1 Samuel 2:4

KJV

The bows of the mighty men [are] broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

KJV (with Strong's)

The bows {H7198} of the mighty men {H1368} are broken {H2844}, and they that stumbled {H3782} are girded {H247} with strength {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The bows of the mighty are broken, while the feeble are armed with strength.

Berean Standard Bible

The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble are equipped with strength.

American Standard Version

The bows of the mighty men are broken; And they that stumbled are girded with strength.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 2:4, a pivotal declaration within Hannah's prophetic prayer, articulates God's profound sovereignty over human affairs. It reveals a divine principle of reversal: the Lord actively dismantles the strength and pride of the self-sufficient while supernaturally empowering and exalting those who are weak, humbled, or have stumbled. This verse encapsulates God's just character, demonstrating His power to overturn conventional human hierarchies and expectations, thereby setting a foundational theological theme for the entire book of Samuel and beyond.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Hannah's magnificent prayer of thanksgiving and prophecy, recorded in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2 "1 Samuel 2 - Hannah's Prayer"). Uttered after the miraculous birth of Samuel and his dedication to the Lord at Shiloh, her prayer transcends mere personal gratitude. It functions as a theological overture, introducing the major themes and divine principles that will unfold throughout the book of Samuel. Hannah's song foreshadows the downfall of the proud and self-reliant, exemplified by King Saul and the corrupt house of Eli, and the elevation of the humble and God-dependent, most notably seen in the rise of King David. The specific imagery of broken bows and girded strength in [1 Samuel 2:4](/1_samuel/2-4 "1 Samuel 2:4 - God Reverses Fortunes") immediately follows declarations of God's holiness and unique power, cementing its place as a statement of divine justice and intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period preceding and during Samuel's early life was the tumultuous era of the Judges, characterized by spiritual apostasy, moral decay, and a lack of central leadership (cf. [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")). Israel was often oppressed by surrounding nations, and military strength was paramount for survival. The "bows of the mighty men" represent the pinnacle of human military power and self-reliance, a symbol of the strength that nations and individuals trusted in. Conversely, to be "girded with strength" was a common idiom for preparing for battle or being divinely equipped with power and vigor, often in contrast to one's natural state of weakness. Hannah's prayer, therefore, speaks into a context where human might and self-sufficiency were highly valued, yet it boldly declares that true power and ultimate victory belong to God alone, who can disrupt and reverse any human-established order.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 2:4](/1_samuel/2-4 "1 Samuel 2:4 - God Reverses Fortunes") powerfully articulates several core biblical themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Reversal of Fortunes**, a recurring motif throughout Scripture where God actively intervenes to humble the proud and exalt the lowly. This theme is foundational to understanding God's justice and His kingdom's values, contrasting sharply with worldly systems. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **God's Empowerment of the Weak**, demonstrating that true strength is not inherent in human capability but is divinely imparted. Those who are naturally vulnerable or have "stumbled" are supernaturally equipped by God, echoing the sentiment found in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength Perfected in Weakness"). Lastly, it implicitly addresses the themes of **Humility and Pride**. The breaking of the mighty's bows signifies the downfall that pride and self-reliance inevitably bring, while the strengthening of the stumbled underscores the grace and exaltation that accompany humility and dependence on God, a principle reiterated in [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bows (Hebrew, _qeshet'_):** This term refers to the archer's bow, a primary weapon of war in ancient times. As such, it symbolizes military might, offensive power, and the instrument of a warrior's strength and prowess. Its "breaking" signifies complete incapacitation, utter defeat, and the complete loss of offensive capability. It represents the nullification of human self-reliance and aggressive power.
* **Mighty Men (Hebrew, _gibborim'_):** This word denotes strong, valiant, and heroic individuals, often warriors or powerful leaders. In this context, it refers to those who are formidable and confident in their own strength, skills, or resources. The "mighty men" are those who are self-sufficient and perhaps proud of their human achievements and capabilities.
* **Girded (Hebrew, _chagru'_):** Derived from the verb "to gird" or "to bind," this term implies the act of putting on a belt or garment, often to prepare for strenuous activity, battle, or service. When used metaphorically with "strength" (כֹחַ, _koach_), it signifies being clothed with, equipped with, or divinely empowered with vigor and ability. It denotes an active impartation of power, enabling those who were previously weak or vulnerable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The bows of the mighty men [are] broken":** This clause vividly depicts the downfall of those who rely on their own strength and power. The "bows" symbolize their military or personal might, and their "breaking" signifies their utter defeat, humiliation, and incapacitation. It communicates God's sovereign ability to dismantle human pride and self-sufficiency, rendering the most formidable human efforts useless. This is not merely a passive decline but an active intervention by God to humble the arrogant.
* **"and they that stumbled are girded with strength":** This contrasting clause presents the divine reversal. "They that stumbled" refers to those who are weak, vulnerable, prone to falling, or have already experienced failure and humiliation. These are the antithesis of the "mighty men." To be "girded with strength" means they are divinely equipped, empowered, and invigorated. This signifies God's active upliftment and enablement of the humble and dependent, demonstrating that true strength comes not from human capability but from divine impartation. It highlights God's preference for working through the weak to display His glory.

