1 Samuel 1:12
1 Samuel 1:12 in Multiple Translations
As Hannah kept on praying before the LORD, Eli watched her mouth.
And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.
And it came to pass, as she continued praying before Jehovah, that Eli marked her mouth.
Now while she was a long time in prayer before the Lord, Eli was watching her mouth.
As Hannah went on praying before the Lord, Eli watched her mouth.
And as she continued praying before the Lord, Eli marked her mouth.
And it hath been, when she multiplied praying before Jehovah, that Eli is watching her mouth,
As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli saw her mouth.
And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli observed her mouth.
And it came to pass, as she multiplied prayers before the Lord, that Heli observed her mouth.
As she was praying like that to Yahweh, Eli the priest saw Hannah’s lips moving as she was praying.
She talked quietly to God for a long time. Eli saw her mouth moving, but couldn’t hear anything, so he thought she was drunk.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 1:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 1:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָיָה֙
כִּ֣י
הִרְבְּתָ֔ה
לְ/הִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/עֵלִ֖י
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
אֶת
פִּֽי/הָ
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִרְבְּתָ֔ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
לְ/הִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
pâlal
H6419
to pray
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/עֵלִ֖י
ʻÊlîy
H5941
Eli
Conj | N-proper
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פִּֽי/הָ
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 1:12
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִרְבְּתָ֔ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3fs
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
לְ/הִתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
pâlal
H6419
"to pray"
Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a
To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.
Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/עֵלִ֖י
ʻÊlîy
H5941
"Eli"
Conj | N-proper
Eli was a high priest in the Bible, mentioned in 1 Samuel. He was the father of Hophni and Phinehas, and played a significant role in the story of Samuel. The name Eli means 'ascension'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.3; father of: Hophni (H2652), Phinehas (H6372H) § Eli = "ascension" descendant of Aaron through Ithamar and high priest and judge of Israel when Samuel entered service as a child
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Eli. See also: 1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 3:6; 1 Kings 2:27.
שֹׁמֵ֥ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פִּֽי/הָ
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 1:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 1:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 1:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 1:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 1:12
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 1:12
Context — Hannah Prays for a Son
10In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears.
11And she made a vow, saying, “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 touch his head.”
12As Hannah kept on praying before the LORD, Eli watched her mouth.
13Hannah was praying in her heart, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. So Eli thought she was drunk 14and said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 5:17 | Pray without ceasing. |
| 2 | James 5:16 | Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. |
| 3 | Luke 18:1 | Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: |
| 4 | Colossians 4:2 | Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, |
| 5 | Ephesians 6:18 | Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. |
| 6 | Luke 11:8–10 | I tell you, even though he will not get up to provide for him because of his friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. |
1 Samuel 1:12 Summary
In this verse, we see Hannah praying to God with all her heart, and Eli, the priest, watching her from the side. Even though Eli didn't understand what was happening, Hannah continued to pray, trusting that God would hear her. This teaches us that we can pray to God anywhere, anytime, and that He will hear us, even if others don't understand (as in Matthew 6:6). We can also learn from Hannah's example to be patient and persistent in our prayers, knowing that God will answer us in His time (as in Psalm 138:8).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Hannah doing when Eli watched her mouth?
Hannah was praying before the Lord, as stated in 1 Samuel 1:12, and Eli observed her lips moving, even though her voice was not audible, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 1:13.
Why did Eli misunderstand Hannah's behavior?
Eli thought Hannah was drunk because he did not understand that she was praying in her heart, with her lips moving silently, as described in 1 Samuel 1:13 and 1 Samuel 1:14.
Is it okay to pray silently, like Hannah did?
Yes, the Bible encourages us to pray from our hearts, and sometimes this can be done silently, as Hannah demonstrated, and as also mentioned in Matthew 6:6, where Jesus teaches us to pray in secret.
What can we learn from Hannah's perseverance in prayer?
Hannah's persistence in prayer, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:12, teaches us to be faithful and patient in our own prayers, trusting that God will hear and answer us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:12 and Psalm 138:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can deepen my own prayer life, like Hannah did, by pouring out my heart to God?
- How can I trust God to hear and answer my prayers, even when I don't see immediate results, like Hannah experienced?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of praying in secret, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:6, to my own life and prayer practice?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to persevere in prayer, like Hannah did, and trust God to work on my behalf?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 1:12
And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord,.... Being very earnest and importunate with him to grant her request, and therefore repeated her petition, and prolonged her prayer,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 1:12
And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. Eli marked her mouth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:12
As she continued praying, Heb. multiplied to pray. By which it appears that she said much more than is here expressed. And the like you are to judge of the prayers and sermons of other holy persons recorded in Scripture, which gives us only the sum and substance of them; which consideration may help us much in the understanding of some passages of the Bible. Her mouth, i.e. the motion of her lips, as it follows.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:12
1 Samuel 1:12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.Ver. 12. And she continued praying.] Heb., Multiplied to pray; as resolved not to give over her suit. Prayer, like those arrows of deliverance, should be multiplied. Misericordiam extorquemas, said those primitive Christians. We wring out of God’ s holy hands that mercy which he with an unwilling willingness withholdeth for a while, that we may be the more importunate. Eli marked her mouth.] Saw her lips walk with a strange unusual motion and writhing: but heard no voice, and thereupon misjudged her. Of Dr Gabriel Nele, Bartolus reporteth, that by the motion of the lips only, without any utterance, he understood all men: yea, that he could read their thoughts in their looks. Whether he could or not, - which I much question, - old Eli it seems could not. Lib. i. De Ver.
Oblig.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 1:12
12. continued praying] Lit. “multiplied to pray,” i.e. “prayed long and earnestly.”
Sermons on 1 Samuel 1:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Are We Seeing Through the Eyes of Jesus? by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of seeing others through the eyes of Jesus, illustrating how our quick judgments can lead to misunderstandings and hurt. He recounts the sto |
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A Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on a 70-year journey of faith, witnessing various church tragedies and worldly events, yet remaining steadfast by looking up to Jesus, reading the Word, and fo |
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 3 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon transcript, the speaker, Brother Ravenhill, engages in a conversation with a man named Brother Singh about the procedure in his church service. Brother Singh describ |
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"e.m Bounds Power Through Prayer" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of prayer through the personal experience of reading 'Power Through Prayer' by E.M. Bounds, highlighting how the book deeply impacte |
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The Morning Watch - Part 1 by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the morning watch, which is a dedicated time of studying the Word of God and engaging in prayer. The speaker emphasizes that |
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The Power of Prayer by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer leading to action. He highlights the need for conviction to be carried into life and for decisions to be made based |
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(Covenant Word Ministries) Ask and It Shall Be Given You by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of not just hearing the word of God, but also putting it into action. He challenges the congregation to reflect on what they wi |