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1 Samuel 1:13

1 Samuel 1:13 in Multiple Translations

Hannah was praying in her heart, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. So Eli thought she was drunk

Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

For Hannah's prayer came from her heart, and though her lips were moving she made no sound: so it seemed to Eli that she was overcome with wine.

Hannah was praying in her head, and though her lips were moving, her voice made no sound. Eli thought she must be drunk.

For Hannah spake in her heart: her lips did moue onely, but her voyce was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had bene drunken.

and Hannah, she is speaking to her heart, only her lips are moving, and her voice is not heard, and Eli reckoneth her to be drunken.

Now Hannah spoke in her heart. Only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.

Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

Now Anna spoke in her heart, and only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard at all. Heli therefore thought her to be drunk,

But Hannah was only praying silently; she was not making any sound. So Eli thought that she was drunk.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 1:13

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 1:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/חַנָּ֗ה הִ֚יא מְדַבֶּ֣רֶת עַל לִבָּ֔/הּ רַ֚ק שְׂפָתֶ֣י/הָ נָּע֔וֹת וְ/קוֹלָ֖/הּ לֹ֣א יִשָּׁמֵ֑עַ וַ/יַּחְשְׁבֶ֥/הָ עֵלִ֖י לְ/שִׁכֹּרָֽה
וְ/חַנָּ֗ה Channâh H2584 Hannah Conj | N-proper
הִ֚יא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
מְדַבֶּ֣רֶת dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
לִבָּ֔/הּ lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff
רַ֚ק raq H7535 except DirObjM
שְׂפָתֶ֣י/הָ sâphâh H8193 lips N-fd | Suff
נָּע֔וֹת nûwaʻ H5128 to shake V-Qal
וְ/קוֹלָ֖/הּ qôwl H6963 voice Conj | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יִשָּׁמֵ֑עַ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
וַ/יַּחְשְׁבֶ֥/הָ châshab H2803 to devise Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
עֵלִ֖י ʻÊlîy H5941 Eli N-proper
לְ/שִׁכֹּרָֽה shikkôwr H7910 drunken Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 1:13

וְ/חַנָּ֗ה Channâh H2584 "Hannah" Conj | N-proper
Hannah was the mother of Samuel, a prophet in the Bible, and one of the wives of Elkanah. Her name means 'grace' in Hebrew, reflecting God's favor in her life.
Definition: A woman living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.2; married to Elkanah (H0511H); mother of: Samuel (H8050) § Hannah = "grace" the mother of Samuel, one of the wives of Elkanah
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Hannah. See also: 1 Samuel 1:2; 1 Samuel 1:15; 1 Samuel 2:21.
הִ֚יא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מְדַבֶּ֣רֶת dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לִבָּ֔/הּ lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
רַ֚ק raq H7535 "except" DirObjM
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
שְׂפָתֶ֣י/הָ sâphâh H8193 "lips" N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
נָּע֔וֹת nûwaʻ H5128 "to shake" V-Qal
To shake means to move back and forth, like trembling with fear, as described in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to be unstable or to wander, like the Israelites in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to quiver, totter, shake, reel, stagger, wander, move, sift, make move, wave, waver, tremble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wave, quiver, vibrate, swing, stagger, tremble, be unstable 1a2) to totter, go tottering 1a2a) vagabond (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be tossed about or around 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to toss about 1c2) to shake, cause to totter 1c3) to shake, disturb 1c4) to cause to wander
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: continually, fugitive, [idiom] make, to (go) up and down, be gone away, (be) move(-able, -d), be promoted, reel, remove, scatter, set, shake, sift, stagger, to and fro, be vagabond, wag, (make) wander (up and down). See also: Genesis 4:12; Psalms 109:25; Psalms 22:8.
וְ/קוֹלָ֖/הּ qôwl H6963 "voice" Conj | N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִשָּׁמֵ֑עַ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וַ/יַּחְשְׁבֶ֥/הָ châshab H2803 "to devise" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
עֵלִ֖י ʻÊlîy H5941 "Eli" 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.
לְ/שִׁכֹּרָֽה shikkôwr H7910 "drunken" Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word describes being drunk, either as a one-time event or a habitual behavior. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who are intoxicated. The KJV translates it as 'drunk' or 'drunkard'.
Definition: 1) drunken 1a) drunken 1b) drunkard, drunken one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: drunk(-ard, -en, -en man). See also: 1 Samuel 1:13; Proverbs 26:9; Psalms 107:27.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 1:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.
2 Acts 2:13 But others mocked them and said, “They are drunk on new wine!”
3 Genesis 24:42–45 So when I came to the spring today, I prayed: O LORD, God of my master Abraham, if only You would make my journey a success! Here I am, standing beside this spring. Now if a maiden comes out to draw water and I say to her, ‘Please let me drink a little water from your jar,’ and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will draw water for your camels as well,’ may she be the woman the LORD has appointed for my master’s son. And before I had finished praying in my heart, there was Rebekah coming out with her jar on her shoulder, and she went down to the spring and drew water. So I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’
4 Psalms 25:1 To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
5 Zechariah 9:15 The LORD of Hosts will shield them. They will destroy and conquer with slingstones; they will drink and roar as with wine. And they will be filled like sprinkling bowls, drenched like the corners of the altar.
6 1 Corinthians 13:7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
7 Nehemiah 2:4 “What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven

1 Samuel 1:13 Summary

[In 1 Samuel 1:13, we see Hannah praying silently in her heart, and although her lips were moving, her voice couldn't be heard. This teaches us that we can pray to God in the silence of our hearts, and He will hear us, just like He heard Hannah. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:6, we can pray to God in secret, and He will reward us. Hannah's example encourages us to turn to God in our times of need, just as she did in her time of sorrow, and trust that He will hear and answer our prayers, as promised in Psalms 102:17.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Eli think Hannah was drunk in 1 Samuel 1:13?

