1 Samuel 1:1-18 ▼

1 And there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim. And his name was Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

2 And to him were two wives: The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the second Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, and Hannah had no children.

3 And that man went up from his city from days to days to bow and sacrifice to YHWH of Hosts in Shiloh. And were there the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of YHWH.

4 And whenever came the time for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters portions.

5 And to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although YHWH had closed her womb.

6 And her rival also provoked her severely to make her miserable, because YHWH had shut up her womb.

7 And it was year by year, when she went up to the house of YHWH, that she provoked her. And she wept and did not eat.

8 And Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

9 And Hannah arose after they had finished eating in Shiloh, and after drinking, and Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the temple of YHWH.

10 And she was bitter of soul, and she prayed to YHWH and wept bitterly.

11 And she made a vow and said, “O YHWH of Hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant, and remember me and not forget Your maidservant, and will give to your maidservant a male seed, I will give him to YHWH all the days of his life, and a razor shall not go up on his head.”

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the face of YHWH, that Eli watched her mouth.

13 And Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. And Eli thought she was drunk.

14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine from you.”

15 And Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit; and I have not drunk any wine or strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the face of YHWH.

16 Do not put your maidservant before the face of a daughter of worthlessness, for out of the abundance of my anguish and grief I have been speaking until now.”

17 And Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of Him.”

18 And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your eyes.” And the woman went her way, and ate, and her face was not sad for herself anymore.