1 Samuel 2:21

KJV

And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {H3588} the LORD {H3068} visited {H6485} Hannah {H2584}, so that she conceived {H2029}, and bare {H3205} three {H7969} sons {H1121} and two {H8147} daughters {H1323}. And the child {H5288} Samuel {H8050} grew {H1431} before {H5973} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So ADONAI took notice of Hannah, and she conceived and bore three more sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Sh'mu'el grew in the presence of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD attended to Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah visited Hannah, and she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 2:21 profoundly illustrates God's active faithfulness and overflowing generosity, revealing His divine remembrance of Hannah by granting her abundant offspring beyond her initial prayer, while simultaneously highlighting the continuous spiritual and physical development of Samuel, who was dedicated to the Lord's service, thus setting the stage for his pivotal role in Israel's history as a prophet and judge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the broader narrative of Hannah's family and the formative years of Samuel. It directly follows Hannah's fervent and desperate prayer for a son at Shiloh, recorded in [1 Samuel 1:10](/1_samuel/1-10 "1 Samuel 1:10 - Hannah's Prayer"), and her solemn vow to dedicate that son to the Lord's service. Her unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling this vow by bringing young Samuel to serve under Eli the priest is detailed in [1 Samuel 1:28](/1_samuel/1-28 "1 Samuel 1:28 - Hannah Dedicates Samuel"). Immediately preceding this verse is Hannah's magnificent prayer of thanksgiving and prophetic insight in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving"), which praises God's sovereignty, justice, and power to reverse fortunes. This divine blessing upon Hannah and her family stands in stark contrast to the escalating wickedness and impending judgment prophesied against Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, whose depravity is detailed later in [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12-17 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons"), highlighting God's favor on the righteous and His judgment on the corrupt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, childbearing, especially of sons, was considered a profound blessing and a vital component of family continuity and legacy, often viewed as a sign of divine favor. Conversely, barrenness was frequently perceived as a reproach or even a curse, causing deep emotional distress, as seen in Hannah's initial sorrow. The desire for offspring was deeply rooted in the covenant promises of God to Abraham regarding a numerous posterity. Vows made to the Lord, such as Hannah's dedication of Samuel, were taken with utmost seriousness and their fulfillment was a hallmark of piety and faithfulness within the Israelite faith. The tabernacle at Shiloh served as the central place of worship before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, functioning as the dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the site where priests ministered to the Lord. The spiritual state of Israel at this time was generally low, marked by moral decay among the priesthood, making Samuel's righteous upbringing and growth "before the LORD" particularly significant as a beacon of hope for future leadership.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 2:21](/1_samuel/2-21 "1 Samuel 2:21 - God Blesses Hannah and Samuel") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is **God's Abundant Blessing and Faithfulness**, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His people and His boundless generosity, often exceeding human expectations. The phrase "the LORD visited Hannah" signifies divine favor and purposeful intervention, echoing similar visitations that brought life and blessing to other barren women in scripture, such as Sarah in [Genesis 21:1](/genesis/21-1 "Genesis 21:1 - The Lord Visits Sarah"). This verse also highlights the **Fulfillment of Promise**, as God responds to Hannah's earnest prayer and her subsequent act of selfless dedication, proving that He hears and answers the cries of the faithful. Finally, the emphasis on **Samuel's Spiritual Growth** ("And the child Samuel grew before the LORD") underscores the theme of divine preparation and the raising of righteous leadership in contrast to the declining spiritual state of the existing priesthood, foreshadowing Samuel's crucial role as prophet and judge in Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Visited (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range, often implying inspection, appointment, or mustering. However, in this context, it primarily conveys the sense of God remembering someone, attending to their needs, or showing active favor and care. It is a divine intervention that is benevolent and purposeful, leading directly to the fulfillment of Hannah's deepest desire and more. It signifies that God did not forget Hannah's prayer or her sacrifice, but actively intervened in her life to bring about His blessing.
* **Conceived (Hebrew, _hârâh'_):** This primitive root denotes the act of becoming pregnant, whether literally or figuratively. In Hannah's case, it marks the miraculous reversal of her barrenness, directly attributed to the Lord's visitation. This word highlights the divine origin of the life within her, emphasizing that her subsequent children were not merely a natural occurrence but a direct result of God's active, life-giving power.
* **Grew (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** This verb signifies growth, becoming great, or increasing. When applied to Samuel, it denotes not merely physical maturation but also a deepening spiritual development. It implies that Samuel was progressing in wisdom, understanding, and favor, both with God and, implicitly, with people, preparing him for the significant prophetic and judicial ministry he would undertake. His growth was holistic, encompassing all aspects of his being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD visited Hannah":** This opening clause establishes divine initiative and active remembrance. It is not merely that Hannah conceived, but that God Himself intervened directly in her life, demonstrating His personal care and faithfulness to her. This "visitation" is the sovereign cause, leading directly to the subsequent outpouring of blessing.
* **"so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters":** This is the immediate and abundant result of God's visitation. The blessing far exceeds Hannah's initial prayer for a single son, demonstrating God's boundless generosity and capacity to do "far more abundantly than all that we ask or think." He not only fulfilled her desire but multiplied it fivefold, providing a clear sign of His overflowing grace and favor upon her faithfulness.
* **"And the child Samuel grew before the LORD":** This concluding clause shifts focus back to Samuel, emphasizing his continuous physical and spiritual development. His growth is specifically "before the LORD," signifying that his maturation was under divine observation, approval, and guidance, setting him apart as a dedicated servant destined for a significant role in Israel's history, in stark contrast to the ungodly behavior of Eli's own sons. It implies a life lived in conscious awareness of God's holy presence and purposes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Divine Intervention** is explicitly highlighted, with "the LORD visited Hannah" underscoring God as the primary agent of change and blessing, actively engaging with human circumstances. **Contrast** is subtly yet powerfully at play; Hannah's initial barrenness and sorrow (from [1 Samuel 1](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - Hannah's Prayer")) are contrasted with her overflowing fruitfulness and joy in this verse. Furthermore, Samuel's righteous growth "before the LORD" stands in implicit yet powerful contrast to the unholy conduct and impending doom of Eli's sons, detailed elsewhere in [1 Samuel 2](/1_samuel/2 "1 Samuel 2 - Hannah's Prayer and Eli's Sons"), emphasizing the divergent paths of faithfulness and corruption. The phrase "grew before the LORD" also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Samuel's future prominence and his divinely ordained role as a prophet and judge, whose life would be marked by consistent favor and obedience to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 2:21 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful servants, demonstrating His sovereignty over life, barrenness, and fruitfulness. It underscores the principle that God remembers those who honor Him, often blessing them beyond their expectations and even their prayers. Hannah's story becomes a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to turn sorrow into abundant joy. It also highlights the importance of dedication and spiritual formation, as Samuel's growth "before the LORD" sets a precedent for righteous leadership and a life lived in divine favor. This verse reassures believers that God sees their devotion and hears their cries, and His blessings are often immeasurable, manifesting in ways that exceed human comprehension or desire.