Eli thought Hannah was drunk because he saw her lips moving, but he couldn't hear her voice, as it says in 1 Samuel 1:13. This misunderstanding occurred because Hannah was praying silently in her heart, as described in the same verse.

What can we learn from Hannah's method of prayer in this verse?

Hannah's method of prayer in 1 Samuel 1:13 teaches us that we can pray to God silently, in our hearts, and that our prayers don't have to be loud or vocal to be heard by Him, as also seen in Matthew 6:6 where Jesus teaches us to pray in secret.

How does this verse relate to the importance of seeking God in times of distress?

This verse shows that Hannah, in her time of distress and sorrow, sought God through prayer, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:13, and we can follow her example by turning to God in our times of need, as encouraged in Psalms 34:17-18.

What does this verse reveal about Eli's character and his relationship with God?

This verse reveals that Eli, although a priest, did not recognize the sincerity and depth of Hannah's prayer, as stated in 1 Samuel 1:13, which may indicate a lack of spiritual discernment on his part, highlighting the importance of seeking a deeper relationship with God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:14-15.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can apply Hannah's example of silent, heartfelt prayer to my own life?
  2. How do I respond when others misunderstand my actions or intentions, as Eli did with Hannah?
  3. In what ways can I, like Hannah, pour out my soul to God in times of sorrow or distress, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:13?
  4. What are some things that might distract me from recognizing the sincerity and depth of someone's prayer, as Eli was distracted in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 1:13

Now Hannah, she spake in her heart,.... It was mental prayer she used, some ejaculations of her mind she sent up to God, which she was sensible were well known to him, and she needed not to express

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 1:13

Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:13

Her voice was not heard; partly, to avoid the suspicion of vain-glory; partly, because she would not have others acquainted with her barrenness, which was matter of reproach; and partly, because she would not disturb others, who at this solemn feast were probably employed there in the same work. Eli thought she had been drunken, because of the multitude of her words, and those uncouth gestures and motions of her face and body, which the vehemency of her passion and her fervency in prayer, caused in her, as it doth frequently in others; and because she was but newly come from a feast, wherein the manner was to eat and drink liberally, (though not to excess.) which he knew very well, both from the general custom of that season, and from the time of the day.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:13

1 Samuel 1:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.Ver. 13. She spake in her heart.] Vocis egit silentio ut corde clamaret, as Augustine saith of Moses. Non vex sed votum. Therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.] Here was devotion misconstrued. So was it in those good souls that were puriores caelo, as Chrysostom saith; in those ancient martyrs, whose constancy was counted obstinacy; and in those modern martyrs, who were said to be actuated by the spirits of the buttery, and to go drunken to the stake. Tertul., Apolog. Act. and Mon., 1653.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:13

(13) Now Hannah, she spake in her heart.—Eli was watching the worshippers, and, as Bunsen well remarks, was struck with dismay at her silent earnestness, such heartfelt prayer being apparently not usual at that time, and remembering the condition of the moral life in the precincts of the sanctuary over which he ruled with so weak and vacillating a rule, and how sadly frequent were disorders at the sacrificial meal, at once suspected that the weeping, praying one was a drunken woman. He, however, quickly atoned for his unworthy suspicion.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:13

Verse 13. Spake in her heart; only her lips moved] She prayed; her whole heart was engaged: and though she spake not with an audible voice, yet her lips formed themselves according to the pronunciation of the words which her heart uttered.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 1:13

13. Eli thought she had been drunken] Silent prayer was not usual at the time. Eli’s ready suspicion makes it probable that such excesses were not uncommon at the sacrificial feasts. His hasty and uncharitable judgment points to some of the defects of his character.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 1:13

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Praying Men and Women by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living by God's commandments and having a strong prayer life. He highlights the main adversaries that can hinder one's spi
Ed Miller (The Path of the Ark #1) Introduction Hunger by Ed Miller In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of absolute certainty and finding satisfaction in knowing the truth. He then introduces four symbols or pictures th
Jonathan Edwards The Most High a Prayer Hearing God by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches on the character of the Most High as a prayer-hearing God, emphasizing that God graciously takes notice of the prayers of His people, accepts their suppli
Chuck Smith Ii Chronicles 15:2 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith emphasizes the profound truth that the Lord is with us as long as we are with Him, highlighting God's desire for fellowship and assistance in our lives. He explains tha
Colin Peckham Prayer - Life's Greatest Ministry by Colin Peckham Colin Peckham emphasizes the importance of fervent and sacrificial intercessory prayer, highlighting the deep agony, passion, and burden that true intercession requires, as seen in
Leonard Ravenhill 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
Corrie Ten Boom Interview 1974 by Corrie Ten Boom This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a woman who endured imprisonment and suffering during World War II, highlighting how God's grace sustained her through the darkest time

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