1 Samuel 1:5
1 Samuel 1:5 in Multiple Translations
But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.
But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.
but unto Hannah he gave a double portion; for he loved Hannah, but Jehovah had shut up her womb.
But to Hannah he gave one part, though Hannah was very dear to him, but the Lord had not let her have children.
He would give an extra portion to Hannah, to show his love for her even though the Lord hadn't given her any children.
But vnto Hannah he gaue a worthy portion: for he loued Hannah, and the Lord had made her barren.
and to Hannah he giveth a certain portion — double, for he hath loved Hannah, and Jehovah hath shut her womb;
but he gave a double portion to Hannah, for he loved Hannah, but the LORD had shut up her womb.
But to Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah; but the LORD had rendered her barren.
But to Anna he gave one portion with sorrow, because he loved Anna. And the Lord had shut up her womb.
But even though he loved Hannah very much, he gave her only one special amount of meat because Yahweh had not permitted her to give birth to any children.
His other wife, Hannah, had no kids. You see, before this time, God stopped her from having kids. But Elkanah loved her very much, so he used to give lots of meat to her.
Berean Standard Amplified — 1 Samuel 1:5
BSA
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 1:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/לְ/חַנָּ֕ה
יִתֵּ֛ן
מָנָ֥ה
אַחַ֖ת
אַפָּ֑יִם
כִּ֤י
אֶת
חַנָּה֙
אָהֵ֔ב
וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה
סָגַ֥ר
רַחְמָֽ/הּ
וּ/לְ/חַנָּ֕ה
Channâh
H2584
Hannah
Conj | Prep | N-proper
יִתֵּ֛ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מָנָ֥ה
mânâh
H4490
portion
N-fs
אַחַ֖ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
אַפָּ֑יִם
ʼaph
H639
face
N-md
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חַנָּה֙
Channâh
H2584
Hannah
N-proper
אָהֵ֔ב
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Conj | N-proper
סָגַ֥ר
çâgar
H5462
to shut
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
רַחְמָֽ/הּ
rechem
H7358
womb
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 1:5
וּ/לְ/חַנָּ֕ה
Channâh
H2584
"Hannah"
Conj | Prep | 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.
יִתֵּ֛ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
מָנָ֥ה
mânâh
H4490
"portion"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a portion or division of something, like food or land. It refers to a part or share of something, as seen in various Bible translations. The concept of portion is important in biblical times.
Definition: part, portion
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: such things as belonged, part, portion. See also: Exodus 29:26; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalms 16:5.
אַחַ֖ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
אַפָּ֑יִם
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-md
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
כִּ֤י
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.
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.
חַנָּה֙
Channâh
H2584
"Hannah"
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.
אָהֵ֔ב
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
וַֽ/יהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Conj | 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.
סָגַ֥ר
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
רַחְמָֽ/הּ
rechem
H7358
"womb"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means womb, referring to the place where a fetus grows. It is translated as matrix or womb in the KJV, symbolizing birth and new life. It is a significant concept in biblical culture.
Definition: 1) womb 1a) womb 1b) womb-man, woman-slave, woman, two women
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: matrix, womb. See also: Genesis 20:18; 1 Samuel 1:6; Psalms 22:11.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 1:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 1:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 1:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 1:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:5
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 1:5
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 1:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:5
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 1:5
Context — Elkanah and His Wives
3Year 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.
4And 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.
5But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.
6Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her viciously to taunt her. 7And 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 30:2 | Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld children from you?” |
| 2 | Genesis 29:30–31 | Jacob slept with Rachel as well, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. So he worked for Laban another seven years. When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. |
| 3 | Genesis 45:22 | He gave new garments to each of them, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred shekels of silver and five sets of clothes. |
| 4 | Genesis 20:18 | for on account of Abraham’s wife Sarah, the LORD had completely closed all the wombs in Abimelech’s household. |
| 5 | Genesis 16:1 | Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. |
| 6 | Genesis 43:34 | When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times larger than any of the others. So they feasted and drank freely with Joseph. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 21:15 | If a man has two wives, one beloved and the other unloved, and both bear him sons, but the unloved wife has the firstborn son, |
1 Samuel 1:5 Summary
This verse shows us that Elkanah loved Hannah very much, even though she couldn't have children, which was a big deal back then. He gave her a double portion of food when they went to worship, which was a way of showing his love and care for her. This teaches us that love is not based on what someone can do for us, but on who they are as a person, as we see in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, where it describes what real love looks like. Just like Elkanah loved Hannah, God loves us not because of what we can do, but because of who we are, His children, as seen in 1 John 3:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD had closed Hannah's womb?
This phrase suggests that Hannah was unable to bear children, and it was not due to any physical issue on her part, but rather it was the Lord's sovereign will, as seen in other scriptures such as Genesis 29:31 and Genesis 30:2, where we see God opening and closing wombs according to His plan.
Why did Elkanah give Hannah a double portion even though she was unable to bear children?