* [Genesis 21:1](/genesis/21-1 "Genesis 21:1 - The Lord Visits Sarah")
* [Psalm 113:9](/psalms/113-9 "Psalm 113:9 - He Gives the Barren Woman a Home")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Samuel 2:21 offers enduring lessons for contemporary believers, inviting us to reflect on God's faithfulness, generosity, and the importance of spiritual growth. Hannah's experience reminds us that even in seasons of deep longing or perceived barrenness, God is attentive to our prayers and capable of bringing forth life and blessing in ways we cannot imagine. Her story encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His abundant nature, knowing that He delights in showering His children with good gifts, often exceeding what we ask or think. Furthermore, Samuel's consistent growth "before the LORD" challenges us to prioritize our own spiritual development. It calls us to cultivate a life lived in conscious awareness of God's presence, seeking His approval and guidance in all things, just as Samuel did within the tabernacle. This verse is a powerful reminder that dedication to God and a commitment to spiritual maturation are met with divine favor and prepare us for the unique purposes God has for our lives, enabling us to serve Him effectively in our generation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently waiting on God's "visitation" or intervention, and how does Hannah's story encourage your trust and patience?**
* **How does Hannah's experience of receiving abundant blessings beyond her initial prayer shape your understanding of God's boundless generosity and His desire to bless you?**
* **What practical steps can you take to intentionally "grow before the LORD" in your own spiritual journey, mirroring Samuel's dedicated development and seeking His approval above all else?**

### FAQ
**Why did God give Hannah more children after Samuel?**

Answer: God's decision to give Hannah more children after Samuel demonstrates His abundant generosity and faithfulness beyond human expectation. While Hannah had prayed specifically for one son and dedicated him to the Lord, God chose to bless her further as a testament to His nature and as a reward for her faithfulness and selfless act of keeping her vow. This overflowing blessing also serves as a powerful contrast to the spiritual barrenness and impending judgment on the house of Eli, whose sons were corrupt. God was showing His favor on a righteous family and ensuring a legacy of blessing for those who honor Him, as Hannah's prayer in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving") foreshadows His ultimate reversal of fortunes.

**What does "grew before the LORD" mean for Samuel?**

Answer: The phrase "grew before the LORD" signifies Samuel's holistic development—physically, mentally, and most importantly, spiritually—under the direct observation and favor of God. It implies that Samuel's life was characterized by increasing wisdom, maturity, and a deepening relationship with God, even from a young age. Unlike others who might grow "before men" or "before the world," Samuel's growth was oriented towards God's approval and purposes, indicating a life lived in conscious obedience and devotion. This spiritual maturation was crucial in preparing him for his future role as a prophet, judge, and the one who would anoint Israel's first kings, serving as a righteous example in a time of spiritual decline, as further evidenced in [1 Samuel 3:19](/1_samuel/3-19 "1 Samuel 3:19 - The Lord Was With Samuel"), which states that "the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Hannah's barrenness turning into abundant fruitfulness, and Samuel's growth "before the LORD," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Hannah's initial barrenness can be seen as a metaphor for humanity's spiritual barrenness and inability to produce righteousness or spiritual life on its own. Just as God "visited" Hannah to bring forth physical life, so too did God "visit" humanity in the person of Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), to bring forth spiritual life and fruitfulness. Christ is the ultimate "seed" promised to Abraham, through whom all nations are blessed, and by whom those who were spiritually barren are made fruitful, becoming [children of God](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God") and [heirs according to the promise](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise"). Furthermore, Samuel's growth "before the LORD" perfectly foreshadows the perfect human and divine development of Jesus, of whom it is said, He "increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man" ([Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus' Growth")). Jesus is the One whose entire life was lived perfectly "before the LORD," always doing the will of His Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")), embodying the ultimate dedication and selfless service that Samuel merely prefigured. Through Christ, God's promise of abundant life and spiritual offspring is fulfilled for all who believe, demonstrating His ultimate visitation for salvation.

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 21:1

¶ And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

Luke 2:40

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

1 Samuel 3:19

¶ And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

1 Samuel 2:26

And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

Judges 13:24

¶ And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.

Luke 1:80

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Luke 1:68

Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,