Breakdown of 1 Samuel 1:5-10

"But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as…" — Elkanah's love for Hannah isn't just expressed in kind words; giving her a "double portion" of the sacrificial meal was a tangible way he elevated her status and showed her honor, especially in a cul…

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1 Samuel 1:5-10

What does 1 Samuel 1:5-10 mean?

Elkanah's love for Hannah isn't just expressed in kind words; giving her a "double portion" of the sacrificial meal was a tangible way he elevated her status and showed her honor, especially in a culture where she was facing deep shame. This generosity, however, sharply contrasts with the devastating reality of her barrenness, highlighting the painful circumstances that made her cry for a child so fiercely.

But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What 1 Samuel 1:5-10 means

Elkanah, a man of Ephraim, had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Elkanah clearly loved Hannah, Peninnah had many children and taunted Hannah relentlessly about her barrenness, especially during their annual pilgrimage to Shiloh to worship the Lord. This heartbreaking situation of jealousy and infertility sets the stage for Hannah's desperate prayer and God's eventual intervention.

A Loved Wife, Yet Barren

Imagine being deeply loved, yet facing a profound, public sorrow. Hannah's story starts with a paradox that breaks your heart.

Elkanah clearly loved Hannah, giving her 'a double portion' of the sacrificial meat. This was a significant gesture, likely indicating favoritism and deep affection in a culture where multiple wives were common.

The Contrast:

But this love didn't erase her deepest pain: infertility. The text explicitly states, 'the LORD had closed her womb.' This wasn't just a medical issue; it was a spiritual and social crisis. In that time, a woman's worth and honor were often tied to her ability to bear children, especially sons. Elkanah's love, while real, couldn't solve this core problem, highlighting the limits of human affection against God's sovereign hand.

Whose Hand Closes the Womb?

The verse points to a divine hand behind Hannah's suffering. What does this tell us about God's involvement in our pain?

The phrase 'the LORD had closed her womb' is incredibly significant. It doesn't suggest God is unkind, but rather that He is sovereign – in control of even the most intimate aspects of human life, like conception.

God's Purpose:

This wasn't a random misfortune. The text implies God actively closed Hannah's womb. Why? For a purpose. Later, Hannah's prayer and God's subsequent granting of a son, Samuel, reveal a divine plan. This situation sets the stage for a powerful story of faith, prayer, and the fulfillment of God's promises. It teaches us that even in seasons of apparent barrenness or unanswered prayer, God may be working behind the scenes for a greater good.

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What 1 Samuel 1:5-10 means

The original words in 1 Samuel 1:5-10

lovedאָהַב

ahab · Hebrew Verb

A common biblical term referring to the deepest form of human devotion, commitment, and affectionate regard, often mirroring God's covenantal faithfulness toward His people.

wombרֶחֶם

rechem · Hebrew Noun

A metaphor in Scripture for the capacity to bear children; its closure is frequently presented as an act of divine sovereignty, highlighting God’s ultimate control over life and human circumstances.

rivalצָרָה

tsarah · Hebrew Noun

In the Old Testament, the term often refers to the 'other wife' in a polygamous marriage who competes for the husband's favor and attention, often leading to domestic strife.

the LORDיְהוָה

Yahweh · Hebrew Noun

The LORD (Yahweh) is the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel. In the context of childbirth, the Bible acknowledges God's sovereign control over life and the womb, emphasizing His ultimate authority in answering prayer.

wombרֶחֶם

rechem · Hebrew Noun

In biblical times, the womb was viewed as under God's sovereign domain. Closing the womb refers to infertility, which in the ancient Near Eastern context was a source of profound sorrow and social stigma, often viewed as a trial of faith.

house of the LORDבֵּית יְהוָה

beyth Yahweh · Hebrew Noun phrase

A holy site dedicated to the worship of God. Before the building of the permanent temple in Jerusalem, the tabernacle housed at Shiloh served as the central location for sacrifices, prayers, and the presence of God.

heartלֵבָב

lebab · Hebrew Noun

In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of human intellect, emotion, and will. A 'sad heart' represents a deep, internal state of grief that affects one's physical well-being and appetite.

priestכֹּהֵן

kohen · Hebrew Noun

A spiritual leader appointed by God to serve as a mediator between God and the people. Priests were responsible for offering sacrifices and administering the holy rites at the sanctuary.

templeהֵיכָל

heykal · Hebrew Noun

A term used to describe a place of worship or a sanctuary dedicated to the presence of God. It signifies the dwelling place of the Almighty where His people come to seek Him.

prayedפָּלַל

palal · Hebrew Verb

To communicate with God, often involving petition, thanksgiving, or confession. Biblical prayer is grounded in the belief that God hears, cares, and has the power to intervene in human circumstances.

What does 1 Samuel 1:5-10 mean?

What 1 Samuel 1:5-10 means

A Loved Wife, Yet Barren

Whose Hand Closes the Womb?

Ask Sola about this verse

What 1 Samuel 1:5-10 means

A Loved Wife, Yet Barren

Whose Hand Closes the Womb?

Ask Sola about this verse

The original words in 1 Samuel 1:5-10

The situation behind 1 Samuel 1:5-10

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