1 Samuel Chapter 1

1 Samuel 1 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 28 Bible verses from 1 Samuel and discover their timeless wisdom.

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1. Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2. He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 3. Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD. 4. And whenever the day came for Elkanah to present his sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5. But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. 6. Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously. 7. And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat. 8. “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” 9. So after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. 10. In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. 11. And she made a vow, pleading, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head.” 12. As Hannah kept on praying before the LORD, Eli watched her mouth. 13. Hannah was praying in her heart, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. So Eli thought she was drunk 14. and said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine!” 15. “No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman oppressed in spirit. I have not had any wine or strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; for all this time I have been praying out of the depth of my anguish and grief.” 17. “Go in peace,” Eli replied, “and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him.” 18. “May your maidservant find favor with you,” said Hannah. Then she went on her way, and she began eating again, and her face was no longer downcast. 19. The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. 20. So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.” 21. Then Elkanah and all his house went up to make the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, 22. but Hannah did not go. “After the boy is weaned,” she said to her husband, “I will take him to appear before the LORD and to stay there permanently.” 23. “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. 24. Once she had weaned him, Hannah took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. Though the boy was still young, she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. 25. And when they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. 26. “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. 27. I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, 28. I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.

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1 Samuel 1:11 Samuel 1:21 Samuel 1:31 Samuel 1:41 Samuel 1:51 Samuel 1:61 Samuel 1:71 Samuel 1:81 Samuel 1:91 Samuel 1:101 Samuel 1:111 Samuel 1:121 Samuel 1:131 Samuel 1:141 Samuel 1:151 Samuel 1:161 Samuel 1:171 Samuel 1:181 Samuel 1:191 Samuel 1:201 Samuel 1:211 Samuel 1:221 Samuel 1:231 Samuel 1:241 Samuel 1:251 Samuel 1:261 Samuel 1:271 Samuel 1:28

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Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 28 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 28 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 28 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 28 Bible verses from 1 Samuel, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 28 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

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