#### Literary Devices
Hannah's declaration in [1 Samuel 2:4](/1_samuel/2-4 "1 Samuel 2:4 - God Reverses Fortunes") is rich with literary artistry, primarily employing **Antithesis** and **Metaphor**. The verse is structured as a powerful **Antithesis**, presenting two diametrically opposed scenarios: the downfall of the strong ("bows of the mighty men are broken") and the empowerment of the weak ("they that stumbled are girded with strength"). This stark contrast highlights God's sovereign power to reverse human fortunes and underscores His justice in humbling the proud while exalting the humble. The imagery itself is **Metaphorical** and **Symbolic**. "Bows" serve as a **symbol** for military might, human power, and self-reliance, while their "breaking" is a **metaphor** for utter defeat and incapacitation. Conversely, "girded with strength" is a **metaphorical** expression for divine empowerment and enablement, signifying a supernatural impartation of vigor and ability. This use of vivid, contrasting imagery makes the theological truth profoundly impactful and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 2:4 is a microcosm of God's character and His modus operandi throughout redemptive history. It establishes the foundational truth that God is sovereign over all human affairs, capable of overturning any established order, and that His kingdom operates on principles contrary to worldly power structures. He does not need human strength or pride; rather, He actively opposes it, choosing to work through the humble, the weak, and the seemingly insignificant to display His glory and accomplish His purposes. This verse speaks to God's justice in bringing down the arrogant and His grace in lifting up the downtrodden, revealing a divine economy where dependence on Him is the true source of strength and exaltation. This theme resonates deeply across the biblical narrative, from the patriarchs to the prophets, and finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament.

* [Luke 1:52-53](/luke/1-52 "Luke 1:52-53 - Mary's Magnificat")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Low")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 2:4 offers profound encouragement and a radical reorientation of perspective for believers today. In a world that often values strength, achievement, and self-sufficiency, this verse reminds us that true power and enduring success come from God alone. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust: in our own abilities, resources, or accolades, or in the unfailing power of the Almighty. For those who feel weak, overlooked, or have experienced failure and "stumbled," this verse is a beacon of hope, assuring us that God delights in empowering the humble and using our very weaknesses as a canvas for His perfect strength. It calls us to embrace humility, confess our limitations, and depend wholeheartedly on God, knowing that it is precisely in our vulnerability that His divine strength is most powerfully displayed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or resources, rather than God's?**
* **How does the truth of God empowering "they that stumbled" encourage you in your own weaknesses, past failures, or current struggles?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater humility and dependence on God's strength in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**How does Hannah's personal experience relate to such a universal theological statement?**

Answer: Hannah's personal experience of barrenness, ridicule, and then miraculous conception of Samuel (as detailed in [1 Samuel 1](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel 1 - Hannah's Anguish and Prayer")) served as a profound catalyst for her prophetic prayer. Her own life was a living illustration of God breaking the "bows" of her despair and "girding her with strength" through the gift of a son. Therefore, her prayer in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2 "Hannah's Prayer") is not merely a private thanksgiving but a Spirit-inspired theological declaration. Her personal miracle revealed a universal truth about God's character: He is the one who reverses fortunes, humbles the proud, and exalts the lowly. Her experience was a microcosm of God's larger redemptive plan, demonstrating His justice and sovereignty on both an individual and cosmic scale.

**Is this verse only about military strength, or does it apply more broadly?**

Answer: While the imagery of "bows of the mighty men" certainly carries military connotations, the principle articulated in [1 Samuel 2:4](/1_samuel/2-4 "1 Samuel 2:4 - God Reverses Fortunes") applies far more broadly than just military power. The "mighty men" represent anyone who relies on their own strength, whether it be intellectual prowess, financial wealth, social status, political power, or personal abilities, rather than on God. The "breaking of their bows" symbolizes the futility and ultimate downfall of any human endeavor or pride that operates independently of or in opposition to God. Conversely, "they that stumbled" represent all who are weak, vulnerable, marginalized, or humbled, and God's act of "girding them with strength" signifies His divine empowerment in any area of life. This universal principle is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall"), which states that "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall," demonstrating that God's reversal applies to all forms of human pride and self-sufficiency.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 2:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. His entire life and ministry embody the divine reversal proclaimed by Hannah. He did not come as a "mighty man" wielding earthly power or military might, but in profound humility, entering the world as a vulnerable infant and growing up in obscurity (cf. [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility")). His ministry was consistently directed towards "they that stumbled"—the poor, the sick, the outcast, the sinners, and those broken by life, offering them healing, hope, and true strength (cf. [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The cross itself was the ultimate "breaking of the bows" of human power and wisdom, where the world saw weakness and defeat, yet it was precisely there that God's power was perfected (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness is Wiser than Human Wisdom")). Through His resurrection, Jesus was supremely "girded with strength," demonstrating God's triumph over sin, death, and all human and spiritual opposition (cf. [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God with Power")). Thus, Christ is the living embodiment of God's principle: the humble are exalted, and divine strength is made perfect in what appears to be weakness, establishing a kingdom founded not on human might but on God's transforming power and grace (cf. [Matthew 5:3-10](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes")).

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

Psalms 76:3

There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.

Psalms 37:15

Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

Psalms 46:9

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Psalms 37:17

For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.

Hebrews 11:34

Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.