Elkanah gave Hannah a double portion because he loved her, showing that his love for her was not based on her ability to bear children, but on who she was as a person, which is a beautiful picture of God's love for us, as seen in 1 John 3:1, where it says 'See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!'
How does this verse relate to the concept of love and marriage in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of love and commitment in marriage, as Elkanah's love for Hannah was not conditional on her ability to bear children, which is in line with the teachings of Ephesians 5:25 and Ephesians 5:33, where husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loves the church.
What can we learn from Hannah's situation about trusting God's sovereignty?
Hannah's situation teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we do not understand His ways, as seen in Romans 11:33-36, where it says 'Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!'
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty, even when I do not understand His ways?
- How can I show love and commitment to those around me, even when they may not be able to 'produce' or achieve certain things?
- What are some ways that I can lavish love on those around me, just as Elkanah lavished love on Hannah?
- How can I apply the principle of loving someone not based on what they can do, but on who they are, in my relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 1:5
But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion,.... Or, one choice portion, as the Targum; the best part or portion in the peace offering, of what the priest had not; he had the breast and the right
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 1:5
But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:5
A worthy portion, or, an honourable or select part, such as the master of the feast usually gave to the person most respected or beloved. See ,24. He loved Hannah, with a singular and eminent love. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:5
1 Samuel 1:5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.Ver. 5. But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion.] Heb., A gift of the face; partem spectabilem; a choice dainty piece, such as a man might well set before his best guests, as looking better than any of the rest. For he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb.] For an allay to his love: God is wise and jealous. Piscator rendereth it, "He loved Hannah, although the Lord had shut up her womb": that was no stop to his love.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:5
(5) A worthy portion.—Literally, one portion for two persons: i.e., a double portion. It was an expression of his deep love for her. As Von Gerlach puts it, “Thou art as dear to me as if thou hadst borne me a child.” Some scholars would translate the difficult Hebrew expression here by, “But to Hannah he gave a portion of anger or sadness,” thus intensifying the natural sorrow of Hannah by representing her husband as unkind. The Vulgate, Luther, and Abarbanel favour this singular interpretation; but the one adopted by the English Version, and explained above, is in all respects grammatically and exegetically to be preferred.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:5
Verse 5. Unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion] The Hebrew here is very obscure, יתן מנה אחת אפים yitten manah achath appayim; he gave her one portion of two faces; which the Syriac renders, he gave her one DOUBLE PART; and the Chaldee, he gave her one CHOSEN part; the Arabic is nearly the same; the Vulgate Annae autem dedit unam partem tristis, but to Anna he being sorrowful gave one part. As the shew-bread that was presented to the Lord was called לחם פנים lechem panim, the bread of faces, because it was placed before the face or appearances of the Lord; probably this was called מנה אפים manah appayim, because it was the portion that belonged to, or was placed before, the person who had offered the sacrifice. On this ground it might be said that Elkanah gave Hannah his own portion or a part of that which was placed before himself. Whatever it was, it was intended as a proof of his especial love to her; for, it is added, he loved Hannah.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 1:5
5. a worthy portion] Lit., one portion for two persons: a double portion. If the text is sound, this seems to be the best explanation of an obscure expression. Elkanah marked his love for Hannah by giving her a double portion. Similarly Joseph distinguished Benjamin by sending him a fivefold portion (Genesis 43:34). But the Sept. points to a different reading which would give the following sense: “And to Hannah he gave a single portion, because she had no child: nevertheless Elkanah loved Hannah most: but the Lord had shut up her womb.” had shut up her womb] Hannah’s faith might have been strengthened by the recollection that Sarah (Genesis 16:1), Rachel (Genesis 30:1), Manoah’s wife (Judges 13:2), all had to bear the reproach of childlessness for a time, and all eventually bore illustrious sons.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 1:5
A worthy portion - Probably as in the margin. Naturally she would have had a single portion of the sacrifice (compare 1 Samuel 9:23), but because of his love to her he gave her a double portion,
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:5
5. A worthy portion — Margin, a double portion. Hebrews, ξπδΰηϊΰτιν, a portion one of two faces. It is difficult to decide the precise meaning.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 1:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Genesis #18 Ch. 27-29 God's Principle of Retribution by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing the author of the Bible, just as in business, it's not what you know but who you know. The story of Jacob and Esau |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:11-14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob and his journey to his uncle Laban's house. Jacob had a lonely trip, traveling through difficult terrain and facing variou |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and his love for Rachel. Jacob serves his uncle Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, as his love for her is so |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:30-32 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the book of Genesis. Jacob had deceived his father and brother, and now he finds himself deceived by his uncle Laban |
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(Genesis) Genesis 29:22-29 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob and Laban from the book of Genesis. Jacob serves Laban for seven years in order to marry Rachel, but Laban tricks him and |
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Walking With God by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter singing and expressing her love for Jesus. He reflects on the importance of spending time with God and reco |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17 Intro by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the seven tests that God gave to Abraham. The first test was when God called Abraham out of his home in Ur of the Chaldees, and although Abrah |