacrificial giving with overflowing blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Hannah's dedication and Eli's blessing in 1 Samuel 2:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hannah's "loan" of Samuel, her firstborn and most precious possession, for lifelong service to the Lord, foreshadows the ultimate "loan" or gift that God Himself gave to humanity: His only begotten Son, Jesus, who was "lent" to the world to live a life of perfect obedience and sacrificial service, culminating in His death on the cross (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Just as Samuel was dedicated to serve in the Tabernacle, Jesus, the true High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), offered Himself as the perfect and ultimate sacrifice, taking away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Eli's blessing of fruitfulness for Hannah, reversing her barrenness, also points to Christ, who brings spiritual fruitfulness to all who are barren in sin, transforming them into new creations and enabling them to bear fruit for God's kingdom (cf. [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ")). Through Christ, the principle of divine reciprocity is fully realized: by giving His Son, God has poured out immeasurable spiritual blessings upon us, far exceeding any "loan" we could ever offer (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings 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

1 Samuel 1:27

For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

1 Samuel 1:28

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.

Luke 2:34

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

1 Samuel 1:11

And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

Ruth 4:11

And all the people that [were] in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are] witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

Genesis 27:27

And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son [is] as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:

Genesis 27:29

Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed [be] every one that curseth thee, and blessed [be] he that blesseth thee.